Freelance European Defence Fund (EDF) Consultant

Remote | Europe | Freelance

Have you successfully developed or led proposals for the European Defence Fund (EDF)?

Catalyze is expanding its network of experienced freelance consultants to support a growing portfolio of European defence, security and dual-use innovation projects.

We are looking for independent consultants with hands-on EDF experience who can lead complex funding projects, shape competitive proposals and act as a strategic partner to clients and consortia.

This is an opportunity for recurring collaboration with Catalyze across ambitious European defence innovation projects.

What will you do?

Lead EDF funding projects – Take ownership of European Defence Fund proposals from kick-off and strategy development through consortium coordination, writing, review and final submission.

Shape competitive proposals – Turn complex technical, commercial and consortium input into a compelling funding case, strengthening the project's positioning, impact, implementation and overall proposal strategy.

Act as a trusted consultant – Challenge project logic, identify gaps, guide clients and consortium partners, and keep complex proposal processes moving towards the deadline.

Depending on the assignment, you may lead an entire proposal or contribute specialist expertise to specific sections or workstreams.

Who are we looking for?

You are an established freelance EU funding consultant, proposal expert or grant professional with strong hands-on experience in the European Defence Fund.

Ideally, you bring:

• Demonstrable experience developing, writing or leading European Defence Fund (EDF) proposals.
• A strong track record in competitive European collaborative R&D funding programmes.
• Experience managing complex proposals involving multiple consortium partners and technical stakeholders.
• The ability to translate complex technologies and R&D plans into clear, evaluator-focused proposals.
• Strong project management, stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The confidence to advise and challenge clients rather than simply process the information provided.
• An established freelance practice and meaningful capacity for recurring assignments.
• Experience with EDIDP, PADR, Horizon Europe security/defence programmes or other European collaborative R&D programmes is highly relevant.

Relevant technology areas

Our projects may involve technologies such as:

• Artificial intelligence and digital technologies
• Robotics and autonomous systems
• Quantum technologies
• Semiconductors and microelectronics
• Photonics
• Advanced manufacturing
• Advanced materials
• Space technologies
• Cybersecurity and other defence technologies

You do not need to be a technical specialist across all these areas. What matters is your ability to understand complex innovation quickly, work effectively with technical experts and translate their input into a credible and competitive EDF proposal.

Why work with Catalyze?

Catalyze has more than 20 years of experience helping innovative organisations secure funding and bring ambitious innovations to market. We work with technology companies, research organisations and consortia across Europe.

As part of our freelance network, you can:

• Work on ambitious European defence and dual-use innovation projects.
• Access projects and clients through Catalyze's established European innovation network.
• Work remotely while collaborating with experienced consultants and technical experts.
• Build a recurring freelance relationship rather than joining us for only one assignment.
• Focus your expertise on high-value proposal development and strategic consulting.
• We value experienced independent professionals and aim to build long-term relationships with freelancers we know and trust.

Interested?

We would like to hear from experienced EDF professionals.

Please send us:

• Your CV or LinkedIn profile.
• A short overview of your EDF and relevant EU funding experience.
• Examples of 3–5 relevant proposals/projects, including your role and outcome where possible.
• Your current availability/capacity.

If your experience matches what we are looking for, we will arrange an introductory conversation to explore potential collaboration.