EU Funding Manager

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You will be based in our office in The Hague. Please note that this would be an 1 year contract with the possibility of renewal.

About the program:

The EU Desk is the coordinating body of WRI managing and coordinating the relationship with the EU institutions and relevant EU related organizations. The pillars of the EU desk are engagement, (strategic) partnerships, and EU policy and funding (development) of EU funding opportunities, like Horizon innovation funding. The EU desk is based in The Hague but works regularly from the Brussels office.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the Head of The Hague regional office and Director of European Partnerships, you will manage WRI’s fundraising engagement in the EU focused on EU funding programs, EU partnerships and contribute to WRI EU’s strategy development. You will integrate equity into your work.

What you will do:

Funding Strategy Development (10%):

• Manage the WRI EU’s funding strategy development
• Manage the possibilities and conditions (risks) for working more closely with the EU on funding opportunities

Funding Prospect Research, Proposal Development and Coordination) (70%):

• Pursue EU funding opportunities for WRI from EU research and innovation funds like Horizon Europe, EU development cooperation grants and EU tenders.
• Pursue Team Europe Initiatives, the European Commission ODA initiatives by DG International Partnerships with the Member states, in partnership together with colleagues from the Global Development Team and from the country office program and development staff
• Identify suitable European research and consortium partners with high success rates in winning EU funding and built trust and a knowledge base with potential consortia partners in the Netherlands, other Member States and associated countries
• Serve as the go-to partner and internal information point for WRI colleagues on EU funding opportunities
• Engage with DG INTPA, DG RTD and others to highlight WRI’s research and strengthen the possibilities for cooperation
• Connect with RVO (Rijksdienst voor ondernemend Nederland), the Dutch partner coordinating Horizon Europe for Dutch organizations like WRI Europe
• Support country office, program, and global staff with proposal development linked to the EU funding criteria
• Prepare the WRI internal EU funding meeting together with the OWRI’s operational P’s colleagues
• Ensure funding opportunities and calls are shared internally through the Europe newsletter, WRI’s intranet and other channels
• Give presentations about EU funding and WRI internal (financial) procedures necessary for proposal development and project implementation
• Track and maintain outreach to EU donors and partners in Salesforce to ensure coordinated and efficient touchpoints

EU Partnerships (10%):

• Support the Director for European Partnerships in strengthening relationships with the EU, EU-based organizations and EU partners
• Build a network and help identify and manage new partners.
• Engage in discussions with the EC on EU-US, EU-Africa, EU-China and EU-India partnerships, leveraging our local presence and networks in those regions and countries
• Manage WRI’s relationships with some European actors, such as the European Investment Bank (EIB)
• Organize meetings, convenings, visits and events designed to strengthen cooperation and WRI’s visibility
• Contribute to research and matchmaking with relevant WRI Programs, and coordinate internal/external conversations
• Track fundraising proposals and contribute to proposals preparation, and general donor stewardship.
• Assist the Director of EU Partnerships in the work of the System Transformation Hub and the associated working group

Administrative and HR Support (10%):

• Lead logistical preparations for visits of high level WRI staff to the EU, EU-based organizations and EU partners including organizing meetings
• Coach the EU Desk Intern

What you will need:

• Education: You have a completed bachelor’s degree in international development, Business Administration, Research, International Relations or a related topic
• Experience: You have relevant work experience in a similar business development function or research funding position
• Experience working with the EU and the EU institutions
• Experience in developing, supporting and implementing EU funding processes, like Horizon Europe, LIFE, EU grants and Team Europe Initiatives.
• Demonstrated track record in leading EU funding proposals and bringing together successful consortia partners.
• Experience in cultivating and managing high-value consortia and donor relationships
• Experience working in a multicultural, geographically distributed team across multiple time zones
• Prior experience working in a research organization or an international NGO as a partnership or grant officer would be a plus
• Familiarity with climate and environmental issues would be a plus
• Languages: You are proficient in written and spoken English.

Potential Salary:

Salary range: 68,000 to 86,000 Euros per year. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by 31 October 2025. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• A competitive salary
• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure.

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyse change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.