Head of the Project Management Unit

Head of the Project Management Unit (Temporary Agent grade AD 10)
Ref.: CAJU 02 – 2023 Head of the Project Management Unit
Position security: Temporary Agent (Grade AD 10) for a period of 3 years, subject to budget and renewal conditions.

Company background – Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU)

CAJU is the largest European research programme in aeronautics, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It develops innovative, cutting‑edge technology aimed at increasing commercial aircraft efficiency and reducing aviation’s ecological footprint. The programme supports the European Green Deal objective of a 55 % emissions reduction by 2030 versus 1990 levels and strives for climate neutrality by 2050. CAJU is the legal successor of Clean Sky 2 under Regulation (EU) 2021/2085. Further information is available at

General profile of the position

The Head of the Project Management Unit (PMU) is an experienced, dynamic leader responsible for steering CAJU’s project portfolio, defining unit objectives, coordinating calls and evaluations, monitoring project progress, and ensuring alignment with the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) and the Work Programme.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and steer the JU’s project portfolio to achieve programme objectives and impact.
• Define unit objectives, organise JU calls, evaluate and select projects, and monitor portfolio progress.
• Lead a team of approximately 10 staff members and manage grant agreements in compliance with EU rules.
• Coordinate with other units to ensure interface synergies and coherent management of CAJU processes.
• Implement dedicated rules and procedures for efficient project management in line with the Single Basic Act and CAJU measures.
• Maintain alignment of projects with technical roadmaps and anticipate necessary evolutions.
• Support impact monitoring principles, provide information to technical committees, and maintain the technological roadmap.
• Identify major risks, non‑performance or technical difficulties and propose evolution plans with the Head of Programme Development and Communications.
• Coordinate the Grant Management process and ensure timely implementation of all grant agreements.
• Ensure effective information flow within the JU and to external actors, including JU Members.
• Update management plans, manuals and quality manuals as part of the JU management team.
• Report unit activities regularly to the Executive Director and the Governing Board.

Eligibility criteria

• EU national with full citizenship rights.
• Minimum completed university studies (four‑year degree or equivalent).
  • If normal education period is four years: diploma only.
  • If normal period is three years or more: diploma plus at least one year of relevant professional experience.
• Proficiency in at least one EU language (preferably English) and satisfactory knowledge of another EU language.
• Appropriate character references confirming suitability for the role.
• Fulfilment of any applicable mandatory military service obligations.
• Physical fitness to perform duties; temporary staff must undergo a medical examination as required by Art. 12(2)(d) of the CEOS.

Selection criteria

4.1 Essential qualifications and experience

A Master of Science or equivalent 4‑year university degree in a relevant field.

• Minimum 12 years of professional experience in fields related to the responsibilities, counted from the date of qualification to the closing date.
• Proven knowledge of the European aviation industry, net‑zero challenges, actors, and networking ability.
• At least 6 years of team management experience (specify size and duration).
• At least 6 years of aviation R&I or R&D budget management (specify annual funding).
• Management of large, complex, trans‑national projects with a track record of delivering results under ambitious timelines.

4.2 Advantageous qualifications and experience

• Knowledge of EU Institutions’ Multi‑Financial Framework and budgetary procedures.
• Knowledge of EU policies in Aviation R&I and related sectors.
• Knowledge of Horizon Europe Framework Programme, especially large industrial programmes.

4.3 Proven capability to perform the specific duties and responsibilities

Negotiation skills and problem solving

• Build common vision and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Steer difficult positions and negotiate with stakeholders.
• Experience in large‑scale complex business negotiations.
• Analytical and proactive problem‑solving approach.

Organisational and communication skills

• Define rules, procedures and propose implementation modalities.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills at all levels.
• Clear communication of goals and means to achieve them to staff.

Management of people and organisation

• Track record of people management and non‑hierarchical management.
• Coordinate and work effectively with others at all organisational levels in a dynamic multicultural environment.
• Work in a matrix organisation and build strong relationships with peers.
• Implement organisational changes effectively.

Conditions of employment

Place of employment: Brussels. The successful candidate will be appointed by the Executive Director of the JU as a Temporary Agent under Article 2(f) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union for 3 years, with a possibility of one renewal not exceeding the life of the JU. A probationary period of 9 months is required. Remuneration follows the Union salary scale, including basic salary and specific allowances, as detailed in the Staff Regulations (link to PDF).

Selection procedure

A pre‑selection committee checks eligibility, evaluates applications, and shortlists candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the committee and undergo a written test and, if successful, an Assessment Centre to evaluate managerial potential. The Executive Director and a JU member will review the shortlist and finalise the appointment.

Appointment and reserve list

The Executive Director chooses the successful candidate from a reserve list. The list remains valid for 24 months, with possible extension. Inclusion on the list does not guarantee recruitment.

Equal opportunities

CAJU, as a Union body, applies a policy of equal opportunities and non‑discrimination in accordance with Article 1d of the Staff Regulations.

Closing date

Applications must be submitted by 30 May 2023 at 23:59 Brussels time. The closing date may be extended. Please follow the instructions in ANNEX I.

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