Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Expert

VIB values diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. VIB needs people from all backgrounds and ways of life to help build an environment that leads to excellent science. VIB is an equal-opportunity employer, and its employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for science that generates an impact on society. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also age, disability status, sexual orientation, religion, and many other parts of one’s identity. All VIB’s employees’ points of view are key to its success, and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.

To strengthen our initiatives toward creating a diverse and inclusive research environment, VIB headquarters is currently looking for an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion expert.

We are looking for an enthusiastic colleague who will help us in laying a solid foundation based on respect and welcoming of individual differences. This will make our community grow and fully embrace equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

As an EDI expert, you will take the initiatives to foster inclusivity within VIB to make VIB a fair and equitable working environment for all employees.

• Developing a comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy for VIB, including institutional policies, and ensuring the implementation
• Streamlining the recruitment processes with the principles of fair, transparent, and open hiring practices
• Collecting and analysing statistical data about the diversity of the workforce to monitor the diversity goals; deploying strategies and actions based on the collected statistics
• Providing advice, guidance, and support on EDI issues
• Developing and managing reporting systems for incidents
• Establishing close collaboration with the HR representatives of the nine VIB research centers, as well as other key stakeholders
• Engage in institutional strategic initiatives and committees such as group leader committee, postdoc committee, focus groups on well-being, training and proactively looking for ways to increase synergy in topics that cross the different groups
• Keep up to date with current thinking and best practices on EDI issues through networking with other practitioners and studying relevant legislation
• Maintain institutional EDI intranet and internet pages
• Preparing and delivering training activities together with the VIB Training team.

These responsibilities aim to build a research community that puts D&I at the heart of the employee experience at VIB and will foster conditions for equity and diversity.

• You possess at least a master’s degree.
• You have a proven track record of developing and implementing equal opportunity and diversity programs. 
• You can convey messages in a direct and clear way, both written and verbally, in English.
• You have demonstrated the ability to plan and successfully lead multi-stakeholder projects.
• You demonstrated the ability to establish effective working relations with colleagues and a wide range of stakeholders in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• You possess cultural sensitivity.

• A full-time position in a professional and international work environment in a world-class scientific institute
• A compensation package based on expertise and experience
• Learning and development opportunities to broaden your expertise
• An extensive network of (inter)national contacts
• Flexibility regarding place of employment (Ghent or Leuven)

Motivated candidates are asked to apply online.