ABOUT EIT FOOD
At EIT Food we accelerate innovation to build a future-fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all. To achieve this, we are leading the world’s largest food innovation community. Through a missions-led approach, we put improving outcomes for people and planet as the starting point for our work.
Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, we invest in projects, organisations and individuals that share our goals for a healthy and sustainable food system. We unlock innovation potential in businesses and universities and create and scale agritech startups to bring new technologies and products to market. And we equip entrepreneurs and professionals with the skills needed to transform the food system and educate and inspire the next generation.
Our innovation projects are delivered with a combination of industry, education, and research partners to improve environmental and health outcomes, by developing solutions that align with our three missions: Healthier Lives Through Food, A Net Zero Food System, and Reducing Risk for a Fair and Resilient Food System.
EIT Food headquarters (HQ) are based in Leuven (Belgium) and it has 5 regional hubs in Europe (based in Poland, Spain, Germany, the UK and Netherlands), each working with and for partners in several EIT Food partner countries.
Visit our website: https://www.eitfood.eu
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are looking for an experienced and dynamic person with strong ties with the entrepreneurship ecosystem, in particular, with key stakeholders and enablers for EIT Food to deliver it is mssion: Universities, Companies and Entepreneurs’ communities and networks.
The selected candidate will be responsible nurturing and developing this network, being a central figure for entrepreneurs in the South of Europe. The job holder will be a key contributor to Entrepreneurship network engagement withing the EIT Food community and to effectively integrate EIT Food startup community, including alumni, into our broader ecosystem. You will report to the Head of Network and Business Development of EIT Food South.
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Building a Strong Network of Agrifood Startups in Southern Europe:
- Map the regional agrifood entrepreneurship ecosystem and implement a plan of engagement activities and events with universities, companies and other organizations to recruit entrepreneurs.
- Build a strong network of startups in the agri-food tech industry, with the objective of supporting South European entrepreneurs to access and have a fair representation in EIT Food entrepreneurship programmes.
- Foster and nurture relationships with agrifood investors, industry partners and universities, essential to deliver impact in the region.
- Link the entrepreneurial community with key EIT Food initiatives to speed the impact of the work of think tanks, communities of practices or our impact funding programmes.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote entrepreneurial initiatives. Stay up to date with trends in entrepreneurship, innovation, and startup ecosystems.
Support startups with a focus in the South of Europe:
- Raise awareness of the EIT Food entrepreneurship programmes in the region, and organize workshops to strengthen the quality of applications from entrepreneurs in the region. This will be done in close collaboration with the regional network function and the communications team.
- Ensure the EIT Food broad offer for entrepreneurs reaches the region and support entrepreneurs to identify the best road map for entrepreneurs to navigate within our catalogue of activities.
- Identify training solutions, networking opportunities, connection with EIT Food community to support entrepreneurs. Connect entrepreneurs with mentors/coaches and building a network of entrepreneurship experts for EIT Food.
Ensuring Effective Communications:
- Design and implement communication and outreach activities to scout exceptional entrepreneurs.
- Manage and activate the online community engagement platform for the entrepreneurs and the alumni community.
- Design and implement networking events to showcase the entrepreneurs´ ventures and broaden their networks.
- Support and design networking events to connect startups with the regional industry network.
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
Qualifications
- Master degree or professional training related to entrepreneurship, innovation management and business management.
- Knowledge of start-up business models and growth patterns.
- Professional education or experience related to agri-food sector is a clear plus
- Fluency in English and in Spanish. Additional Southern European languages will be considered.
- Very good command of Microsoft Office
Experience
- Minimum 4-5 years of relevant working experience related to start-ups, technology market and/or new business development
- Expertise and experience in the agrifood startup ecosystem is a clear plus.
- International exposure and experiences in working with start-up ecosystems and communication for a wider network with different cultures
- A strong network of contacts with representatives of start-up community, venture capital funds, financial institutions and entrepreneurship support organisations within Southern Europe is highly desirable
Skills and behaviour
We are looking for someone with the following traits:
- Demonstrable passion to build a more sustainable and healthier food system.
- Solid business judgment, orientation for progress, practical application of technical solutions, broad, flexible and interdisciplinary thinking
- Strong sense of ownership with proven record of delivering results
- Combining analytical thinking with creativity
- Proven ability to establish trust and good communication channels with international teams
- Ability to interact and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization and as facilitator of groups in workshops or conference formats
- Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation and persuasion skills for building alliances between stakeholders from industry, research education and public sector
- Proactive, independent and trustworthy
- Passion for continuous improvement
- Respectful of timelines and deadlines and attention for detail
- Active interest in the food sector
- Ability to work both independently and in small (multi-national) teams
- Organised, proactive, service-oriented and capable of multi-tasking
- Can-do attitude and willing and eager to learn and realise impact
- Excellent emotional intelligence skills
WHAT WE OFFER
Working at EIT Food means joining a team of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to creating a better future through food innovation. We cultivate a culture of collaboration, inventiveness, inclusivity, and constructive feedback. All employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and expertise towards our mission of creating a more sustainable and inclusive food system.
Together, we're making a real impact on the food industry and we're looking for talented individuals like you to join us.
As a valued member of our team, we'll provide you with a competitive salary and benefits package.
CONTRACT TYPE
The contract will be full time, and following a successful 6 month probationary period, leading to a permanent contract.
LOCATION & TRAVEL FREQUENCY
The candidate will be based in either office of EIT Food South (Madrid or Bilbao). We offer hybrid working conditions.
Business travel (aprox. 10 days per month) within Europe can be expected.
APPLICATION
We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. While the application deadline is 5th of May 2025 we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we find the right candidate. We recommend submitting your application at the earliest opportunity to ensure consideration.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
At EIT Food we believe that diversity and inclusion make us stronger. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates, regardless of age, gender, background, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We welcome applications from everyone and strive to create a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential."
