Middle East Technical University (METU) is one of Türkiye's leading research universities, with extensive experience in coordinating and participating in EU Framework Programmes, Horizon Europe, and other international research and innovation initiatives.
METU Climate Change and Sustainable Development Application and Research Center (METU CLIMATE) and the METU Institute of Marine Sciences (METU-IMS) are seeking an experienced Project Development and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist to support the development, implementation, and management of national and international research projects in climate change, marine sciences, and sustainable development.
The successful candidate will work closely with internationally recognised researchers, public institutions, funding agencies, industry partners, and civil society organisations. The role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to competitive research proposals, support project implementation, coordinate stakeholder engagement activities, and help shape impactful research and innovation initiatives at national and international levels.
Number of People to be Hired:
1 position — Ankara
METU Ankara Campus, METU Climate Change and Sustainable Development Application and Research Center (METU CLIMATE)
1 position — Mersin
METU Erdemli Campus, METU Institute of Marine Sciences (METU-IMS)
Responsibilities:
• Support the development, implementation, and day-to-day management of national and international research, innovation, green campus, education, and stakeholder engagement projects.
• Monitor funding opportunities under Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, TÜBİTAK, and other national and international funding programmes.
• Coordinate the preparation of competitive project proposals, including consortium building, proposal writing, budgeting, and administrative documentation.
• Organise project meetings, workshops, stakeholder consultations, training activities, and international events.
• Prepare technical, financial, and progress reports, meeting minutes, and project documentation.
• Coordinate communication with project partners and support project governance activities.
• Work closely with METU administrative units on project implementation, budgeting, procurement, and reporting.
• Design and implement stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with public authorities, industry representatives, NGOs, research organisations, and local communities.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, workshops, focus groups, and public engagement activities.
• Design and administer surveys, interviews, and questionnaires, and analyse stakeholder feedback.
• Monitor and evaluate stakeholder engagement activities and prepare recommendations for continuous improvement.
Minimum Degree Required:
Master's degree (M.Sc., M.A., or equivalent) in environmental sciences, marine sciences, engineering, natural sciences, political science, international relations, economics, European studies, public policy, or another relevant discipline.
A PhD and/or demonstrated expertise in climate change or sustainable development will be considered an asset.
Exceptionally qualified candidates with a Bachelor's degree and substantial demonstrated professional experience in project development, project management, and stakeholder engagement may also be considered.
Required special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
• Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum three years of professional experience in international research and innovation projects (preferably EU-funded).
• Experience in project development, proposal writing, and project management.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, external relations, or science-policy interfaces.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and online collaboration platforms.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.
• Completion of military service or exemption (where applicable).
Preferred special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
• Experience with Horizon Europe, Green Deal, EU Missions, Sustainable Blue Economy, or related European initiatives.
• Knowledge of climate change, marine sciences, sustainability, environmental policy, or natural resource management.
• Experience in policy analysis, policy brief development, or science-policy communication.
• Experience in organising international workshops, conferences, and stakeholder events.
• Experience with proposal budgeting and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of additional languages.
• Creative problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Benefits
• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Opportunity to work at one of Türkiye's leading research universities in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment.
• Involvement in high-impact national and international research and innovation projects, including Horizon Europe and other international funding programmes.
• Collaboration with internationally recognized researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in climate change, marine sciences, and sustainable development.
• Professional development through participation in project proposal development, consortium building, and research management.
• Opportunities to attend and contribute to national and international meetings, workshops, conferences, and networking events.
• International travel opportunities, subject to project requirements.
• Access to METU's extensive academic and research ecosystem and professional network.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
Proposed Start Date: As soon as possible
Type of Contract: One-year full-time contract with a strong possibility of extension based on performance and project availability.
Applicants are asked to submit a CV, a maximum 2-page statement outlining their experience and interests (including their preferred work location: Ankara, Mersin, or both), and the names of at least two references, combined into a single PDF file.
Please send your application documents directly to climate@metu.edu.tr