OUR MISSION
Doctors of the World is an international medical development NGO and part of an international network. We provide medical assistance to vulnerable groups in Belgium and around the world.
We want universal health coverage where everyone has access to care, without barriers (financial, cultural, geographical, etc.).
To successfully carry out our mission, we rely on three pillars:
- Providing care : giving populations real access to healthcare.
- Change : more than helping, we want to change things in the long term.
- Bearing witness : we do not remain silent. Thanks to our experience and our presence on the ground, we challenge the authorities (local, regional and (inter)national) with facts, figures and realities.
Our projects follow a series of values ​​common to our entire organization: Social Justice, Empowerment, Independence, Commitment, Balance.
THE ESSENTIALS
As a research specialist, you will ensure the design, implementation, and quality of research projects carried out by Doctors of the World. You will collaborate closely with the MEAL coordinator, thematic coordinators, and academic partners in order to:
- Documenting the projects and contexts in which Doctors of the World is present;
- Strengthen the organization’s programmatic practices, knowledge production and advocacy;
- To contribute to the development and structuring of research across all of MdM’s areas of activity.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
You coordinate and organize all research activities of pilot and cross-cutting projects, in collaboration with the coordination teams, thematic referents and MEAL, in compliance with the mission, values ​​and ethical standards of the organization, in order to guarantee its scientific, operational and strategic quality.
Examples of tasks:
- Conduct literature reviews and preparatory work for the design of research projects
- Drafting research protocols and methodologies in collaboration with the MEAL coordinator and thematic coordinators
- Ensuring high-quality data collection that meets international research standards and ethical requirements
- Perform data analysis, format results, and discussion
- Prepare materials for disseminating results: reports, scientific articles, oral presentations
- Develop and maintain operational and strategic relationships with research partners, particularly academic partners, in Europe and in the countries of intervention
- Report any strategic, scientific, or regulatory issues to the Health Department
- In collaboration with pilot project coordinators, contribute to programmatic and advocacy strategies, particularly those supporting universal health coverage.
- Participate in the day-to-day operations of the teams within which research projects take place.
- Implement the new procedures and protocols defined by the Health Department
- Work with project teams to identify key methodologies for measuring the impact of advocacy and campaigns, take steps to document lessons learned, and disseminate results.
- Seek opportunities to share information and disseminate learning with operational and academic stakeholders.
As members of the Health Management team
You analyze, communicate and contribute to the continuous improvement of existing procedures, methods and tools, in order to enable the optimal conduct of research activities and to strengthen the expertise of the Health Directorate.
Examples of tasks:
- Provide briefings and debriefings to employees on the tools and methodological frameworks of the projects
- Actively participate in internal meetings (mission week, coordination of Belgian projects, country teams, etc.)
- Collaborating on the content and updating of dashboards, guides, and manuals
- Contribute to the organization of backup staff (absences, leave)
- Draft meeting minutes related to its activities and ensure regular reporting
- Participate in the evaluation and development of Annual Action Plans
- Conduct site/project visits (internal control, coaching, harmonization of practices)
- Assist the MEAL lead in standardizing methodologies and information gathering tools
- Participate in the dissemination and popularization of Doctors of the World’s strategies, protocols and themes among operational teams
YOUR PROFILE
- Proven experience in health research (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods), participatory approach
- Ability to collaborate with academic institutions and researchers
- Knowledge of and/or interest in marginalized groups (homeless people, sex workers, drug users, etc.)
- International experience, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts, is an asset.
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Experience working within multidisciplinary teams
- Sense of initiative, diplomacy, anticipation, negotiation, creativity and flexibility
- Excellent command of French; written and reading English essential; Dutch preferred
WE OFFER
- A rewarding and essential role at the heart of Doctors of the World Belgium’s projects
- A permanent, full-time contract (100% – 5 days a week – 39 hours)
- Meal vouchers (€8, of which €1.09 is paid by the employee and €6.91 by the employer) – Hospitalization insurance – 100% reimbursement of public transport costs
- A gross salary of €4,208.89 for 5 years of experience; a gross salary of €4,423.59 for 10 years of experience; relevant experience recognized
- Holidays (to be prorated): 20 statutory days + 6 RTT days + 4 extra statutory days between Christmas and New Year’s
- Job location: Brussels, with the possibility of working from home 2 days a week.
- Start date: as soon as possible
How to apply
Please submit your application by 01/02/2026 using the appropriate application form.
Médecins du Monde Belgium reserves the right to finalize recruitment before the closing date for receiving applications.
Doctors of the World Belgium does not request any financial participation in the recruitment process.
Doctors of the World Belgium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion within its teams. We encourage all applications, regardless of origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, beliefs, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We inform you that your personal data is stored electronically and will be processed confidentially. For the purposes of this application, your data will be kept for a period of 6 months. Only individuals authorized under our General Privacy Policy will have access to your data for strictly internal purposes.