Project Manager on the Horizon Europe research project BIRGEJUPMI: Bridging knowledge systems for inclusive, resilient and prosperous Arctic coastal futures, Faculty of Humanities

We are looking to hire a highly-motivated

Project Manager

to join the University of Oulu’s Faculty of Humanities, Unit of History, Culture and Communications.

The full-time (100%) three-year Project Manager position will work within the EC-funded Horizon Europe project “BIRGEJUPMI: Bridging knowledge systems for inclusive, resilient and prosperous Arctic coastal futures” (2025-2027). The BIRGEJUPMI project is led by the University of Oulu (scientific coordinator: Prof Thora Herrmann) and has received a total of three million euros in funding from the EC. As a Project Manager, you will have responsibility as a core member of the lead coordinating team working in the management and oversight of the BIRGEJUPMI project.

The faculty and research group

This Scientific Project Manager position is based within Archaeology in the Research Unit of History, Culture and Communications, which combines cutting-edge expertise of cultural and heritage studies, human-environment interactions, transdisciplinary environmental social sciences, and political ecology. In addition, researchers at Oulu within the BIRGEJUPMI project are also part of the Biodiverse Anthropocenes Research Programme.

Located on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia in Northern Finland with over 13,500 students and nearly 4,000 employees, the University of Oulu is one of the Nordic countries’ largest universities and a global leader in studies of Arctic environments and peoples.

The BIRGEJUPMI project

«Birgejupmi» is the Northern Sámi word for “ways to manage/get by» – the idea of self-sufficiency. It embodies the principle of taking only what is necessary from nature, ensuring the ability to harvest again in the future. The BIRGEJUPMI project aims to strengthen community engagement and environmental decision-making in Arctic coastal regions that is based on the interconnected relationships between coastal people and the sea, and how they shape and depend on one another. We bring together diverse knowledge systems (Indigenous, Western, and local). The project is grounded in a holistic, ethical, and equitable community-based approach to research with strong Indigenous leadership. BIRGEJUPMI adopts a co-production of knowledge and Two-Eyed Seeing approach to advance decolonial research and guide respectful policies that honor and support coastal communities, the land, and the sea. BIRGEJUPMI works across three Arctic areas: western Sápmi, northern Sápmi, and Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland). The Horizon Europe project BIRGEJUPMI which has been awarded 3 million euros by the European Commission is a 3-year project (01.01.2025-31.12.2027) bring together 12 organisations (Saami Council- Sámiráđđi, Sámi allaskuvla- Sámi University of Applied Sciences, Dáiddadállu, Árvu, Paarnaq Psykolog, Alta Museum, RIFS/GFZ, UiT-The Arctic University of Tromsø, University of Copenhagen, University of Oulu, University of Tartu, National Dong Hwa University/Taiwan). The project covers 14 Work Packages.

Job description

As the Project Manager for the BIRGEJUPMI project, you will play a pivotal role in leading the project management and coordination team, working alongside the scientific coordinator, administrative manager, and research services staff. The main responsibility is to carry out Oulu's tasks related to coordinating the project and reporting to the European Commission, and to assist the scientific coordinator in the management, supervision and implementation of the project, and oversight of the consortium partners. These responsibilities include a wide set of tasks related to the scientific, organisational, administrative, financial and legal management of the project, enabling coordination of exchanges and communication within the consortium. Furthermore, you will also play a key role in the project’s multi-actor approach. You will benefit from the BIRGEJUPMI consortium’s extensive network of researcher and practitioner contacts, and you will have a unique opportunity to engage with different Indigenous rightsholders and local stakeholders across the Arctic and will be able to collaborate with several research groups. You will be supervised by Prof Thora Herrmann, the scientific coordinator. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Managing the scientific, administrative and financial aspects of the project to ensure successful achievement of project tasks, timelines, deliverables, and milestones;
• Sharing in project-level decision making with the scientific coordinator;
• Monitoring project progress from a scientific, administrative and financial perspective, including timely reporting, payment procedures, and coordination of project schedules;
• Reviewing deliverables and preparing scientific technical and financial reports for the European Commission at regular intervals;
• Coordinating internal communication and management procedures, including leading meetings, conference calls, webinars among team members, rightsholders, stakeholders, and partners;
• Providing support to consortium partners on scientific, administrative, or financial issues related to the project, and facilitate clear communication among partners;
• Liaising with the EC Project Officer regarding critical technical, administrative, legal, and financial project matters;
• Communicating with university administration on administrative and financial matters;
• Assisting with identifying and mitigating risks perceived to impact project performance or quality.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being and flexible multi-location and remote work opportunities. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Work-life balance: we don't count Saturdays as holiday periods!
• Development and career options of the big organisation.
• Work that matters! Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu!

Who are you?

We expect from you the following professional qualifications and skills:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in the human, social or natural sciences 
• Experience in project management or administration;
• Previous experience in working with of multi-actor and interdisciplinary approaches in the Arctic; and experience in working collaboratively with Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners and research experience in topics related to integrated coastal environmental management, will be highly valued;
• Good knowledge and command of project management tools (spreadsheets, planning and collaborative tools), particularly the Microsoft Office suite;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (the language of communication within the consortium).

The following experiences or background will be considered an advantage (but are not required):

• Working experience in managing or coordinating European Framework Programmes (e.g. Horizon 2020, ERC) or international scientific research projects;
• Knowledge of European Commission management rules associated with the Horizon Europe framework programme;
• A scientific background in the field of research-creation, human-(coastal)environment relationships, or strong interest in the topic;
• Experience of multi-actor and interdisciplinary approaches in the Arctic; and experience in working collaboratively with Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners;
• A good command of the Finnish language;

Required personal skills:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• Excellent skills in writing and synthesis (work plans, technical reports and other acts and management, ordinary correspondence, notes, messages, summary sheets);
• Ability to multi-task, manage multiple duties, and work efficiently;
• Ability to establish and maintain lasting and constructive formal relationships;
• Ability to identify and quickly resolve problems and critical issues that might arise during the project;
• Self-motivated, able to work both independently and in a collaborative and multicultural team.

Salary

The position is full time (100%) and fixed term, beginning from 05.05.2025 (or as agreed as soon as possible thereafter) until 31.12.2027.

The salary will be based on the levels MV9-MV10 of the demand level chart for other expert and support staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3700-4400 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by Friday 04.04.2025 (11:59pm EET/Finnish Time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and should include the following appendices:

1) A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing your professional experience and expertise; describing how your previous experience has equipped you to work in this position; explaining why you are particularly suitable for this position; and detailing your career plans and interests.

2) Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) with a detailed presentation of your professional activities. You may use the TENK guidelines as a template if you would like (though this is not required): http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae).

3) An example of your writing, such as a chapter of your thesis.

4) Contact information of two previous employer references who may be asked to give a personal statement about you (note that these will only be requested if you are shortlisted for this position).

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. The top candidates will be invited to an on-site or online interview. All applicants will be notified at the various stages of the selection process, including once it has been filled.

We readily welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders and linguistic, cultural or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the BIRGEJUPMI scientific coordinator Prof Thora Herrmann (thora.herrmann@oulu.fi).