Grants Compliance & Project Management Consultant (Post-Award)

At PNO Innovation, we believe that winning a grant is only the beginning. Our Project Management & Grants Compliance Team supports companies, research organisations and public bodies throughout the implementation of European and national funded projects.

For our Italian team, we are looking for a Grants Compliance & Project Management Consultant to support clients throughout the post-award phase. The role combines project management, Grants Compliance, administrative and financial management, process improvement and strategic consultancy.

You will work across different European and national funding programmes and management models, from traditional cost-based grants to lump-sum schemes, supporting clients in building effective, compliant and well-structured approaches to funded project management.

You will help clients successfully manage funded projects throughout their implementation, translating funding requirements into practical and effective project management approaches.

Beyond supporting individual projects, you will help clients improve the way they manage funding: analysing existing practices, identifying risks and inefficiencies, and contributing to the development of processes, methodologies and procedures that make their grant management more structured and effective.

• Support clients in the implementation and day-to-day management of European and national funded projects across different funding and management models.
• Interpret funding rules, Grant Agreements and programme requirements, translating them into practical guidance for clients and project teams.
• Plan and monitor project activities, resources, milestones, deliverables, deadlines, budgets and reporting obligations.
• Coordinate project implementation with clients, consortium partners, internal teams, funding authorities and Project Officers.

• Support administrative and financial project management, including reporting, supporting documentation, cost eligibility and other programme-specific requirements.
• Identify project and compliance risks and advise clients on practical solutions to ensure effective and compliant project delivery.
• Analyse and improve clients' grant management processes, methodologies, governance and internal procedures.
• Support amendments, reviews, audits and other post-award processes throughout the project lifecycle.

• Around 1–3 years of relevant experience in the implementation, management or administration of European or national funded projects; more experienced profiles may also be considered.
• Experience or familiarity with funding programmes such as Horizon Europe, Innovation Fund, LIFE, CEF, PNRR or other European and national schemes.
• Understanding of post-award project management and the contractual, administrative, financial or operational requirements associated with funded projects.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple activities, stakeholders and deadlines.

• An analytical and problem-solving mindset, with an interest in improving processes, methodologies and ways of working.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, proactive and client-oriented approach.
• Fluent Italian and professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• University degree; backgrounds in Economics, Business Administration, Law, Project Management or related disciplines are considered an advantage.

• Join a leading European innovation and funding consultancy with more than 600 professionals across Europe.
• Work with companies, research organisations and public institutions on ambitious European and national funded projects.
• Gain exposure to different funding programmes, management models and complex post-award challenges.
• Build specialised expertise in Project Management, Grants Compliance and grant management consultancy.

• Develop towards becoming a trusted advisor, helping clients improve not only individual projects but also their broader grant management processes and methodologies.
• Benefit from continuous training and professional development in an international, knowledge-driven environment.
• Enjoy primarily remote working within Italy, with our team based in Milan, plus meal vouchers and a corporate welfare programme.
• Permanent Italian employment contract with a salary of €32,000–€35,000 gross/year, with some flexibility depending on experience and profile.