Apply for National Contact Point (NCP) research roles in Horizon Europe
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is calling for applications from members of the research sector for roles as National Contact Points (NCPs) to support New Zealand's participation in Horizon Europe.
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These NCP roles are open to individuals at all career stages across New Zealand's research and innovation community. They are an opportunity to become an expert in Horizon Europe and expand your network both domestically and internationally.
Applications close at 9am Friday 30 May 2025.
Purpose of National Contact Points (NCPs)
The purpose of NCPs is to promote and publicise Horizon Europe opportunities among the research, development and innovation community, and to assist, advise, and train the community on the how the programme operates.
The NCPs' functions include providing:
- guidance on choosing relevant Horizon Europe topics and types of action
- advice on administrative procedures and contractual issues
- training and assistance on proposal writing
- distribution of documentation (such as forms, guidelines, manuals)
- assistance in partner search
NCP roles
We are seeking to appoint 3 NCPs for the following areas:
- Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment) National Contact Point
- New Zealand – Germany Science and Space Coordinator and Cluster 4 (Space) National Contact Point
- Legal and Financial National Contact Point
These new NCPs will be supported by 4 existing NCPs, including for the following areas:
- Cluster 1 (Health)
- Cluster 3 (Civil Security for Society) and Cluster 4 (Digital and Industry)
- Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy and Mobility)
- Māori
Knowledge, skills and experience
We are seeking individuals with:
- knowledge and demonstrated experience in the relevant thematic Cluster areas
- excellent communication skills and an ability to engage with a diversity of backgrounds, and
- a commitment to acting in the interests of all New Zealand researchers and organisations.
Previous experience in international research funding systems, particularly in Europe, would be an advantage. Training on Horizon Europe and NCP functions will be available to successful applicants.
A high level of proficiency (B2 or above) in one or more European languages (in addition to English) is also desirable.
Resourcing and time commitments
All roles are part-time and for a fixed term:
- The Cluster 6 NCP will be appointed at 0.25 full-time equivalent (FTE) for a term of 24 months.
- The New Zealand – Germany Science and Space Coordinator will be appointed at 0.5 FTE for a term of 36 months.
- The Legal and Financial NCP will be appointed at 0.5 FTE for a term of 24 months.
Even though the roles are not full-time, NCPs will need to be flexible to meet their commitment and the varying demands of the role. For example, the role:
- may at times require whole weeks (for example, attending a training event in Europe or travelling to meet with stakeholders domestically), or
- could be only a few hours per week (such as responding to stakeholder enquiries).
The roles include a travel budget to enable in-person engagement with European counterparts.
National Contact Point role descriptions
- Role description – Horizon Europe Cluster 6 National Contact Point [PDF, 159 KB]
- Role description – Germany Science and Space Coordinator and Cluster 4 (Space) National Contact Point [PDF, 207 KB]
- Role description – Horizon Europe Legal and Financial National Contact Point [PDF, 161 KB]
How to apply
Applications close at 9am Friday 30 May 2025.
To apply for one of the NCP roles:
- Complete the application form.
- Draft an email and add 'Horizon Europe Cluster NCP role' in the subject line.
- Attach your CV and application form and email them to:
nzncp@mbie.govt.nz
Final appointments will be made by the Manager, International Science Partnerships.
Application form – Horizon Europe National Contact Point [DOCX, 73 KB]
More about Horizon Europe
New Zealand is associated to Pillar Two of Horizon Europe, the European Union’s framework programme for research and innovation, and the largest multilateral research programme in the world.
Horizon Europe – Pillar Two(external link) – Horizoneuropeni.com
Our association enables New Zealand researchers and organisations to participate in the programme on equal terms with their European counterparts.
As part of the implementation of Horizon Europe in New Zealand, MBIE has established a network of National Contact Points (NCPs) to provide information, advice and support to potential applicants and beneficiaries.