ROLE: Chief Data Officer (CDO)

Within FOD Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment (FOD VVVL), we are fully engaged in further developing our Data Office program. This program is central to our data-driven operations and strategic decision-making.

To support this growth, we are looking for an experienced and strong program manager who can temporarily strengthen our team and bring valuable expertise in the areas of program management, governance, and change. As a program manager, you are responsible for the structured follow-up of the Data Office program. You ensure proper structuring and documentation of projects and are able to articulate a clear data strategy. You play an important role as interim chief data officer (CDO) and actively contribute to innovation, including with AI. You establish connections with the business at the executive level and stimulate the launch of projects around data governance and data literacy. In addition, you work on the further professionalization of data management in general within FOD VVVL. You are also responsible for monitoring and adjusting the existing data strategy, as well as aligning business priorities with the execution of the data strategy roadmap, so that it can be broadly supported within the organization.

We are looking for a CDO with broad knowledge of various data technologies, without expecting you to master in-depth technical details. An additional asset is if you can introduce supported innovation within our organization. Skills in good project management are essential, and knowledge of FISP 2 is a plus.

Assignment duration: 9 to 12 months

Start: asap

Work regime: varying between full-time and part-time depending on needs

Location: Brussels or partially remote

• Excellent communication skills with internal stakeholders and strong presentation skills.
• Proven experience in people management (15+ people).
• At least 10 years of experience in data governance & quality, AI, BI, or a related domain.
• Demonstrable experience in agile environments and managing complex projects.
• Excellent leadership qualities and stakeholder management.
• Fluent Dutch (preferably native), good command of French