Project Manager

About the Position

Project Manager | Water Conservation

Join Etifor as a Project Manager to lead EU research projects on water-food-energy nexus, focusing on sustainable water governance and nature-based solutions.

About the Company

Etifor restores the balance between humans and nature. By improving the value of nature through science, innovation, and governance, we help clients increase economic, environmental, and social benefits of policies, projects, and investments. Our mission is to challenge environmental and social issues with the aim of enhancing nature.

Responsibilities

• Manage two EU research projects, REXUS and LENSES, on water-food-energy nexus, exploring the tradeoffs among water uses for agriculture, energy, and ecological conservation. Etifor is a project partner within the consortium, not the coordinator. You will be responsible to coordinate the working packages within Etifor’s responsibility. You will be supported by other Etifor team members, including a financial project manager.
• Represent Etifor during EU project meetings and establish close relationships with project partners and the coordinator.
• Perform relevant research in the field of nature-based solutions, economic sustainability, policy, and governance, within the water-food-energy nexus.
• Develop new project proposals and deliver technical consultancies in the field of water management, with preferences for the agricultural sector.
• Manage an increasing project portfolio in the above-mentioned topics.
• Engage actively in the shared-management, team, and strategy building activities of the company.
• Coordinate with team members at Etifor, and report to the Unit Director.

Other responsibilities may be added to value specific skills of the candidate.

Requirements

Educational background:

• Mandatory: Master’s Degree (MS)
• Preferred: MSc related to natural resource management, environmental agronomy, or resource economics.
• Any MSc will be evaluated if backed up by relevant experience in the field of water management.
• PhDs will be a plus.

Experience:

At least 1 year experience in one or more of the following roles:

• Management of EU funded projects in the environmental, water, agricultural sector (Horizon, Erasmus+, LIFE, etc.);
• Research activities in natural resource management, water conservation, sustainable agriculture.
• Experience within public or private entities in charge of water, land, protected areas management (irrigation consortiums, water utilities, agricultural and/or forestry agencies).

Candidates with previous experiences or that are familiar with water-food-energy nexus, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, evaluation frameworks, stakeholder engagement, are particularly welcome. We welcome both senior or junior profiles, what we look for is the best fit, within the company and team members.

Training and economic terms can be discussed depending on the experience.

Skills:

• Fluency in English and Italian. Preferences for candidates with knowledge of other international languages.
• Strong level of computer literacy (Office, cloud services, etc.).
• Strong technical communication, writing, and editing skills.
• Scientific approach and attitude to research.
• Use of GIS is welcome.
• EU project management.
• Commercial, marketing attitudes, and professional use of social media are a plus.

We Offer

• An exciting and challenging position within a dynamic and innovative international & smart consultancy working to connect humans and nature and dealing with the global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
• A value-driven team, with a 50:50 gender ratio and 35 average age.
• Mixed academic and business work environment. Etifor works together with the Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry of the University of Padova and our projects are often focused on Research & Development.
• Flexible working hours and smart working approach (we have a results-based approach).
• Smart/Remote work is encouraged, but the candidate should guarantee office presence at least 3 days a week, especially during the learning phase. Other arrangements can be agreed during the interview and negotiation phase.
• Extra benefits: Company welfare plan (for sport, wellness, culture, family) and daily meal bonuses.
• Premiums: end-of-year economic premium based on company performances.

Contract Details

• Start Date: From May, 2021
• Location: Piazza Alcide de Gasperi n. 41, 35131 Padova, Italy
• Contract type: 3 years (apprendistato, under 30) or 1 year (over 30), with a view to becoming permanent.
• Salary: Depending on experience and contract type.
• Employment type: Full time / Part time contract (CCNL commercio).

How to Apply

The candidate must send the following information in English through the online form on this page (please select the following Application Type: Water Conservation) no later than April, 25th. For further information write to [email protected].

In the application form, we ask you to attach the following materials all saved in one single PDF document:

• Updated CV in English
• Your cover letter (max 1 page) indicating why you fit with this position at Etifor, with specific reference to the water sector/natural resources/agriculture sector.
• Preferably a list of projects/consultancies/publications you have been involved with, ordered by year, donor/client, title, your role.
• Any link or document you consider highly relevant for this position.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a face-to-face interview.