To cover a key role for the next years (expanding the team from 10 to 40 persons by the end of the project, with approximately 65% being scientists).

The H2Start project is one of the largest scientific projects in Bulgaria, with total funding of EUR 30M, including EUR 15M directly from the EC Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence programme and EUR 15M from national co-funding. The project is aimed at the creation of a new hydrogen technologies-based research and innovation center in Stara Zagora at Trakia University. The project includes the Bulgarian Hydrogen Association, as well as the Italian POLITO and CNR as international partners. The project will require a high speed of organisational development and significant capacity growth to ensure high-quality research and strong sustainability during the implementation period until 2031. The objective is to reach EUR 3M annual revenues from sources other than the initial investments.

Requirements for the Candidate:

• Experience in personnel development and organising development seminars
• Experience working with a team of more than 30 employees
• Excellent knowledge of Bulgarian and good knowledge of English (both oral and written)
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to work with people
• Flexibility and good negotiation skills
• Good time management skills and ability to maintain set priorities

Preferences:

• Formal higher education or professional development in the field of personnel development and management
• Academic background in a relevant scientific or technical field would be considered an advantage
• Experience working with scientific personnel
• Experience in international recruitment

Main responsibilities:

• Establishment and implementation of a strategy for HR development of the center
• Recruitment and onboarding of the HR needed for the center (scientific and non-scientific staff)
• Organising training, development, and creative workshops (locally and with Italian and other international cooperation partners)
• Organising international scientist-to-scientist cooperation and exchange of experience
• Organising and facilitating employee attraction events
• Developing career development plans and conducting employee evaluations
• Setting up and maintaining HR management routines
• Other tasks related to personnel development

Work conditions:

• Bulgarian Full time labour contract
• Competitive remuneration package based on qualifications and experience
• Hybrid working model with at least 50% of time in-person in Stara Zagora
• Other social benefits
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience in one of the largest scientific projects in Bulgaria

Applications to be submitted via the form on website: https://www.balkaninvest.eu/en/jobs/human-resources-development-manager/

You are also welcome to apply by email: h2start@balkaninvest.eu

Deadline for applications: Sunday, 14.06.2026

All information provided will be treated confidentially.