Junior Consultant (EU Funding Programs)

About Us

PNO Innovation is the leading innovation and funding consultancy in Europe. With our broad sector expertise, and more than 40 years of experience in national and European grants, we help give space to good ideas and make innovation happen.

PNO Innovation employs more than 600 professionals across offices throughout Europe: Belgium, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the UK. What started more than 40 years ago as a student project in the Netherlands has grown into a European industry leader with a focus on creating sustainable impact.

Job summary

As a Junior Consultant in EU Funding Programs, you will join our German team and support companies in accessing EU funding opportunities, including the Innovation Fund and other major programs.

You will work on real innovation projects, contributing to proposal preparation, financial analysis, and project coordination, while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic and international consulting environment.

Your mission

You will support our team in turning innovative ideas into successful funding applications and structured projects. At the same time, you will develop your expertise in EU funding, financial analysis, and project work through close collaboration with experienced colleagues.

Your tasks

• Support the preparation of applications for EU funding programs (e.g. Innovation Fund and other initiatives)
• Assist in financial analysis, cost calculations, and business case development
• Contribute to structuring projects, work packages, and documentation
• Perform data analysis (e.g. in Excel) and support in translating results into clear outputs
• Prepare presentations, reports, and proposal documents
• Support communication with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across European teams
• Assist in project coordination and follow-up activities

Your profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience (including internships or first professional experience) in consulting, EU funding, research projects, or analytical roles.
• Strong interest in EU funding, innovation projects, and financial analysis.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good knowledge of Excel; familiarity with Power BI, SQL, or similar tools is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work in an international environment.
• Fluent in English and German (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus.
• Proactive mindset, eagerness to learn, and ability to work collaboratively in a structured environment.

Why us?

• Fixed-term contract for the first 12 months, with strong perspective for long-term collaboration
• Structured onboarding and strong learning environment, ideal for early-career professionals
• Hybrid work model with 3–4 days per week on-site in Leipzig or Düsseldorf, especially during onboarding
• Salary range: €43,000 – €45,000 gross per year, depending on experience
• After probation: meal vouchers (Edenred), childcare allowance, and company pension scheme
• Annual performance-based bonus (depending on company results)
• International, multidisciplinary environment with exposure to European innovation projects
• Clear development and career growth opportunities within PNO Innovation