Innovation Consultant – Energy & Environment

Job summary (Short promotional text)

PNO Innovation is looking for an Innovation Consultant to join our growing Energy & Environment team in Italy. You will lead the development of European funding proposals for innovative organisations working on industrial decarbonisation, energy systems and clean technologies.

You will advise clients on funding strategies, coordinate international proposal consortia and manage proposal development from concept to submission while working closely with industrial partners and research organisations across Europe.

Your mission (What are you going to do in text) summarised down below

Help innovative organisations bring transformative energy and climate technologies to market by leading successful European funding proposals and becoming a trusted advisor throughout their innovation journey.

Your tasks 1st part (in max 4 bullets)

• Lead the preparation and submission of high-quality proposals across a broad portfolio of European funding programmes, including Innovation Fund, Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), PCI/PMI initiatives, LIFE and Horizon Europe.
• Coordinate international proposal consortia and manage proposal development from concept to submission.
• Advise clients on European funding strategies and identify the most suitable funding opportunities.
• Facilitate technical workshops with industrial companies, research organisations and consortium partners.

Your tasks 2nd part (In max 4 bullets)

• Develop competitive project concepts, work packages, budgets and implementation strategies.
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships while delivering high-quality consulting services.
• Mentor junior consultants and contribute to knowledge sharing across the team.
• Support business development by identifying new client and funding opportunities.

Your profile 1st part (in max 4 bullets)

• Around 3–5 years of experience in EU funding, innovation consulting or R&D project development.
• Proven experience independently writing and coordinating European funding proposals.
• Strong knowledge of Innovation Fund, LIFE, Horizon Europe, CEF and other European funding programmes.
• A degree in Engineering, Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics or a related discipline is preferred. Candidates with Policy, Innovation Management or similar backgrounds will also be considered.

Your Profile 2nd part (In max 4 bullets)

• Experience working with industrial clients in areas such as industrial decarbonisation, energy systems, renewable energy, hydrogen, clean technologies, circular economy or climate technologies.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and client-facing skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English (C1 minimum) and fluent Italian.
• Able to work independently while thriving in a collaborative, international environment.

Why us? (What do we offer) 1st part (in max 4 bullets)

• Join one of Europe's leading innovation consultancies specialised in European funding.
• Lead high-impact projects supporting the energy transition and industrial decarbonisation.
• Work with leading companies, research centres and public organisations across Europe.
• Enjoy a flexible remote-first working model with occasional travel to clients and PNO offices.

Why us? (What do we offer) 2nd part (in max 4 bullets)

• Benefit from continuous professional development and clear career growth opportunities.
• Competitive salary of €35,000–42,000 per year, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
• Be part of a collaborative, ambitious and supportive international team.
• Make a tangible contribution to Europe's transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

About us

PNO Innovation is the leading innovation and funding consultancy in Europe. With our broad sector expertise, and more than 40 years of experience in national and European grants, we help give space to good ideas and make innovation happen.

PNO Innovation employs more than 600 professionals across offices throughout Europe: Belgium, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the UK. What started more than 40 years ago as a student project in the Netherlands has grown into a European industry leader with a focus on creating sustainable impact.