VACANCY NOTICE - CONTRACT AGENT
| Job title | Policy Officer |
|---|---|
| Reference | EC-2026-RTD-528198 |
| Application deadline | 09.11.2026 - 12.00 (noon, Brussels time) |
| Directorate-General (full name) | DG Research and Innovation |
| Unit | A3 European Innovation Council |
| Place of assignment | Brussels |
| Domain* | Science and research |
| Contract type and Function Group | Contract Agent 3b FG IV |
| Other useful information (contract duration, other ...) |
About us
Directorate A “ERA & Innovation” reinforces at crosscutting level the engagement with startups, SMEs and innovative ecosystems, with citizens & society, and with academic and research organisations and infrastructures. The Directorate develops policy to shape a globally competitive and excellent EU research and innovation system that is open, performant and cohesive and that is conducive to transformative and systemic innovation for a sustainable future. It helps ensure that researchers, knowledge and technology circulate freely within a revitalised and reinforced European Research Area, which generates investment, national reforms and EU policies to create critical mass within a coherent R&I policy framework.
‘We are devoted to making Europe the most attractive place for the best science and the most value adding innovation, for the benefit of all in Europe’
Unit RTD.A.3 steers the strategy for the European Innovation Council (EIC) part of Horizon Europe, and oversees implementation of EIC activities, coordinating the preparation of the EIC Work Programme, providing the secretariat and support to the EIC Board, including the President of the EIC Board, and overseeing the EIC Fund for making direct investments in innovative startups and SMEs. The unit operates in the context of the European Innovation Agenda, the European Research Area (ERA) and in synergy with digital, SMEs and industrial policy.
The unit is responsible for the development and oversight of the European Innovation Council Fund, which is a dedicated fund for investing in highly innovative companies with scaleup potential. The Unit is responsible for the Commission’s role in the governance of the EIC Fund including the Fund’s
governance board, for authorising investments by the Fund, and for further development of the Fund in line with EU policies. In the context of the renewed focus on competitiveness, discussions are ongoing to better support scaleup companies building on the experience of the EIC Fund and the initiative announced in the Competitiveness Compass for the Commission to work with the EIB and private sector on scaleup financing.
The unit works in close cooperation with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) as well as other units in RTD and other DGs of the Commission. The Unit manages the Contribution Agreement with the EIB for the implementation of the EIC Fund.
About the role
A challenging task for a Policy Officer wishing to take initiatives and be part of a result-oriented high-performing team.
The main tasks will be to contribute to developing the strategy and implementation of scaleup funding in the context of new and emerging Commission initiatives including the Startup and Scaleup Strategy. This will include close interactions with private investors and other publicly supported investors, including the EIB Group. The job holder is expected to be involved in the governance and oversight of the EIC Fund and its future development. The tasks should also contribute to the overall development and implementation of the European Innovation Council and broader financial instruments, maximising impact for sustainable development and EU policies such as Economic Security, and the Green and Digital transitions
As such the tasks will encompass a broad range of both policy and implementation issues, as well as close working with the EIB, private and public investors, EISMEA, Commission central services and partner DGs (CNECT, GROW), as well as the broader investment and innovation community.
Qualifications, experience and skills
We look for a dynamic, highly motivated colleague with experience in the field of innovation and investments.
A good knowledge about innovation (such as the development of startup companies and SMEs) and/or investments (in particular equity investments and financing of startup and scaleup companies). Previous experience in working with the EIB Group and public and private investors would be a strong asset. Previous experience working on defence and dual use technologies would be an advantage.
Strong sense of responsibility and excellent organisation, proactive attitude and initiative, capacity to organise events, skills to effectively communicate and maintain
relationships with various stakeholders, data and analytical skills, and an excellent team spirit are essential, while flexibility to work under tight deadlines is often required.
The main working language of the unit is English. Capacity to communicate in other official languages of the European Union is an asset.
How to express your interest?
You should send your documents in one single pdf in the following order:
- Your CV
- Completed application form
Please send these documents to RTD-A3-CA-APPLICATIONS@ec.europa.eu by the publication deadline indicating the selection reference EC-2026-RTD-528198
Eligibility, recruitment steps, contract and working conditions
Please consult the pdf document at the end of this page