Senior Consultant - State Aid & EU Funds

Senior Consultant – State Aid & EU Funds

About the Team and Role

Our State Aid & EU Funds team delivers consulting and advisory projects for both public and private sector clients – from designing state aid schemes and drafting applications for grant mechanisms (IPCEI, Innovation Fund, LIFE, CEF, HORIZON, RRF, ESIF) to notifications and compliance monitoring.

We are looking for a Senior Consultant/Manager who will take over an established agenda, ensure quality and oversight, and strengthen our advisory and business development approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of projects in the area of state aid and EU funds – from scoping and solution design to implementation and quality assurance.
• Take ownership of the agenda and streamline delivery – set clear delegation, control points, and standards to ensure no technical details or connections are missed (QA, peer review, checklists, methodologies).
• Proactively identify issues and develop practical solutions to ensure the smooth progress of projects and client satisfaction.
• Advisory leadership – create solutions with added value (schemes, aid intensity, instrument suitability, timing, compliance vs. business objectives).
• Perform detailed market, financial, competitive, and regulatory environment analyses to support the design and evaluation of state aid schemes and grant applications.
• Prepare, compile, and deliver high-quality outputs in the form of analyses, reports, or studies for use internally and by clients.
• Support financial modeling and data analytics to underpin decision-making processes.
• Regulatory expertise and application of rules: GBER, CEEAG, Regional Aid Guidelines; preparation of materials for European Commission notifications.
• Grants and calls for proposals – design and evaluate applications (IPCEI, Innovation Fund, LIFE, CEF, HORIZON, RRF, ESIF), draft calls and guidelines for beneficiaries.
• Reporting & monitoring – establish processes for compliance obligations, data collection, and data management.
• Lead and develop the team – coach senior consultants and juniors, aiming for team independence rather than micro-management.
• Business development & Sales – build pipeline, lead proposals and pitches, develop client relationships, and cross-sell within the firm.
• Stakeholder management – collaborate with public authorities, corporate clients, and technology partners.
• Effectively manage projects and communicate at the top management level of client organizations to align outputs with expectations.
• Utilize data visualization and analytics tools such as Power BI, Tableau, alongside PowerPoint and Excel, to support data presentation and effective communication of analyses and results.
• Travel – occasional visits to clients across Slovakia and CEE (team base in Bratislava).

What We Expect

• 5+ years of relevant experience, combining senior-level responsibilities with proven experience in managing people and/or projects.
• Strong knowledge of EU and national state aid legislation (GBER, CEEAG, RAG) and proven experience with grant mechanisms (IPCEI, Innovation Fund, LIFE, CEF, HORIZON, RRF, ESIF).
• Advisory mindset – ability to connect regulation, financing, and client business goals; design abstract technical solutions and strategic roadmaps.
• Experience in preparing and interpreting market and financial analyses as well as working with visualization and data tools (Power BI, Tableau).
• Proven capability to identify problems early and proactively propose efficient solutions.
• Excellent project leadership and client communication skills, including interactions with senior and top management.
• Education: economics/finance/law/technical fields; technical or engineering background preferred (ability to interpret technical project parameters and translate them into schemes and compliance).
• Excellent analytical, presentation, and client-facing skills; proficiency in PowerPoint & Excel.
• Languages: fluent English (written & spoken); Slovak strongly preferred for managerial level (advantage for direct work with public authorities).
• Team player and partner – able to build trust, share responsibilities, and provide constructive feedback.
• In today’s workplace, familiarity with AI tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and Power BI is valuable. We seek someone who uses AI to enhance productivity, supports decision-making with AI insights, embraces continuous learning, and balances human judgment with data. No AI expertise required—just a willingness to embrace technology as an enabler, not a threat.

Nice to Have

• Experience with financial instruments design/deployment (ESIF/EIB), product development for energy efficiency/climate, and ESG expertise.

Work Model

• Hybrid (flexible), but regular presence in Bratislava and client visits is highly encouraged for effective project leadership and business development.

What We Offer

• Work on interesting projects with multinational teams and engage with top-tier clients and regulators.
• Strong expert community and room for fast growth to (Senior) Manager/Lead.
• Opportunity to lead high-visibility projects with regulators and top investors.
• Support for BD (marketing, tender assistance) and a robust delivery ecosystem.

Success in 6–12 Months

• Fully taken over and stabilized portfolio with QA processes and no loss of detail.
• Built pipeline (specific targets to be agreed internally).
• Independent team handling routine delivery; you focus on advisory, key decisions, and quality.

Benefits You Can Enjoy While Working

Financial Rewards:

• Benefit from regular salary reviews, performance bonuses, and other special bonuses.
• Enjoy meal contributions and a cafeteria benefit system offering personalized choices.

Flexibility & Work-Life Balance:

• Enjoy a hybrid working policy and flexible working hours.
• Receive Sick Days.
• Every minute of your extra work is valued and compensated.

Career Development:

• Engage in tailored internal and external training programs.
• Benefit from a structured career development plan.
• Take advantage of discounts of up to 30% on internationally recognized certifications and qualifications from leading organizations.

Health & Well-being:

• Access premium benefits such as physiotherapy consultations, a Multisport card, and medical center membership.
• Take advantage of the Well-being and Work-Life Coaching program.

Supportive Culture:

• Participate in teambuilding activities and social events.
• Join the employee referral program.
• Experience a culture with regular feedback and a supportive environment.

Global Opportunities:

• Seize opportunities for international assignments and work on diverse projects with international clients.
• Explore the world while working, with the possibility of working from abroad.

Extra Perks:

• Use various discounts at partner companies for cars, health care, beauty, culture, and more.

• Transfer up to 4 telephone numbers at discounted rates.

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