Project Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager, Operations Manager

Position: 12813 - Project Manager
CMCC Position cod. 12813

Project Manager

What We Are Looking For
Are you ready to join a dynamic team where your proactiveness and management prowess can translate directly into tangible outcomes in the research field? The Advanced Digital Innovation Center (ADIC) at the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC Foundation), located in Lecce, is looking for 1 talented and enthusiastic Project manager. We are looking for a motivated and well-organized Project Manager who can manage multiple activities in parallel, keep track of deadlines, and ensure smooth project execution.

The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in an international, multidisciplinary environment. Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with different stakeholders are essential, as is experience in supporting project administration, reporting, and pre-project activities.
About Us
CMCC Foundation is a cross-cutting scientific research center on climate change and its interactions with the environment, society, the world of business, and policymakers. Our work aims to stimulate sustainable growth, protect the environment, and develop strategies for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. CMCC's core objective is to conduct cutting-edge science, to train the next generation of scientists at both national and international levels, and to be a beacon for climate modelling.

CMCC pursues fundamental and applied science with utmost scientific integrity, prioritizing data-driven science and providing data, information, and research results that can support informed public debate and decision-making processes. To achieve climate research objectives at the highest international standards, we invest in training all our talents, and strive to create a workplace where everyone can excel. At CMCC you will find a strong, professional environment.

Join an inclusive community that values diversity, where every voice is heard and respected. Help foster a culture of innovation and societal change, where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed. Over the last decade, CMCC has experienced extraordinary growth. We are now embarking on a new chapter of our journey that will further boost CMCC’s global position in climate change research…Together!
Role
The Project Manager will support the coordination and day-to-day management of funded projects, contributing to planning, implementation, monitoring of activities, and budget oversight. The role involves close collaboration with internal teams and project partners, supporting reporting, financial tracking, and administrative processes, and ensuring compliance with project timelines, contractual requirements, and donor regulations. The mission of the role is to contribute to the overall success of projects across their full life cycle, providing support during both pre-award and post-award phases, from proposal development to execution.

The Project Manager will work to ensure the timely delivery of work plans, sound financial management, accurate reporting, and successful audits, acting as a strategic and operational liaison across the Foundation to align project management practices with CMCC’s strategic objectives and maximize project impact, in line with internal guidelines and directives.
Responsibilities

Planning, coordinating, and monitoring project activities to ensure timely achievement of milestones and deliverables
Managing project timelines, deadlines, and resources efficiently
Monitoring project budgets, tracking expenditures, and supporting financial reporting and compliance
Identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks
Ensuring compliance with contractual, legal, and funding requirements
Preparing and contributing to management-related deliverables and reports
Coordinating with consortium partners, supporting communication and collaboration
Following up with donors and funding agencies on reporting, documentation, and requirements
Supporting the scientific team in pre-project activities, including proposal preparation and project design
Maintaining accurate project documentation and supporting internal project administration

Requirements

Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., project management, MBA, economics, political science, or similar)
Proven experience in project management, preferably with EU-funded or publicly funded projects
Experience in financial management, including budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and reporting and compliance support
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with internal teams and external partners
Proactive problem-solving skills and ability to anticipate and manage challenges
Advanced knowledge of the English language (written and spoken)
Very good command of the Office suite and IT project management tools

Desirable /…