ABOUT EIT FOOD

At EIT Food we accelerate innovation to build a future-fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all. To achieve this, we are leading the world’s largest food innovation community. Through a missions-led approach, we put improving outcomes for people and planet as the starting point for our work.  

Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, we invest in projects, organisations and individuals that share our goals for a healthy and sustainable food system. We unlock innovation potential in businesses and universities and create and scale agritech startups to bring new technologies and products to market. And we equip entrepreneurs and professionals with the skills needed to transform the food system and educate and inspire the next generation.  

Our innovation projects are delivered with a combination of industry, education, and research partners to improve environmental and health outcomes, by developing solutions that align with our three missions: Healthier Lives Through Food, A Net Zero Food System, and Reducing Risk for a Fair and Resilient Food System.

EIT Food headquarters (HQ) are based in Leuven (Belgium) and it has 5 regional hubs in Europe (based in Poland, Spain, Germany, the UK and Netherlands), each working with and for partners in several EIT Food partner countries.

Visit our website: https://www.eitfood.eu

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking to reinforce our Legal Department with a Junior Legal Counsel who will support a wide range of legal activities across the organisation. This role will primarily involve reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts, supporting EU-funded activities, assisting in internal compliance, and supporting procurement processes where needed.

Your responsibilities:

1. Contracting & General Legal Support

• Draft, review, and negotiate the legal terms of various agreements (service, partnership, collaboration, subgranting, NDAs, etc.) under the supervision of senior legal counsel.
• Support contract lifecycle management, including repository maintenance.
• Assist the team in the improvement of legal templates and contract processes.

2. Support for EU Funding & Grant Framework

• Assist in reviewing and implementing grant agreements and EU/EIT funding rules.
• Support negotiation and review of consortium agreements and project agreements.
• Conduct legal research on EU funding regulations to ensure compliance.

4. Procurement (Supporting Role)

• Provide legal support for procurement procedures when required.
• Review RFQs, RFPs, tender documentation, and supplier contracts.
• Assist in resolving contract-related issues during procurement processes.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with project managers, finance, administration, and other internal teams.
• Provide basic legal guidance and support on contractual and funding matters within the organization.

6. Risk Management & Reporting

• Identify potential legal risks in documentation and escalate when necessary.
• Assist in preparing legal updates and reports for management.

7. General Legal Matters

• Support broader legal matters relevant to an international non-profit under Belgian law.
• Assist with IP, and data protection matters.
• Perform additional tasks assigned by the Head of Legal or COO.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Master’s degree in Law, or equivalent legal qualification relevant to the role
• 3 years of legal experience (internship, junior counsel, or junior associate)
• Strong interest in contract drafting and negotiation
• Motivation to learn EU funding frameworks and KIC operations
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Excellent command of English; other EU languages are an asset

WHAT WE OFFER

Working at EIT Food means joining a team of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to creating a better future through food innovation. We cultivate a culture of collaboration, inventiveness, inclusivity, and constructive feedback. All employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and expertise towards our mission of creating a more sustainable and inclusive food system. Together, we're making a real impact on the food industry and we're looking for talented individuals like you to join us.

As a valued member of our team, we'll provide you with a competitive salary and a benefits package aligned with the local practices. For this role, the expected annual gross salary range is:

• Spain: EUR 24,9K - 33,2K
• Poland: PLN 64,4K - 85,8K

These ranges reflect the usual starting salary levels for new joiners, in line with EIT Food’s salary framework. Final placement will depend on location, role-relevant experience and skills, internal equity, and applicable local employment conditions.

CONTRACT TYPE

Full-time position.

LOCATION & TRAVEL FREQUENCY

This role can be based in Spain or Poland. To be eligible, you must be based in one of these locations and have the legal right to work there. Within your chosen location, we offer flexible working arrangements, including remote and hybrid options, depending on local policies and requirements.

APPLICATION

We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. EIT Food always reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier. We recommend submitting your application at the earliest opportunity to ensure consideration.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

At EIT Food we believe that diversity and inclusion make us stronger. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates, regardless of age, gender, background, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We welcome applications from everyone and strive to create a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential.