European Programme Manager

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INRAE presentation

The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is a major player in research and innovation. It is a community of 12,000 people with 272 research, experimental research, and support units located in 18 regional centres throughout France. Internationally, INRAE is among the top research organisations in the agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences, as well as in ecology and environmental science. It is the world’s leading research organisation specialising in agriculture, food and the environment. INRAE’s goal is to be a key player in the transitions necessary to address major global challenges. Faced with a growing world population, climate change, resource scarcity, and declining biodiversity, the Institute has a major role to play in building solutions and supporting the necessary acceleration of agricultural, food and environmental transitions.

Work environment, missions and activities

You will join the Laboratoire Sols et Environnement, a joint research unit bringing together INRAE and the University of Lorraine. The laboratory conducts research to improve soil health and its contribution to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, biodiversity and ecosystem services. You will work within the European project PSOILICY, a Coordination and Support Action funded under Horizon Europe, involving 15 partner organisations across 11 European countries.

Despite growing recognition of the importance of healthy soils, more than 60% of soils across the European Union remain degraded. PSOILICY supports the implementation of the European Union Soil Strategy and the Mission "A Soil Deal for Europe" by strengthening the links between soil science and public policy. The project aims to develop science-policy interfaces, support national soil health hubs, and provide decision-makers with evidence-based knowledge and practical tools.

In this position, you will play a central role in ensuring the successful coordination and implementation of an ambitious European programme. Working closely with the project coordinators, INRAE Transfert and international partners, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality scientific, administrative and financial outcomes while supporting collaboration across disciplines and countries.

Within this framework, you will be responsible for the following activities:

1. Programme coordination and management 

• Coordinate the organisational, administrative and financial management of the programme, in strong interaction with INRAE Transfert
• Monitor the implementation and consistency of activities across work packages.
• Propose improvements to optimise programme delivery.
• Prepare financial amendments to the Grant Agreement.
• Ensure compliance with the Grant Agreement, Consortium Agreement and project governance.
• Organise project meetings and monitor follow-up actions.

2. Scientific and consortium support

• Develop and maintain the project's Data Management Plan.
• Contribute to key project deliverables, in particular by contributing expertise in soil science.
• Consolidate and perform quality control of deliverables and reports submitted to the European Commission.
• Support the coordinator in interactions with the European Research Executive Agency, the European Commission and the Mission Soil Platform.
• Provide guidance and support to consortium partners regarding administrative and financial procedures.

3. Communication and dissemination

• Contribute to the development of communication tools and project visibility.
• Promote and disseminate scientific and technical results.
• Foster collaboration and networking within the international consortium.

The position involves regular interaction with international partners and European institutions. Excellent communication in English is therefore essential.

Training and skills

You should hold an Engineering degree, a Master's degree or an equivalent qualification, or a PhD in Soil Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences or another relevant discipline. Candidates with a strong interest in science-policy interactions will also be considered.

Significant experience in the management of European research programmes or projects is required.

Expected technical skills include:

• Managing European collaborative research projects.
• Coordinating administrative and financial aspects of international programmes.
• Knowledge of the organisation and funding of public research.
• Understanding of soil science, agronomy, ecology or related environmental disciplines.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary and international environments.
• Preparing high-quality reports, deliverables and project documentation.
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of French would be an asset.

Expected interpersonal skills include:

• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills in multicultural environments.
• Diplomacy, proactivity and adaptability.
• Commitment to scientific excellence and continuous improvement.

INRAE's life quality

By joining our teams, you benefit from (depending on the type of contract and its duration):

- up to 30 days of annual leave + 15 days "Reduction of Working Time" (for a full time);
- parenting support: CESU childcare, leisure services;
- skills development systems: training, career advise;
- social support: advice and listening, social assistance and loans;
- holiday and leisure services: holiday vouchers, accommodation at preferential rates;
- sports and cultural activities;
- collective catering.

How to apply

Please include the following information with your application:

•            Your contact details and personal data

•            Your highest degree

•            Your language skills

• Contact details for 2–3 references and, in addition, please include the following documents:
  • CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
  • Motivation letter describing:
    • why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
    • why and how you wish to complete the project
    • what makes you suitable for the project
  • Copy of Engineer or MSc or PhD diploma
  • Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
  • Possibly publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files)

Please send these documents to: 

Marion Bardy (marion.bardy@inrae.fr) 
and Christophe Schwartz (christophe.schwartz@inrae.fr).