The European Innovation Council (EIC) is seeking highly qualified defence experts to support upcoming proposal evaluations through short‑term assignments.
Areas of Expertise Sought
The EIC is looking for experts with proven experience in defence technologies, including:
· Air and missile defence
· Artillery and precision strike systems
· Missiles and ammunition
· Drones and counter‑drone technologies
· Strategic enablers
· Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare
· Military mobility
· Ground combat systems
· Maritime defence
· Air combat systems
· Medical defence and countermeasures
In addition, financial expertise and/or venture capital experience, particularly related to defence innovation, is highly valued.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must hold a valid Personal Security Clearance (PSC) at EU CONFIDENTIAL level, issued by the competent national authorities.
Working Conditions
Selected experts will join evaluation panels assessing project proposals under short‑term assignments. Some evaluations may require on‑site participation in Brussels. Experts will be remunerated according to European Commission rules.
More information on working conditions is available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Work as an Expert.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
1. Register in the European Commission’s experts’ database by 15 October 2026, or update an existing profile by adding relevant keywords (e.g. defence, security clearance, defence innovation, critical defence technologies, venture capital, equity).
2. Submit an expression of interest via the dedicated form:
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/EICDefence
Applicants are also encouraged to consult the FAQs for experts and the IT manual for further guidance.
Personal Security Clearance
Experts must possess a valid EU Confidential PSC prior to submitting their expression of interest. Information on how to obtain a PSC should be requested from the relevant National Security Authorities, whose contact details are listed in Appendix C of Council Decision 2013/488/EU on EU classified information.
Next Steps
Candidates selected for the panels will be contacted in autumn 2026.