Executive Director

European Blood Alliance

About the Organisation

The EBA, as a voluntary association of blood services, currently represents 32 European countries and is the recognised voice of public blood services in Europe. Together, its members collect over 17 million blood donations annually, supplying lifesaving blood components and contributing to the health and resilience of millions of citizens.

EBA stands at the forefront of European and international collaboration on blood, tissues and cells. Through its work with the European Commission, the Council of Europe, EDQM, the World Health Organization, and international Transfusion Medicine organisations and partners, EBA influences policy, drives innovation, promotes excellence, and strengthens the sustainability of blood systems across Europe and beyond. EBA is registered in the Netherlands, and its head office is in Brussels, Belgium.

EBA has four strategic objectives: to promote voluntary non-remunerated donations (VNRD) of blood and blood components and self-sufficiency from VNRD; to improve performance through collaboration; to support national and European authorities to promote best practice and to facilitate information collection and knowledge exchange.

Our mission is to contribute to the safety, quality, availability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of the blood and tissue supply for the citizens of Europe by developing and maintaining strong collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective leadership amongst European blood and tissue services.

Our work is guided by five core values:

• Donor health
• Patient care
• Voluntary unpaid donation
• Openness through information sharing
• Excellence through evidence.

EBA is recognised internationally for its leadership in scientific collaboration, regulatory development, advocacy, research, and innovation. Through its programmes and partnerships, the Alliance helps shape the future of transfusion medicine and blood services globally. EBA operates as a highly influential membership organisation with a small but dedicated central office team currently comprising an Operations and Projects Manager, Advocacy Manager, Medical Director and administrative support staff.

About the role

The European Blood Alliance (EBA) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of blood services across Europe at a time of unprecedented change in healthcare, regulation, donor engagement, sustainability, and scientific advancement. Reporting directly to the EBA President and working closely with the Executive Board and central office team, the Executive Director will oversee EBA operations, functions, and activities, and lead the EBA through its next phase of development and influence.

The successful candidate will combine strategic leadership with operational delivery, serving as the public face of the organisation while ensuring that EBA continues to deliver meaningful value for its members. This is a role for an individual who is comfortable operating at the intersection of healthcare, science, policy, regulation and competent authorities and international relations. We are seeking an experienced and inspiring leader with a strong track record of delivering results through collaboration, influence, and strategic vision.

Given the seniority of the role, it is expected that the individual will have:

• Experience building organisational capability, capacity, and effectiveness
• An ability to operate independently whilst maintaining strong engagement with Boards and senior stakeholders
• Outstanding communication skills both oral and written, for networking, influencing, preparing and presenting high-quality reports, position papers, articles and other communications
• Cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively across diverse European environments.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop EBA as a modern, effective and influential European membership organisation
• Support and strengthen collaboration among member blood services across Europe
• Work with the President, Executive Board and central office team to shape strategic priorities and organisational direction
• Be alert to changes and developments in the blood services and transfusion field and incorporate these in the EBA’s strategy
• Build organisational capability, capacity, and sustainability
• Lead the development and delivery of an ambitious programme of activities aligned to member priorities
• Coordinate and expand EBA's portfolio of European research, innovation and collaborative projects
• Represent EBA at the highest levels with European institutions, national governments, regulatory bodies and international organisations including the European Commission, EDQM, WHO, and partner associations worldwide
• Strengthen EBA's influence in policy development affecting blood services, donor health and patient care
• Lead and manage the Brussels-based central office team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration
• Manage the day-to-day operations, governance, and financial stewardship of EBA.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential Criteria:

• Significant leadership experience in a complex organisation or international environment
• Knowledge of European Policy, Regulation, and Competent Authorities
• Experience engaging with European institutions and international organisations
• Excellent programme management skills
• Experience with complex EU-funded projects
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Desirable Criteria:

• At least 3 years’ experience in a leadership role in a complex organisation or international environment
• At least 3 years’ experience in a role directly involving European Policy, Regulation, and Competent Authorities
• At least 3 years’ experience engaging with European institutions and complex EU-funded projects
• At least 3 years’ experience engaging with international organisations
• Experience within blood services, transfusion medicine, healthcare, public health, or related sectors
• Experience leading research, innovation, and multi-country collaborative projects
• Knowledge of additional European languages.

Required Qualifications

• A recognised Qualification in a Healthcare/Science/European Policy/Allied Health/Management or other related discipline to a minimum of Masters Degree Level

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive and commensurate with experience
• A once-off reimbursement of up to €10 may also form part of the package if the successful candidate has to relocate.

Working locations

• Brussels, Belgium
• International travel required, primarily within Europe.

How to apply

• Applications must include a table which clearly and succinctly demonstrates how the candidate meets the essential criteria and if and how the candidate meets the desirable criteria.
• For further information and application, please contact Peter O'Leary, EBA Executive Director (departing), [email protected].

Interviews

• This table will form the basis of shortlisting for interview
• Interviews will take place between August 22nd and September 24th 2026

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