Senior EU Proposal Development Lead

CARDET is the largest independent research and development organisation in Cyprus with a strong presence in Europe and the region. At CARDET we envision a just and sustainable world where people learn and flourish. Our mission is to design innovative education and services that inspire and empower individuals and communities to thrive.

We believe that education can be a powerful force for change. A large part of global problems and challenges results from a lack of knowledge, skills, and competencies. Our approach to education aims to have a strong social impact and help shape a better world through education, training, capacity building, awareness raising, and communication.

Equal Opportunities & Safeguarding

CARDET is an HR Award-winning, equal opportunities and disability-confident employer of choice. The organisation has been accredited with the Sound Industrial Relations 2014 Standard and is fully committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful working environment, as well as safeguarding and preventing all forms of sexual abuse, exploitation and misconduct.

Senior EU Proposal Development Lead
(Hybrid / partly remote)

We are looking for an experienced and highly skilled proposal development professional to join our Programme Development team as a Senior Proposal Development Lead. This is a senior role for a strong proposal writer and strategic thinker with experience in EU funding programmes, including Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, and other European and international funding opportunities. The successful candidate will play a leading role in developing high-quality, competitive proposals, shaping strong project concepts, reviewing proposals prepared by colleagues, and supporting CARDET’s strategic positioning in national, European and international funding ecosystems.

This role offers the opportunity to take a leading part in developing high-quality EU and international funding proposals, working with experienced partners, and experts across different fields. It is ideal for an experienced proposal professional who enjoys writing strong, persuasive proposals, shaping meaningful project ideas, and contributing to initiatives with real social impact. The role is ideal for an experienced professional who enjoys writing persuasive proposals, interpreting complex funding calls, working with international partners, improving proposal quality, and contributing to initiatives with meaningful social impact.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Lead the development of high-quality funding proposals for Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, CERV, AMIF, tenders and other EU or international funding programmes.
• Develop strong project concepts, proposal narratives, methodologies, work packages, impact sections, implementation plans and sustainability strategies.
• Interpret complex call documents, policy priorities and evaluation criteria, and translate them into clear, competitive and fundable project ideas.
• Review, edit and strengthen proposal content developed by colleagues, providing constructive feedback to improve clarity, coherence, quality, competitiveness and evaluator-readiness.
• Participate in meetings with international partners
• Contribute to the identification of new funding opportunities, strategic partnerships and project ideas aligned with CARDET’s priorities.
• Support internal quality assurance processes, including proposal checklists, templates, review processes and lessons learned from evaluation results.
• Contribute to internal capacity building by mentoring colleagues, sharing proposal-writing knowledge and supporting continuous improvement across the Programme Development team.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field. A PhD will be considered an advantage.
• At least 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in proposal development, EU funding, project design, research development, programme development or a similar role.
• Proven experience writing and developing successful or high-quality proposals for Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, EU4Health or other EU/international funding programmes.
• Strong understanding of EU funding instruments, call requirements, evaluation criteria and proposal development processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex funding calls and translate requirements, policy priorities and evaluation criteria into strong, fundable project concepts.
• Excellent proposal writing, editing and analytical skills in English.
• Experience reviewing, editing and improving proposal content developed by others.
• Experience working with international partners and coordinating inputs from multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to manage several proposals, deadlines and priorities at the same time.
• Good digital skills and ability to use proposal platforms, collaborative tools and project management systems.
• Advanced MS Excel skills will be considered an advantage.
• Experience with EU project implementation, work package coordination, budgeting, impact

Key Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent writing and editing skills in English.
• Strategic and analytical thinking.
• Strong understanding of what makes a proposal competitive.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Ability to participate confidently in partner meetings and negotiations.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Sound judgement, professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and support colleagues.
• Positive, proactive and solution-oriented attitude.
• Strong ownership, reliability and ability to work under pressure.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Continuous learning mindset and commitment to high-quality work.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

We Offer:

• An Inclusive, wellbeing-oriented, and family-friendly working culture
• 13th Salary and Provident Fund
• Extended annual leave designed to promote rest and wellbeing
• Fully paid maternity and paternity leave
• Lifelong learning and professional development opportunities
• Flexible hybrid working model
• Shorter Fridays
• A dynamic and mission-driven work environment where ideas, initiative and quality are valued.

How to Apply:

• Candidates are invited to complete the online application form and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter by July 17th, through the following link.
• Shortlisted candidates will be asked to:
• Complete a self-declaration form confirming they have not been subject to disciplinary, administrative, or criminal sanctions.
• Submit two professional references and a valid clear criminal record certificate issued by the Cyprus Police at the final stage of the selection process and prior to appointment.
• Submit samples of previous work upon request.

The position will remain open until filled. All applications will be treated in strict confidence and evaluated fairly.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

CARDET complies with GDPR. For more details, visit www.cardet.org/privacy-policy.
For questions, contact 22 002100.