EIT Water is hiring a Regional Hub Manager Iberian Peninsula in Málaga, Spain, based within Innova IRV and covering Spain and Portugal. Salary and benefits are listed as competitive, and applications close at 12pm CET on Wednesday 2 December 2026. Youth Works Hub reviewed the vacancy and breaks down the post, the regional priorities and the application steps below.
Vacancy at a Glance
🏢 Employer: EIT Water
📌 Post: Regional Hub Manager Iberian Peninsula
📍 Base: Málaga, Spain, within Innova IRV
🗺️ Territory: Iberian Peninsula, covering Spain and Portugal
🔬 Sector: Research, Technology & Innovation
💼 Salary and benefits: Competitive
🔢 Number shown on the vacancy: 8697
🤝 Role coordinated by: Karina Rinaldi-Doligez, Perrett Laver
Europe's Innovation Community for Water, Marine and Maritime Systems
EIT Water brings together the groups that have to act together on water:
🏭 Industry
💡 Innovators
🔭 Researchers
🎓 Educators
🏛️ Policymakers
The community exists to tackle the most urgent water challenges, from scarcity, drought and flooding to pollution and ecosystem decline. EIT Water is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.
Where EIT Water Stands Today
🗓️ Founded in 2026
🧭 Eight regional hubs across Europe
🌊 A mandate to deliver systemic innovation from source to sea
🏗️ Governance structures now being established to guide its first Strategic Agenda and long-term impact
The Senior Face of EIT Water in Spain and Portugal
The Regional Hub Manager is EIT Water's senior representative for the Iberian Peninsula and its business development, relationship and ecosystem lead for the region.
📞 Serve as the primary regional point of contact
👥 Build and mobilise the regional Member, partner and participant community
🔗 Connect Iberian stakeholders to EIT Water's pan-European ecosystem and Action Programmes
📈 Strengthen regional opportunities across the water, marine and maritime sectors
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🌍 All opportunities in Spain →
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Which Water Topics Define the Iberian Hub?
The post has particular relevance to five topics:
🔁 Water reuse
🌳 Green-blue infrastructure
🌾 Irrigation innovation
📡 Smart water management
♻️ Circularity
Why the Post Is Based in Málaga Within Innova IRV
Being based in Málaga within Innova IRV lets the Regional Hub Manager draw on three regional strengths:
🚀 A fast-growing innovation ecosystem
🤲 Strong industry and municipal partnerships
🧩 A strategic position connecting Europe, Africa and Latin America
These strengths are used to accelerate collaboration, market uptake, innovation and business creation.
A Central Post With a Regional Base
The Regional Hub Manager works for EIT Water centrally while operating alongside the regional host organisation. Linking regional priorities and opportunities with European-level impact calls for three capabilities:
💹 Strong commercial capabilities
🧠 Strong entrepreneurial capabilities
🕊️ Strong diplomatic capabilities
What Candidates Need to Send
Applications go through the online application form and must arrive by 12pm CET on Wednesday 2 December 2026. Each application should include:
📄 A current CV
✍️ A cover letter setting out your interest and relevant experience
More information about the recruitment is available on the Perrett Laver information page.
The Search Firm Handling the Appointment
Perrett Laver leads the appointment process on behalf of EIT Water. Karina Rinaldi-Doligez coordinates the role and can be contacted by email with questions about the process.
EIT Water's Status and Commitments
⚖️ EIT Water is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications without discrimination on any grounds
🇪🇺 This activity is co-funded by the European Union
🏛️ EIT Water is an established Danish Association based in Aarhus
Browse more roles in research, innovation and sustainability in the Jobs section on Youth Works Hub →.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Regional Hub Manager Iberian Peninsula based?
The post is based in Málaga, Spain, within Innova IRV. It covers the Iberian Peninsula, meaning Spain and Portugal.
What is EIT Water?
EIT Water is Europe's innovation community for water, marine and maritime systems. It was founded in 2026, has eight regional hubs across Europe and is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.
What are the main responsibilities of the Iberian hub manager?
The manager is EIT Water's senior representative and its business development, relationship and ecosystem lead for Spain and Portugal. The post builds and mobilises the regional Member, partner and participant community and connects Iberian stakeholders to EIT Water's pan-European ecosystem and Action Programmes.
Which sectors and topics will the Iberian hub focus on?
The post focuses on the water, marine and maritime sectors. The vacancy gives particular relevance to water reuse, green-blue infrastructure, irrigation innovation, smart water management and circularity.
Why does the vacancy highlight Málaga's location?
The vacancy describes the region as strategically positioned to connect Europe, Africa and Latin America. Together with a fast-growing innovation ecosystem and strong industry and municipal partnerships, this helps accelerate collaboration, market uptake, innovation and business creation.
Does the manager work for EIT Water or for the host organisation?
The manager works for EIT Water centrally while operating alongside the regional host organisation. The post is based within Innova IRV in Málaga.
What capabilities does EIT Water expect from candidates?
The vacancy asks for strong commercial, entrepreneurial and diplomatic capabilities. These are needed to connect regional priorities and opportunities with European-level impact.
Which documents are required for the application?
Candidates need a current CV and a cover letter setting out their interest and relevant experience. Applications are due by 12pm CET on Wednesday 2 December 2026.
How much does the Regional Hub Manager job pay?
Salary and benefits are listed as competitive. The vacancy does not state a specific figure.
Who can answer questions about the recruitment process?
Karina Rinaldi-Doligez of Perrett Laver handles questions about the process. Perrett Laver leads the appointment on behalf of EIT Water.
Deadline
⏳ 02 December 2026
Links
Vacancy details: https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/VacancyDetail/70f29aa4-7fd0-6588-a687-3a2441844442
Application form: https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/VacancyForm/70f29aa4-7fd0-6588-a687-3a2441844442
Further information: https://perrettlaver.com/eit-water-regional-hub-managers-recruitment/
Questions about the process (Karina Rinaldi-Doligez): Karina.RD@perrettlaver.com
