Project Hub Development Manager focused on Global Health, Cultural Heritage, Inclusive Societies
Unita GEIE
UNITA GEIE recruits a Project Hub Development Manager focused on Global Health, Cultural Heritage, Inclusive Societies for the
European University «UNITA Universitas Montium»
About UNITA GEIE:
UNITA – Universitas Montium is a European University Alliance bringing together ten partner universities across Southern, Western and Eastern Europe: the University of Turin, the University of Savoie Mont Blanc, the University of Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, the University of Zaragoza, the University of Beira Interior, the West University of Timișoara, the Public University of Navarre, Transilvania University of Brașov, the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, and the University of Brescia. The alliance is further strengthened by the associated participation of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland and Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University.
To support its activities, the alliance established in 2023 the UNITA–Universitas Montium European Economic Interest Grouping (GEIE), the first legal entity of its kind among European University Alliances. The UNITA GEIE provides a structured operational and legal framework to facilitate transnational cooperation, enabling the alliance to jointly implement activities across education, research and societal engagement, in alignment with European higher education and innovation strategies.
Within this framework, the UNITA Project Engine Office (UPEO) acts as a strategic coordination and development unit, supporting the alliance in identifying funding opportunities, developing collaborative projects and strengthening its positioning within European research and innovation ecosystems. The UPEO works in close collaboration with UNITA Research Hubs, partner universities and external stakeholders to translate strategic priorities into concrete initiatives and partnerships.
Role overview:
A proactive and autonomous Project Development Manager supporting UNITA Research Hubs, with expertise in at least two of the following thematic areas — Global Health, Cultural Heritage, or Inclusive Societies — and a strong interest in working across all three domains.
The candidate will be directly employed by UNITA GEIE, within the framework of the UNITA Project Engine Office (UPEO), to support the research hubs focused on the three main topics mentioned above by actively driving the development of collaborative initiatives and projects within and beyond the Alliance. This role will be crucial in advancing UNITA GEIE’s mission to support the UNITA alliance in its development towards an institutionalized European university, leveraging its unique legal structure to maximize impact and future sustainability.
The position requires a high level of initiative, strategic thinking, and the ability to independently identify opportunities and propose innovative approaches, while working in close coordination with UNITA GEIE, the UPEO team, and relevant UNITA Task Forces.
Key Responsibilities:
- Proactive opportunity scouting and ideation: independently identify innovative project ideas, private or public funding opportunities, and strategic collaborations aligned with UNITA’s Research Hubs priorities (Global Health, Cultural Heritage, Inclusive Societies).
- Project development and leadership: actively contribute to project design and coordinate proposal development processes, in close collaboration with the UPEO Manager and the UNITA GEIE team, supporting research hubs in transforming ideas into competitive European and international project proposals.
- Stakeholder engagement: connect with academics, researchers, administrative staff, as well as external partners across the UNITA ecosystem, including stakeholders in the socio-economic sector, public authorities, and civil society.
- Research Hubs facilitation: support the coordination, structuring and facilitation of UNITA Research Hubs activities, contributing to the alignment of priorities, organisation of exchanges and identification of opportunities.
- Ecosystem development: identify and engage potential new partners, networks, and initiatives that can strengthen UNITA’s research hubs and long-term collaboration capacity, working in coordination with the UPEO Manager and the UNITA GEIE team.
- Monitoring and reporting: track project progress, collect data for evaluation, and contribute to the dissemination of results.
Required qualification and skills:
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field;
- At least 2 years of experience in project development, project management, research management, funding acquisition, or international cooperation, preferably within higher education or research settings or venture capital and private funds;
- Knowledge of European funding programs (especially. Erasmus+, Horizon Europe);
- Previous experience or knowledge of private funding streams (e.g. foundations, banks, investment funds, etc.), will be positively evaluated;
- Strong proactive attitude, autonomy, and ability to work without continuous supervision;
- Excellent communication, networking, and intercultural skills;
- Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects;
- Fluent proficiency in English and good working knowledge of at least one of the following languages of UNITA’s universities: Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Romanian.
Desirable qualification and skills
- Understanding of the European context with experience in an institution/association in the EU ecosystem is highly desirable;
- Familiarity with digital project management tools;
- Understanding of the legal and operational context of European Economic Interest Groupings or similar legal frameworks is highly desirable;
- Strong Adaptation, flexibility, responsiveness, thoroughness and responsibility;
- Creativity, initiative, and problem-solving mindset;
What UNITA GEIE Offers:
- Opportunity to work at the forefront of European university innovation and cooperation.
- Dynamic, multicultural, and interdisciplinary environment.
- High level of autonomy and opportunity to shape new initiatives and collaborations.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Flexible working arrangements within the alliance.
Employment conditions:
For contractual reasons, the candidate must be resident in Italy. The terms of the employment could be agreed by all parties considering the candidate’s availability, ongoing collaborations and expertise. The role may be structured or as a freelance collaboration or as a one year fixed-term contract. The salary will be commensurate with position-related knowledge, experience and skills relevant to the position. Initially a minimum commitment of 35 hours per week is required, with work carried out remotely but giving the availability to meet in person, whenever necessary, based on agreement and specific needs.
Workplace:
Remote
Availability:
From July 2026
Recruitment process:
Fill in the application form by May 28th 2026, 11.30 pm CEST
The interviews are expected to take place online on the following dates: June 11, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and June 12, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. June 22nd 10.30AM-3.30PM; June 23rd 10.30AM-3.30PM CEST. (The schedule may be subject to slight changes).
Only pre-selected candidates will receive an email invitation to participate in the interviews between June 4 and June 9.
Contact details: [email protected]