Strategic Projects Officer

Do you want to…

·       …make a tangible impact on the sustainable society of tomorrow?

·       ...shape and drive strategic initiatives from concept to implementation?

·       …work directly with top leadership on high-priority, cross-functional projects?

·       ...take ownership in a dynamic, entrepreneurial setting with room to grow?

·       ...enjoy flexibility with hybrid work options and a healthy work-life balance?

Then the role of Strategic Projects Officer might be for you.

At VITO, we are the reference for independent, applied technological research that drives positive change in a world undergoing transition. Our mission is to accelerate the shift toward a sustainable society by combining scientific excellence with practical solutions. We work across three key impact domains - regenerative economy, resilient ecosystems and a healthy living environment - and deliver measurable results in Flanders, across Europe, and globally.

We bring together deep domain knowledge in people and environment, cutting-edge infrastructure, and digital innovation to tackle complex societal challenges. Our approach is scientifically grounded, solution-oriented, and driven by collaboration—with governments, industry, and knowledge institutions alike.

To support our continued growth and strategic ambitions, we are looking for a Strategic Projects Officer, a driven and pragmatic professional who will support and help realize strategic projects and processes at the executive level. In this role, you will be at the heart of VITO’s strategic engine, translating vision into action and ensuring that our most important initiatives are delivered with excellence and impact. This role reports to the Strategy & Impact Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Corporate Projects Portfolio Management
  Oversee the portfolio of strategic initiatives: monitor delivery, track progress, support prioritization, and maintain a funnel of new initiatives to ensure a healthy and forward-looking project pipeline.

• Acceleration of Key Strategic Projects and Initiatives
  Provide hands-on support to accelerate selected corporate projects: assist in setup, remove roadblocks, and ensure momentum in early-stage execution. Ensure change management and embedding of project results in daily operations.

• Corporate Performance Reviews
  Design and manage a structured process for tracking strategic KPIs: prepare quarterly performance reviews and progress updates for executive leadership.

• Strategic Planning & PMO Development
  Support the coordination of the annual strategic planning cycle by setting up timelines, gathering input from across departments, and partnering with stakeholders to ensure the strategy is well-anchored and actionable. In parallel, contribute to the development and strengthening of VITO’s project management approach by co-creating a practical and widely supported PMO framework—covering templates, tools, governance, and fostering a project-oriented culture.

• Change Management & Communication
  Plan and track the organizational change pulse: organize regular check-ins with key stakeholders and ensure timely and effective communication of strategy updates across the organization.

• Executive support

  Support the executive team by translating strategic input into clear, well-structured documents, presentations, and briefings for both internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Strategy, Economics, or a related field.

• 3-5 years of experience, preferably in strategy or management consulting or in a similarly strategic / project-driven role.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence without authority.

• A proactive, hands-on mindset with a passion for driving impact.

• Fluent in Dutch and English.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to make your mark on strategic and organizational processes within an impact-driven organization.

• Close collaboration with top-level leadership within the organization.

• An environment where you quickly gain responsibility, along with the support to grow.

• A competitive salary complemented by various fringe benefits, including allowances, insurance, and a flexible package of vacation days.

• At VITO, we work activity-based: your activities determine your work location. The headquarters—and primary workplace for this role—is located in Mol. Part-time remote work or working from one of our satellite offices in Antwerp-Berchem, Ghent, Genk, Leuven, or Ostend is possible.

Interested?

Do you see yourself in this role and are you ready to help build the sustainable society of tomorrow?
Then apply now or get in touch with us for more information.