Job Description

Intro

The Belgian Red Cross-Flanders (BRC-Fl) supports international partners in Sub-Saharan Africa and Ukraine in delivering high-impact programs in First Aid, Blood and Plasma, and Epidemic Preparedness.
Within the Knowledge Unit of our International Department, we support partner countries by sharing our national expertise and evidence-based tools to strengthen health systems and save lives.

Functiebeschrijving

Are you passionate about using your expertise to make a tangible difference in people’s lives? Are you results-driven and obtain satisfaction more from output than from process?
As a Process Engineer – International within our Knowledge Unit, you will play a key role in bringing Belgian Red Cross-Flanders’ expertise to international partners, helping to strengthen health systems and improve access to safe blood and plasma in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
In this role, you will focus on blood and plasma systems, working closely with our Belgian blood bank specialists and local partners to:

• Proactively and rapidly build your knowledge of blood and plasma systems to a level that enables credible interaction with experts both internationally and in Belgium.
• Support Red Cross Societies abroad in expanding their base of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors, ensuring a sustainable and safe blood supply.
• Help public blood banks and health institutions improve the quality, efficiency, and safety of blood and plasma production.
• Follow up and provide technical expertise for programs related to blood and plasma systems in partner countries.
  You will work closely with Belgian Red Cross-Flanders’ research centers to support research activities and continuously improve our services and methodologies. (You can find here examples of guidelines we developed, and here of lab research projects).
  Beyond the technical aspects, you will contribute to expanding RKVI’s funding base by identifying and developing new partnerships with foundations, corporate donors, private philanthropists, and innovative financing mechanisms to scale up our impact.

Your impact
In this role you will:

• Strengthen blood and plasma systems across Sub-Saharan Africa by supporting local Red Cross Societies, public institutions, and blood banks to increase voluntary donations and improve the quality and safety of blood products.
• Export Belgian Red Cross-Flanders’ expertise by supporting international partners with evidence-based practices and technical guidance.
• Enable data-driven decision-making through strong planning, monitoring, evaluation, and applied research.
• Expand RKVI’s reach and sustainability by identifying new funding opportunities and building partnerships with foundations, corporations, and innovative financing actors.
• Act as a bridge between Flemish experts and international partners, facilitating knowledge transfer, capacity building, and long-term resilience in health systems.

Jouw profiel

• A master’s degree in a medical, scientific, bioengineering, or related field.
• Strong output- rather than process-orientation.
• Meticulous project management experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Experience in stakeholder management and collaboration with diverse partners.
• A long-term commitment to RKVI’s mission (we are looking for someone willing to stay at least 5 years, the minimum time required to acquire the relevant knowledge and network, and to then use it to make a meaningful contribution).
• Willingness and flexibility to travel to challenging environments (Ukraine and Sub-Saharan Africa).
• Excellent command of English, Dutch, and French.

Ons aanbod

• A meaningful and impactful role in a purpose-driven organization.
• A varied and responsible position with international impact.
• A permanent contract.
• A competitive salary package

Plaats van tewerkstelling

Mechelen, Belgium (fully in-person position)