VITO develops technology to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable society and economy. One of the key technologies applied in this context is Remote Sensing. The Remote Sensing Unit of VITO has a long tradition, but Remote Sensing has never been more innovative & fascinating than today. With the increasing number of satellites, drones, processing facilities and technologies like artificial intelligence, the opportunities with remote sensing are larger than ever.
Meanwhile the Remote Sensing team of VITO counts more than 100 motivated scientists, IT engineers and project managers. To facilitate the growth of our ambitions we are looking for an extra colleague, more specifically an International Business Developer with a focus on the institutional market.

You will be full time employed as Business Developer in VITO’s Remote Sensing team.

• This means that you will scout opportunities in the institutional market. The main clients will be European Institutes like the European Commission, EC’s Joint Research Institute, the European Space Agency, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, the European Environment Agency, etc. While the focus will be on these European clients, also international Clients like the United Nations might be targeted. You will scout interesting opportunities that fit our strategy and goals. Once opportunities have been identified, you will manage the entire bid process.
• This function requires expert skills with respect to bid management. You should be able to handle large and complex tenders, where you take the lead over an international partnership. This requires excellent management skills, negotiation power, planning & budgeting experience, and a delegating attitude. You don’t have to be an expert in remote sensing, GIS or data science. But a sound understanding of these domains and knowledge of the ecosystem in which we operate is a strong asset.

In VITO you will report on your activities to the Program Manager and the management team. Outside VITO you will communicate frequently with clients and partners. Hence, excellent writing and presenting skills are key.

WE OFFER YOU

• A customer-facing position in an internationally oriented research institute with a competitive salary with a range of benefits, including allowances, insurance and a modular package of holidays.
• Network opportunities with industry leaders at (international) conferences.
• Innovation is our asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to take additional training courses and stay up-to-date in their field. You will always have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and discover new technologies.
• We work ‘activity-based’, our activities bring us to our location. Our headquarter is in Mol. Part-time working from home or a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Leuven, Ghent, Genk or Ostend is possible.
• With us, you will contribute directly to sustainable developments at local, national and global level through your innovative applications. You provide answers to contemporary societal challenges.

We are looking for a senior profile, creative and highly motivated, with at least the following qualifications:

• You hold a Master or PhD degree related to engineering, bio-science engineering, or environmental sciences;
• You have a passion for the natural environment and wants to contribute to solutions that improve the sustainability of our environment;
• Proven knowledge and expertise in the management of large tenders, involving many partners. Experience in all core bid duties like consortium building, financial negotiation, strategy development, and coordination of the writing;
• Knowledge of the European funding landscape is a strong asset;
• A project management certificate is an asset but not a strict requirement;
• Knowledge on remote sensing, geo-information systems and/or data science, though you should not be the scientific expert in these domains;
• Strong customer focus;
• A borne negotiator;
• The ability to make decisions, act on your own initiative and operate in a pro-active way;
• Excellent team/client interpersonal skills
• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English;
• A strong interest to work in an international environment.

Please refer the Job description for details