R&D Action Research for Sustainability Transitions

VITO is a Flemish independent research organization in the field of cleantech and sustainable development.

Our goal? Accelerate the transition to a sustainable world.

VITO Nexus is an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary team within VITO that unlocks knowledge about accelerating sustainability transitions. At VITO Nexus, we are convinced that if we want to give our society and planet a future, we will need to fundamentally make our human actions and behavior more sustainable. And to do that, we will need to change broadly and deeply. For VITO Nexus, "sustainability transitions" also mean fair and inclusive changes. VITO Nexus aims to contribute to that sustainability mission by helping those who want to become more sustainable to profoundly change.

At VITO Nexus, we also believe that the solutions lie in transversal thinking and action, cutting across silos and expertise. Not only because we will have to make the future together or because two expertises are more powerful than one, but also because the old way of thinking is exhausted. The old systems brought us to where we are today. If we want to do it differently, we will also have to think, act, and organize differently, or update old modes of thought so they can serve new purposes.

VITO Nexus can be seen as a safe space for thinking and doing, where anything is possible as long as it contributes to real sustainability and leads to actionable knowledge and knowledgeable action. We know how to create and guard the space where this thinking and doing takes place. We do this with respect for, interest in, and involvement of all stakeholders, but also with an eye towards practical implementation and change.

VITO Nexus is not a typical process facilitator, nor a typical research environment. Research and action go hand in hand in the way we work. Along with our knowledge of change processes from transition science, we also bring substantive scientific expertise to the table. Our integration into VITO means that we have direct access to top knowledge in sustainability in areas such as chemistry, land use, health, energy, and resources. And as we work, we also build new knowledge. This enriches research and strengthens action.

A good resource on the Nexus approach is our learning platform NEXUS learn https://nexuslearn.vito.be/

Your tasks

• You perform action research for and with various stakeholders, from citizens to companies.

• You co-design,, co-implement and co-facilitate transition processes and activities within and outside VITO.

• You proactively reflect on our impact and translate these reflections into improvements to the team’s functioning.

• You connect with different expertise areas within VITO.

• You inspire colleagues by bridging the ‘as is’ and ‘to be’ in your actions.

• You appreciate and communicate knowledge and insights on sustainability transitions to empower others to act and implement change.

• You support in the project management of national and international research projects.

• You support in the transformative capacity building actions of VITO Nexus.

• You identify new projects, formulate project proposals, and set up collaborations within and outside of VITO.

Examples of projects 

Some projects VITO Nexus is involved in: 

EPIC Africa – Sustainable water energy food pathways 

Home - Tandems (lifetandems.eu) 

Hybride Wonen | VLAIO 

MOSAIC (mosaic-europe.eu) 

Welcome in the arena | H2050 

• You are familiar with transition studies or systems thinking (e.g CLD’s), and keen on developing this knowledge further with a scientific mindset.

• You exhibit humility, openness, and helpfulness, serving as a valuable partner in transitions.

• You make impact with patience, prefer an open dialogue, and value others’ perspectives.

• You excel as a connector, emphasizing co-creation, group dynamics, and deep democracy.

• Your eagerness to learn is notable.

• You embrace the complexity, conflict, and uncertainty inherent in sustainability issues, adeptly transforming them into collaborations.

• You have experience in facilitating processes and groups, or are willing to develop the necessary skills to do so.

• You are adept at communicating and writing clearly and engagingly in English; knowledge of Dutch is mandatory.

• Affinity with activating storytelling is considered a plus.

• You hold a master’s degree, or an equivalent through demonstrable experience.

• A Ph.D. or experience with scientific publications can be a plus to demonstrate the above.

• Ideally available on a short term basis.

Offer

• You can work in a challenging and resourceful organization, that works on a broad scope of today's urgent sustainability challenges

• You have real impact as you look for innovative solutions for today's and tomorrow’s challenges.

• You are supported by helpful and fun colleagues that are eager to share their expertise in the field.

• You will be part of an organization where we show integrity and always strive for mutual benefit in close cooperation with all parties involved.

• VITO is an international organization: 60+ different nationalities work with us. Our working language is English.

• If you're tired of the frequent commute, you've come to the right place. We work 'activity based', our activities bring us to our location. Part-time work from home, our headquarters in Mol, or working from a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Ghent, Genk, Kortrijk, Leuven or Ostend is possible.

• We promote and support continuous learning and development in a stimulating environment.

• We consider work-life balance to be of paramount importance at VITO. We are open to discuss your needs at any time and we have a flexible approach to finding solutions.