(Senior) Consultant - Public Funding / Incentives Specialist (Geneva/Zurich)

The opportunity: your next adventure awaits

We are seeking a strategic and detail-oriented professional to support our Public Funding/Incentives Services within our Tax Practice, with a strong focus on Horizon Europe, EU grants, EU Innovation Fund and Swiss funding programs (Inno Swiss, Climate and Innovation Fund). 
Public Funding serves as a catalyst to advance our clients' strategic objectives—particularly in the areas of decarbonization, technology development, talent acquisition, and accelerating innovation as technology users.

In this role, you will be responsible for identifying suitable funding opportunities, aligning them with business, sustainability and R&D strategies, and coordinating the preparation and submission of high-quality grant applications. You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including R&D leads, Heads of Sustainability, business services teams, and consortium partners, to ensure successful funding applications and subsequent project execution.

In response to growing government grants and incentives, we are expanding our focus to support a portfolio of companies committed to the green transition, net zero goals, innovation and expansion. You will engage with clients’ senior sustainability-focused stakeholders (e.g. Head of Sustainability, Head of Transformation, Head of R&D) to develop a deep understanding of their innovation and net zero roadmaps.

Your key responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of relevant EU and Swiss public funding programs, identifying trends and opportunities aligned with client’s innovation and sustainability goals
• Translate funding calls into actionable project proposals by aligning them with client’s strategic objectives and identifying the added value of potential collaborations
• Collaborate with internal  and external stakeholders to identify qualifying projects and activities for grant applications
• Map and engage with relevant innovation ecosystems, including consortium partners, academia, and other stakeholders
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with public funding bodies and key partners in the innovation ecosystem
• Coordinate and support the preparation of grant applications, ensuring clarity, alignment with strategic goals, and compliance with eligibility criteria
• Review and advise on applications developed by operational teams, offering strategic guidance and quality control
• Engage and coordinate external experts as needed (e.g., for consortium management or technical writing)
• Ensure consistent documentation of best practices and knowledge sharing across projects.
• Liaise with finance/controlling teams for the administration of received funding and support the development of related internal processes
• Perform other duties as required

What we look for 

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, engineering, sustainability or equivalent. Additional cross-discipline qualifications are a plus (e.g. bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering coupled with a master’s degree in economics).
• 3 to 7 years of experience, including exposure to strategic planning and innovation ecosystems, in public funding acquisition — preferably in EU and/or Swiss contexts (e.g., Horizon Europe)
• Sound understanding of R&D strategy, technology trends, and public policy related to innovation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; French, German/Swiss German are considered as an asset
• Ideally: Expertise and organizational experience in grant writing, including the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and effectively prioritize workload to meet deadlines
• You have an agile, growth-oriented mindset. What you know matters. But the right mindset is just as important in determining success. We’re looking for people who are innovative, can work in an agile way and keep pace with a rapidly changing world
• You are curious and purpose driven. We’re looking for people who see opportunities instead of challenges, who ask better questions to seek better answers
• You are inclusive. We’re looking for people who seek out and embrace diverse perspectives, who value differences, and team inclusively to build safety and trust

What’s in it for you

Here at EY, you’ll have the chance to build a truly exceptional experience. We’ll empower you with the latest technology, surround you with high-performing teams, and provide the global scale and diverse and inclusive culture you need to discover your full potential. Through our coaching and training programs, you’ll develop the skills you need to stay relevant today and, in the future, – all while building a network of colleagues, mentors, and leaders who will be on the journey with you at EY and beyond.

Click here to find out more about our benefits and corporate social responsibility.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

To help create an equitable and inclusive experience during the recruitment process, please inform us as soon as possible about any disability-related adjustments or accommodation you may need.