Project Assistant

Project Assistant

Deadline for applications: Sunday 28th June 2026, 23:59 CET

Expected starting date: September 2026

Type of contract: One-year contract (renewable) full-time – Belgium based

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Bruegel is looking for a Project Assistant to join the development team for an initial period of 12 months, with the possibility of conversion to a permanent position upon successful performance. The position is full-time and based in Brussels.

This is an entry-level position, well suited to a recent graduate or a professional with limited work experience who is eager to build a career in European research funding and project management. The Project Assistant (PA) will support the development team in the day-to-day administration and coordination of externally funded projects from both public and private sources. Working closely under the supervision of a Project Officer and/or the Head of Development, the PA will gain hands-on experience across the full project cycle, from funding identification to reporting.

Bruegel is a European think tank working in the field of international economics. Established in 2005, Bruegel is independent and non-doctrinal. Its mission is to improve the quality of economic policy with open and fact-based research, analysis and debate. We are committed to impartiality, openness and excellence. Bruegel’s membership includes EU Member State governments, international corporations and institutions. For more information about Bruegel, please consult: www.bruegel.org

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the monitoring of funding opportunities from public and private sources, including EU grants, tenders, and foundations.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of project proposals, including gathering inputs from researchers, formatting documents, and checking compliance with funder requirements.
• Provide administrative support across the project cycle – from kick-off to final reporting – under the close supervision of a Project Officer.
• Help maintain project files, timelines, and databases (e.g. Airtable, Salesforce), ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
• Assist in drafting and proofreading narrative and financial reports, ensuring they meet funder guidelines and internal quality standards.
• Coordinate logistics for project-related meetings, events, and communications with partners and external stakeholders.
• Support the financial monitoring of projects by tracking expenditures, collecting supporting documentation, and liaising with the finance team.
• Liaise with Bruegel researchers and the Communications team to support timely delivery of project outputs (publications, events, podcasts).
• Contribute to the broader administrative functioning of the development team, including maintaining shared resource materials and supporting team processes.

BACKGROUND AND COMPETENCES

• Master’s degree in economics, business; political sciences; international affairs or related fields. Recent graduates with limited working experience are welcome to apply.
• Up to two years of relevant work experience; internship experience in a research institute, think tank, NGO, consultancy, or European institution is an asset.
• Basic familiarity with the European funding landscape (e.g. Horizon Europe, EU grants) is a plus, but training will be provided.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a structured manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; strong proofreading and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with project management or CRM tools is an advantage.
• Proactive and eager to learn, with a willingness to take initiative within assigned tasks.
• Interpersonal skills and ease in a multicultural, professional environment.
• Interest in economic policy, European affairs, or the think tank/non-profit sector.
• Discretion in handling confidential information.
• Team player with a positive, collaborative attitude.

Bruegel is committed to ensuring equal opportunities and treatment for all by providing that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, gender, marital status, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, disability or chronic illness.