Knowledge and Data Management Officer (KDMO)

Location: Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Position Type: Full-time, Fixed Term

Start Date: October (flexible)

Join a Groundbreaking Horizon Europe Project!

The Green Hydrogen Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Trakia University (TrU) in Stara Zagora, established under the Horizon Europe-funded H2Start project, is seeking a Knowledge and Data Management Officer (M/F/D) to drive knowledge management and expertise transfer in the hydrogen technologies sector.

About the Role

The role of the Knowledge and Data management Officer  (KDMO) is both  strategic and coordinative. In addition to the maintenance of secure storage and friendly usage of different information sources (internal, external, scientific, legislative, industrial etc.) in a well organized data base, the applied knowledge management policy and its realization will ensure sustainable transfer of expertise, exchange of best practices, and institutional memory in the field of hydrogen technologies.

The KDMO is responsible for the development, deployment, and improvement of knowledge management systems and processes within the project, with the aim of supporting innovation, efficient use of resources, and the sustainable development of technologies related to the production, storage, transport, and application of hydrogen. The KDMO will also be engaged with the establishment and operation of the Center for Technological Transfer of H2start CoE.

Key Responsibilities

·         Develop, implement, and manage a Knowledge Management and Data Management strategy aligned with H2Start objectives and long-term sector needs.

·         Lead processes for collecting, structuring, and sharing scientific, technical, and administrative knowledge across project partners.

·         Establish an integrated Knowledge Base linking research outputs, industrial solutions, regulatory frameworks, and innovation projects.

·         Ensure knowledge resources remain accessible, updateable, and reusable beyond individual experts.

·         Design and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate KM effectiveness.

·         Facilitate knowledge transfer between academia, industry, policymakers, and international partners.

·         Create and maintain a digital KM platform/database for sharing knowledge and best practices.

·         Deliver training, workshops, and seminars on KM and hydrogen-related topics.

·         Support Bulgaria’s hydrogen sector strategy through knowledge policies, training, and international cooperation.

·         Prepare periodic reports for project leadership and funding authorities.

·         Represent the CoE and H2Start in national and international conferences, meetings, and working groups.

Minimum Requirements

·         Master’s degree in Energy, Public Administration, International Relations, Economics, Innovation, Project Management, or a related discipline.

·         At least 15 years of professional experience in energy policy, innovation, R&D, public administration, international cooperation, or EU-funded projects.

·         Proven expertise in developing, coordinating, and implementing national and European policies in energy, mobility, innovation, or green transition.

·         Experience in multilateral diplomacy and inter-institutional communication with ministries, embassies, or international organisations.

·         Excellent knowledge of European and national legislation in energy, innovation, and sustainability.

·         Strong skills in impact assessment, scenario development, and KPI-based monitoring.

·         Excellent analytical, organisational, and strategic thinking capabilities.

·         Proven ability to integrate knowledge across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.

·         Proficiency in Bulgarian and English (oral and written).

Preferred Qualifications

·         Additional training in policy design, evaluation, or European governance.

·         Experience in EU institutional working groups or committees.

·         Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with diverse technical, scientific, and administrative teams.

·         Knowledge of additional foreign languages is an asset.

What We Offer

·         A leadership role in shaping the knowledge and data systems of a cutting-edge hydrogen research and innovation centre.

·         Opportunity to work at the interface of science, policy, and industrial transformation.

·         Competitive salary aligned with experience and EU project standards, with performance-based recognition and growth opportunities.

·         Work-life balance with flexible working hours, flexible time, and home office options.

·         Direct involvement in building a sustainable knowledge base for Europe’s hydrogen economy.

·         Access to advanced research infrastructure, pilot installations, and strong international partnerships.

·         A dynamic, international, and mission-driven team environment that values diversity and equal opportunities.

·         Professional development and long-term career perspectives in the clean energy transition.

Why Work in Stara Zagora?

Stara Zagora is transforming from a coal-powered energy hub to a clean energy leader. Anchored by initiatives such as the ZAHYR Hydrogen Valley and the Horizon Europe-funded H2Start project, the region is at the forefront of Europe’s green transition. By joining our team, you will contribute to knowledge transfer and innovation with both local impact and global reach.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV (EU format) and Motivation Letter  by (10 DAYS FROM THE SUBMITTION DATE) , 2025 to [email protected] with the subject line: Application for “Knowledge and Data Management Officer".

Application Process

- All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Interviews will be conducted online – no physical presence required.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team!