International Project Officer

We are looking for a dedicated and dynamic professional to strengthen the VITO International Office. You will have a crucial role in assisting VITO researchers throughout the project lifecycle, from proposal development to post-award activities. In addition you are responsible for the follow-up, guidance and promotion of approved projects within the framework of the Flemish International Climate Action Programme (FICAP, https://www.climate-action-programme.be/) and you also provide general support to the project work and activities organised by G-STIC.

Your responsibilities:

Support for International Research & Project Proposals

• Assist researchers in preparing and submitting international research project proposals.
• Provide guidance on proposal development, budgeting, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with Project Offices to ensure smooth processing of proposals.
• Support researchers in managing post-award activities, including reporting and audits.
• To collect and clarify all information, you will bridge the communication and you tune in with the colleagues at Finance, Legal or other central services where necessary.

Mapping Modalities of Funding Calls relevant to international research projects

• Analyze call requirements, eligibility criteria, and funding guidelines.
• Provide researchers with information and resources to navigate funding opportunities effectively.

Flemish International Climate Action Program & G-STIC

• Follow-up, guidance and promotion of approved projects under the FICAP .
• Maintain contacts and act as first point of contact for all FICAP stakeholders.
• Build an international network with organisations contributing to the annual G-STIC conference and other activities within the framework of G-STIC.
• Keep data in the CRM system up to date and provide general administrative support to your colleagues.
• Participate in the organisation of events to make the projects and results visible and to share knowledge.

Facilitate Collaboration and Communication

• Foster collaboration between the different stakeholders involved in international research projects.
• Serve as a central point of contact for inquiries related to international project management, especially when it comes to the commercial & proposal processes.
• Communicate updates, deadlines, and important information to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.

Continuous Improvement and Best Practices

• Identify opportunities to streamline international proposal processes and enhance efficiency in international project management.
• Share knowledge and expertise with researchers to help them excel in their project management efforts.

• You have a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• You have at least 3 year experience in a similar role and/or experience in similar fields such as project and program management.
• You easily establish new contacts and can build relationships.
• Affinity with development cooperation and climate finance is a plus.
• Well-organized, collaborative, flexible and accuracy characterize you.
• You have a customer-oriented attitude and know how to enthuse others.
• You are willing to attend networking activities and conferences. Making short trips abroad is among the possibilities.
• You are communicative and speak and write fluent Dutch and English.

Offer

• The possibility to work activity based: your activities determine your work place. On average, you are expected at our office in Antwerp-Berchem twice a week. The other days you can work from home or from other VITO locations (Mol, Genk, Ghent, Ostend), depending on the needs of the activities and your team.
• An attractive salary package supplemented with extra-legal benefits such as allowances, insurances and a modular holiday package.
• A great deal of freedom and flexibility in your job that enables you to achieve an attractive work-life balance.
• Innovation is our core value, we give our employees the opportunity to educate themselves and keep up to date within their field of expertise, moreover, we expect this.