Basic Skills Advisor

• 32–36 hours per week
• Salary depends on education and experience (scale 9 of the collective bargaining agreement for libraries, ranging from €3,623 to €4,629, based on full-time employment)
• One-year contract (with the possibility of renewal)
• Based in Hoofddorp, with regular travel required
• Comments must be submitted by March 30, 2025

Make a difference

Would you like to support and advise libraries in their important role within society? As a basic skills advisor, you will help libraries—in collaboration with their local networks—to empower residents in the areas of basic skills and digital inclusion. You will work closely with libraries to develop their services and increase residents’ self-reliance. You identify opportunities, both at libraries and within Probiblio, and translate these into concrete actions. As a connector, you actively maintain contact with a network of specialists and serve as a source of information and a sounding board. Thanks to your insight, you respond to current developments and provide advice to libraries. Furthermore, you contribute your expertise to national collaboration within the library sector. Do you want to make an impact and help libraries make a difference?

A week as a Basic Skills Advisor

No two days are the same in your role as a Basic Skills Advisor. You’re constantly on the go—visiting libraries, meeting with partners, and keeping up with new developments. Here’s a glimpse into your typical week (36 hours):

Monday – Office and preparation

You start the week at our office in Hoofddorp. At the coffee machine, you discuss with colleagues the insights from a meeting on reaching people who struggle with reading and writing. Then you dive into your emails and prepare for a consultation with a library that wants to strengthen its Digital Government Information Point (IDO). In the afternoon, you’ll work with colleagues on a plan to support local Language Centers in their professional development.

Tuesday – Off to the libraries

You start the morning with the weekly team meeting—a brief team session to check in with each other and share what everyone is working on. You won’t be there in person this time, because today you’re visiting a library that’s working to further develop its numeracy programs. Together with the library coordinator, you’ll discuss the challenges and offer advice on potential steps and partnerships. In the afternoon, you travel to another library where you’ll lead a training session on the social-educational library. You’ll end the day with a brief debriefing with the library’s basic skills specialist.

Wednesday – Networking and knowledge sharing

The morning begins with an online meeting with an external consultant to discuss new developments in digital inclusion. Afterward, you head to a regional conference on health literacy, which you organized together with your colleagues. Library managers and staff share experiences and discuss opportunities for development and innovation. Afterward, you provide a brief update to your colleagues and elaborate on the key insights.

Thursday – Exchange and Collaboration

The morning will focus on discussion and action related to Digital Government Information Points (IDO). During an online discussion session for IDO specialists, you’ll answer questions, share examples, and connect libraries. In the afternoon, you’ll co-facilitate a session with a colleague on collaborating with local organizations, and together you’ll ensure that everyone leaves with concrete ideas.

Friday – Reflection and Looking Ahead

Today you’re working from home for half the day. You’re taking the time to reflect on the week’s insights and share some highlights with colleagues via internal channels. You’re planning ahead and putting the finishing touches on a consulting report. Finally, you update your timesheet and log out. Next week is a whole new week!

You

• Understands the dynamics of the library sector and is aware of current developments at the professional, organizational, and societal levels.
• Brings people and organizations together and seamlessly coordinates between different parties.
• Provides clear advice that truly helps people move forward. You can motivate people and get them to take action.
• You feel comfortable speaking in front of a group and know how to inspire a variety of audiences.
• You’re a solution-oriented person who takes responsibility and enjoys variety in your work.
• Are you passionate about your work and committed to helping libraries grow and thrive?

We

• We’re a team of 12 colleagues who are just as motivated as you are.
• We are offering a one-year contract (with the possibility of renewal) for 32–36 hours per week. Your salary will range from €3,623 to €4,629 (scale 9, Public Libraries Collective Bargaining Agreement), plus 8% vacation pay and a year-end bonus of 4.5%. Note: As of July 1, 2025, gross monthly salaries under the Public Libraries Collective Bargaining Agreement will increase by 3.75%.
• They'll give you a free library card.
• We offer a flexible work-from-home arrangement with (if necessary) workplace amenities, such as a desk or office chair.
• They offer flexible working hours and are fans of hybrid work.
• We’ll provide you with practical items such as a phone, laptop, and NS business card.
• We invest in your growth and offer plenty of opportunities for you to develop further.

Everyone is welcome

We believe that diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences make us stronger. Not sure if you meet all the requirements? Apply anyway! We’re especially interested in your talent and motivation.

What happens next?

Please send your application (cover letter and resume) to vacature@probiblio.nl, addressed to Sabrina Damen, Manager of Education 18+, and be sure to include the job title. Questions? Please feel free to contact Sabrina Damen, Manager of Education 18+ (sdamen@probiblio.nl, 06 45 91 86 38).

The^first interviews are scheduled for Monday, April 7, and the^second interviews for Monday, April 14.

About us

Probiblio advises public libraries in North and South Holland. We assist them with research, provide new insights, and offer advice on digitization, HR, and their operations. Together with the library, we develop educational policies and support the library in implementing and ensuring their success. In doing so, we help libraries put themselves on the map. In addition, we transport books and materials. We are happy to do so. Libraries are incredibly important: they connect society.

ARecruitment inquiries regarding this job opening are not appreciated