Water Innovation Ecosystem Manager
3 days ago
Málaga
As Water Innovation Ecosystem Manager, you will be responsible for building and leading the CLC Iberian Peninsula's activities on behalf of Innova IRV Foundation. You will develop the regional water innovation ecosystem — connecting universities, research centres, water utilities, startups, SMEs and public bodies across Spain and Portugal — and ensure their active participation in EIT Water's European-wide programmes and initiatives. This is a unique leadership opportunity to shape the Iberian water innovation landscape while contributing to Europe's water resilience goals. Key Responsibilities Ecosystem Development & Partnerships • Build and manage a regional innovation community in Spain and Portugal, engaging universities, research institutions, companies, water utilities, public bodies and investors as active members of the EIT Water ecosystem., • Identify and recruit strategic partners and members to the EIT Water consortium, managing partnership agreements and ensuring sustained engagement with regional stakeholders., • Strengthen the Iberian Peninsula's profile as a key European hub for water innovation, leveraging regional strengths in areas such as desalination, water reuse, drought resilience, and marine technologies. Innovation & Business Creation • Connect Iberian innovators — startups, SMEs and research groups — to EIT Water's European innovation programmes, facilitating access to funding, pilot sites and routes to market., • Support water-tech ventures through the identification of investment opportunities, acceleration pathways and collaboration with industry players across Europe., • Coordinate the delivery of regional innovation projects with clear, measurable impact aligned with EIT Water's strategic objectives. Education & Talent Development • Promote and coordinate education and training initiatives across the Iberian Peninsula to address skills gaps in the Water, Marine & Maritime sectors., • Foster collaboration between academic institutions and industry to design programmes that combine entrepreneurship, innovation and water expertise. Strategy, Representation & Communication • Define and implement the CLC Iberian Peninsula's strategy in alignment with Innova IRV's institutional goals, EU water policy objectives, and EIT Water's overall mission., • Represent Innova IRV Foundation in EIT Water governance forums, co-location centre leadership meetings and external stakeholder events at national and European level., • Advise public and private bodies on strategic decision-making related to water innovation, producing technical reports and position papers with policy and economic relevance., • Promote the visibility and impact of the CLC Iberian Peninsula through communications, events, and active participation in water and innovation conferences. Minimum Requirements • 7+ years of experience in innovation ecosystem management, strategic partnerships, or technology transfer in the water, environment, cleantech or related sectors., • Demonstrated ability to build and manage multi-stakeholder ecosystems involving academia, industry, public bodies and investors., • Proven track record in project management within EU-funded programmes (Horizon Europe, EIT, LIFE, Interreg or equivalent)., • Excellent communication, negotiation and leadership skills, with the ability to operate effectively across cultures and institutions., • Strong command of English and Spanish; Portuguese is a plus., • University degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water Resources, Marine Sciences, Business Innovation or related field; Master's or PhD preferred. Preferred Requirements • Direct experience with EIT KIC programmes or deep knowledge of the European innovation ecosystem landscape., • Established network in the Iberian and/or European water, marine & maritime innovation community., • Experience supporting startups and SMEs in cleantech or water-tech through acceleration, mentoring or investment facilitation., • Knowledge of EU water policy frameworks such as the Water Framework Directive, the Blue Economy Strategy, and the EU Mission 'Restore our Ocean and Waters'., • Experience in cross-border R&D&I collaboration between Spain and Portugal. What We Offer • A leadership role within one of Europe's most ambitious water innovation programmes, with direct impact on sustainability across the continent., • Integration into a pan-European network of leading universities, research centres, companies and innovators in the water sector., • The institutional backing of Innova IRV Foundation and access to its network of technology partners, public bodies and industry players in Andalusia and Spain., • A dynamic, purpose-driven work environment at Innova IRV's innovation hub in Málaga., • Competitive compensation package aligned with the candidate's experience., • Innova IRV is proud to be an equal employment opportunity workplace. We offer a competitive compensation package based on experience that includes flexible paid time off;…, • We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
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22 Avenida Jane Bowles, Palma-Palmilla, 29011, Málaga
