RREUSE is seeking an experienced Project Lead to manage a European Commission-funded Horizon project involving more than 20 partners and focused on strengthening the capacity, resilience and scalability of circular social enterprises across Europe.
The successful candidate will join the Brussels-based secretariat and will also contribute to the development of the RREUSE Academy, a platform supporting training, peer learning, practical tools and research for social enterprises and ecosystem actors.
Job Summary
- Employer: RREUSE
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Project Management
- Salary: €3,400-€3,600 per month
- Closing Date: 2026-09-27
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate a consortium of around 20 partners.
- Oversee the timely and quality delivery of project deliverables, milestones and reports.
- Develop reporting timelines and formats for consortium members.
- Collect and consolidate partner data for interim and final reports.
- Prepare narrative reports for EU institutions.
- Liaise with representatives of EU institutions funding the Horizon project.
- Monitor project budgets and liaise with partners regarding funding distribution.
- Support financial reporting.
- Organise and facilitate project meetings.
- Coordinate with relevant staff to keep the project on track.
- Organise tenders and outsourcing of selected outputs.
- Represent RREUSE at public events to disseminate project results.
Requirements
- Proven experience in EU project management, including monitoring methodologies, budget supervision and final reporting.
- Experience managing projects as a project lead partner or with seven-digit budgets.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to develop systems for efficient coordination.
- Ability to manage their own workload and support others across multiple priorities.
- Knowledge of and interest in social and environmental sustainability, particularly circular economy implementation and/or the social enterprise sector.
- Experience supporting training, learning or capacity-development activities.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills and intercultural sensitivity.
- Experience working collaboratively in international settings.
- Professional-level English.
- Competency with standard IT packages.
- Ability to travel to meetings across Europe.
- Residence within commuting distance of Brussels, or willingness to relocate.
Salary
€3,400-€3,600 per month
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: rreuse.org
About the Company
RREUSE is an international nonprofit network that links social enterprises active in the environmental field of reuse, repair, and recycling. Its main focus areas are environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Project Lead role on a Horizon Europe project in Zimbabwe?
Employers usually require a Master's degree in project management, engineering, environmental science, or a related field, plus PMP or PRINCE2 certification. Experience with EU-funded projects and knowledge of Horizon Europe rules is highly valued. Local universities like UZ or NUST offer relevant programs, though international qualifications carry more weight.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Project Lead for a Horizon Europe project?
You will coordinate consortium partners across multiple countries, manage reporting to the EU Commission, and ensure compliance with grant agreements. Daily tasks include budget tracking, milestone monitoring, and liaising with local stakeholders and international teams. Strong documentation and communication skills are essential given the remote coordination requirements.
How does local work culture in Zimbabwe affect project management roles with international donors?
Zimbabwean workplaces value formal hierarchy and respectful communication, but Horizon Europe projects demand agile, flat decision-making with European partners. You must balance local bureaucratic processes with fast-paced international deadlines. Reliability and proactive problem-solving are highly regarded traits given infrastructure challenges.
What career progression opportunities exist for Project Leads managing EU-funded projects in Zimbabwe?
Successful leads often advance to Programme Director roles overseeing multiple grants or transition into consulting for international development organizations. Experience with Horizon Europe opens doors to senior positions at regional NGOs, UN agencies, or European research institutions. Some professionals establish their own grant-writing consultancies serving Southern African applicants.
What typical benefits should I expect when negotiating for a Project Lead position with an international project in Zimbabwe?
Benefits vary by employer but commonly include medical aid, pension contributions, and annual leave of 20-25 days. International projects may offer additional perks like travel insurance, professional development allowances, and remote work flexibility. Always confirm whether benefits are denominated in USD or local currency given economic volatility.
How should I apply for a Project Lead role on a Horizon Europe project, and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize?
Submit a detailed CV highlighting previous EU or international donor project experience, with specific grant values and outcomes achieved. Employers prioritize proven track records in consortium coordination, financial reporting, and stakeholder management. Networking through the Research Council of Zimbabwe or attending EU delegation events improves visibility to hiring organizations.
