Senior EU Project Manager

About the Role

Are you an experienced EU project professional who enjoys managing projects, bringing partners together and seeing initiatives through from planning to results? Would you like to combine hands-on project management with the opportunity to contribute to the development of new European projects?

EVTA – the European Vocational Training Association – is a European network of vocational education and training providers, connecting VET providers across Europe to exchange expertise, strengthen cooperation and advance the excellence and relevance of VET. Through project work, network activities, and policy engagement, EVTA supports its members in responding to evolving needs and priorities in vocational education and training.

EVTA is looking for an experienced EU Project Manager to join its Brussels-based team. Working across EVTA’s portfolio, you will take ownership of EU-funded projects, coordinate their implementation and work closely with members, partners and stakeholders from across Europe.

Alongside your project management responsibilities, you will contribute to the design and development of new project ideas and funding proposals, helping EVTA identify and shape new opportunities. As part of a small international team, you will also contribute to wider organisational activities as EVTA’s portfolio and priorities evolve.

The position is based in Brussels and involves travel within Europe and occasionally internationally. The expected starting date is 1 December 2026.

Your Role & Responsibilities

As EU Project Manager, you will be responsible for:

Project Management & Implementation

• Manage and oversee assigned EU-funded projects, ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of activities, milestones and deliverables in line with project objectives and contractual requirements.
• Develop and maintain project work plans, timelines and priorities, monitor progress, and proactively address risks, delays and implementation challenges.
• Coordinate EVTA’s role within international project consortia, working closely with project coordinators, partners and other stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration, communication and follow-up.
• Undertake research and analysis as part of project implementation, including mapping, comparative analysis and evidence gathering in areas related to education, training, skills and qualifications.
• Contribute to the development and validation of substantive project outputs, including frameworks, methodologies, recommendations and other tools and resources, drawing on project evidence and working with partners and relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate project reporting and documentation, ensuring that required information and supporting documents are accurate and compliant with grant agreements and relevant funding programme requirements.
• Manage project budgets and financial follow-up, including monitoring expenditure and compliance with applicable financial requirements.
• Organise project meetings, workshops, peer-learning activities and events, and contribute to the communication and dissemination of project activities and results.
• Represent EVTA in consortium meetings, project events, and other relevant European and international activities.

Project Design & Development

• Identify and assess relevant European funding opportunities, considering their strategic fit with EVTA’s priorities, areas of expertise and members’ needs.
• Develop new project concepts, translating identified needs and opportunities into clear intervention approaches.
• Lead and coordinate the preparation of EU funding proposals, from shaping the project structure and work plan to defining deliverables, timelines and budgets, while engaging EVTA members and external partners in consortium development.

Contribution to EVTA’s Network & Activities

• Contribute to EVTA’s wider activities and initiatives, applying your expertise across different areas of the organisation in line with evolving priorities and needs.
• Engage with EVTA members and support their involvement in relevant activities and opportunities, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across the network.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• A university degree in a relevant field, such as education, European studies, international relations, social sciences, business or public administration, or a related discipline.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in project management.
• Proven experience managing EU-funded projects, including reporting, financial management and international consortium coordination.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects funded under one or more EU programmes relevant to EVTA’s portfolio, such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and Digital Europe.
• Good understanding of the EU institutional and funding environment and the requirements associated with EU-funded projects.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and high-quality project documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse international partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to work autonomously, exercise sound judgement, and collaborate effectively within a small international team.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Willingness to travel within Europe and occasionally internationally.

Desirable Experience & Knowledge

• Good understanding of the European vocational education and training sector and related developments in skills and qualifications.
• Experience contributing to research, analysis and the development of substantive outputs within EU-funded projects.
• Experience working with European networks or membership-based organisations.
• Knowledge of one or more additional European languages.

What We Offer

• A one-year full-time contract (38 hours/week) under Belgian law, with the possibility of conversion to a long-term contract.
• A gross monthly salary of €3,100–€3,400, depending on experience and qualifications.
• An end-of-year bonus and holiday pay, in accordance with the applicable Belgian employment conditions.
• A benefits package including meal vouchers, eco-cheques (€250 per year), health insurance, transportation contributions and a teleworking allowance.
• A varied role with responsibility for managing European projects and the opportunity to shape and develop new project initiatives.
• A collaborative and international working environment in Brussels, with opportunities for professional development and increasing responsibility.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and a one-page motivation letter to recruitment@evta.eu with “EU Project Manager” in the subject line.

The application deadline is 20 October 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and suitable candidates may be contacted before the application deadline.

Only complete applications submitted by email will be taken into consideration. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a written assignment approximately one week before the interview. Interviews are expected to take place on 26 and 27 October 2026 with the EVTA Secretary General and/or relevant members of the EVTA team.

The expected starting date is 1 December 2026.

GDPR & Non-Discrimination Policy

EVTA complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data provided by applicants will be processed securely and solely for purposes related to the recruitment and selection process.

EVTA is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful working environment and to ensuring equal opportunities throughout its recruitment and employment practices. EVTA does not tolerate discrimination on any grounds and welcomes applications from qualified candidates from all backgrounds.

More information: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vacancy-notice-ugcPost-7513175449565454336-nMtb/