Programme Manager (m/f/d) - EIT Higher Education Initiative

Programme Manager for the EIT Higher Education Initiative

As the world moves towards a greener future, the demand for raw materials—minerals and metals—is set to increase immensely over the next three decades. Europe faces a critical challenge in securing a stable supply of these essential resources. This challenge is where EIT RawMaterials steps in. EIT RawMaterials is at the forefront of driving innovation and sustainability in the raw materials sector. As an Innovation Community within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), we collaborate with over 300 partners across industry, academia, and research institutes. Together, we forge dynamic, long-term partnerships to develop innovative solutions that meet Europe's growing demand for raw materials.

The EIT HEI Initiative aims to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship within European universities and colleges. This programme focuses on integrating the EIT's Knowledge Triangle model, which connects higher education, research, and business by encouraging collaboration and fostering innovation that is commercially viable and academically supported. The initiative promotes systemic change across institutions and leverages existing strengths to accelerate the development of innovative solutions.

Role Overview

As Programme Manager for the EIT Higher Education Initiative (HEI), you will join the core coordination team responsible for the strategic coordination, stakeholder engagement, communication oversight, partnership development, and successful implementation of the initiative. The role combines programme-level management responsibilities with a Project Officer function for selected EIT HEI Cohort 5 projects allocated to EIT RawMaterials (project start date: 1 September 2026). The Programme Manager plays a key role in strengthening the visibility, positioning, and impact of the EIT Higher Education Initiative within the European innovation, education, and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The position is responsible for developing strategic partnerships, contributing to community-building initiatives, coordinating communication and dissemination activities, and leading the successful delivery of flagship programme events.

Key Responsibilities

Programme-Level Coordination Duties and Tasks

• Support the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the EIT Higher Education Initiative Work Plan.
• Contribute to programme planning, performance management, reporting, deliverables, risk monitoring, and impact assessment.
• Monitor developments in the European higher education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills landscape, identifying relevant trends and opportunities.
• Prepare programme reports, presentations, and other strategic documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the coordination and implementation of the EIT HEI Call for Proposals lifecycle.

Strategic Partnerships Management

• Identify, establish, and manage partnerships with relevant European and international organisations, networks, and initiatives.
• Develop synergies with EU-funded programmes, policy initiatives, and stakeholder communities to strengthen the impact and positioning of the EIT Higher Education Initiative.
• Support the engagement of external institutional partners, particularly within EIT HEI Community activities, and facilitate collaboration across the EIT ecosystem and beyond.
• Represent EIT RawMaterials and the EIT Higher Education Initiative at relevant meetings, events, and stakeholder forums.
• Foster collaboration across EIT RawMaterials education initiatives and other Strategic Education Initiatives.

Communication, Stakeholder Engagement and Community Development

• Coordinate communication, dissemination, and outreach activities in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support initiatives that enhance the visibility, positioning, and impact of the EIT Higher Education Initiative.
• Foster engagement, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across the EIT HEI Community and wider ecosystem.
• Coordinate networking, peer-learning, and community-building activities that support programme sustainability and impact.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and promote participation in programme activities and events.

Events and Strategic Initiatives

• Lead the planning and delivery of strategic EIT HEI events in collaboration with the Senior Programme Manager and Programme Specialist.
• Coordinate key programme events, including IVAP Workshops, Education & Skills Days, community meetings, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Manage event logistics, stakeholder coordination, communications, and follow-up activities.
• Support the development of event content, agendas, and participant engagement approaches.
• Ensure events effectively contribute to programme objectives, stakeholder engagement, and community development.

Project Officer Duties and Tasks

As Project Officer, you will be responsible for supporting and monitoring the implementation of EIT HEI projects assigned to EIT RawMaterials under the fifth Call for Proposals.

• Oversee and support the implementation of funded projects throughout their lifecycle.
• Coordinate project onboarding, contractual processes, and ongoing monitoring of deliverables, KPIs, risks, and reporting obligations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Support

• Build and maintain strong relationships with project partners and provide strategic guidance to support successful project implementation and impact.
• Facilitate collaboration, knowledge exchange, and networking across projects and the wider EIT ecosystem.

Reporting and Quality Assurance

• Review project documentation, outputs, and deliverables to ensure compliance with programme requirements and quality standards.
• Support project reporting, monitoring, and evaluation activities.

Strategic Alignment and Ecosystem Development

• Ensure alignment of funded projects with EIT KIC strategic objectives, especially EIT RawMaterials.
• Support the engagement and potential conversion of EIT HEI project partners into EIT RawMaterials KIC partners.
• Promote dissemination, sustainability, and long-term collaboration opportunities across the EIT ecosystem.

Requirements

• Proven experience in managing complex higher education programs within a European context, preferably involving Horizon Europe or Erasmus+.
• Understanding of the European higher education landscape, including its governance, challenges, and trends.
• Familiarity with European policy priorities such as the European Green Deal, Digital Education Action Plan, etc.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate a shared vision and motivate a diverse stakeholder group.
• Hands-on experience managing projects from initiation to delivery, including planning, coordination, monitoring, and reporting.
• Fluent in English (C2 level); additional European languages are a plus.

Other Information

Additional Information & Our Recruitment Process

• Commitment to Diversity : EIT RawMaterials is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background.
• Employment Type : Temporary Position on a two-year contract with the possibility of extension.
• Position Location: Germany, Poland, Italy, Slovenia, Latvia, Finland, Greece, Hungary and Austria

The position will stay open until a successful candidate is chosen.

1. Application Review: Our team thoroughly reviews each application. Please make sure to submit your CV in English.
2. Initial Interview (30 minutes): Meet with the hiring manager and recruitment team.
3. Second Interview (60 minutes): Second interview with a presentation on a relevant topic to the hiring manager and the HR team.
4. Offer : If successful, receive an offer to join our team.