Policy Advisor on Livelihood Security and Debt

This is your job

Your job is to develop solutions for the more complex issues related to “making ends meet and staying debt-free.” You’ll do this in collaboration with the board, the management team, our own implementing organization, and various organizations throughout the city of Utrecht.

In practical terms, this means that you will formulate policy proposals, develop them further, and contribute to the implementation of the solutions. Through your representation in the national network and lobbying efforts with the national government, you will help achieve the objectives of the City of Utrecht and promote Utrecht’s successful solutions.

About Work, Income, Making Ends Meet, Participation, and Becoming Debt-Free

Utrecht is a G4 municipality, facing metropolitan challenges and operating as a decisive, innovative organization with short lines of communication and a flat organizational structure. We are committed to leading the way in finding solutions for our residents and are always willing to look beyond the usual approaches. We maintain strong, close ties with many organizations and initiatives throughout the city. Great ideas can truly come from anywhere, and there is certainly room for your own ideas as well.

Work and Income (W&I) contributes to the quality of life and social cohesion in the city and focuses on increasing the financial independence of Utrecht residents. We support job seekers in entering the labor market and reintegrating into society. When residents are temporarily without income, we offer financial assistance and help prevent and resolve debt in a sustainable manner.

We work in mission-driven teams to address the challenges facing W&I. The “Making Ends Meet, Participating, and Debt-Free” (RMS) mission team, consisting of eight policy advisors, focuses on policy development related to issues such as the purchasing power and energy crises, anti-poverty measures, debt issues, and support for victims of the Benefits Scandal. In short, everything Utrecht residents need to ensure their livelihood security.

The mission team is part of Policy and Contract Management. This team consists of approximately 45 employees, operates in a political and administrative environment, and works closely with the other units within Work and Income (W&I) to ensure that policies are effectively translated into action.

Here’s what we offer
We want to make the most of your talents, help you grow, and support you in challenging situations. The development manager will assist you in this. Together with you, we ensure that all residents of Utrecht can live, work, and participate in a pleasant and healthy environment.

Below is our selection:

• A 32- to 36-hour workweek with a gross monthly salary ranging from €3,701 to €6,103 based on a 36-hour workweek (pay scale 11 or 12). The exact amount will be determined based on your knowledge and experience. Placement on the temporary entry-level pay scale is a possibility.
• A one-year employment contract with a one-month probationary period. There is a possibility of extension and a permanent contract. This depends on your demonstrated suitability and organizational developments.
• In addition to your salary, you’ll receive an Individual Choice Budget (ICB) equal to 17.05% of your salary. You decide how to use this budget. For example, you can use it to buy extra time off or have it paid out as vacation pay or a year-end bonus. Or you can have the entire amount paid out once a year.
• A good work-life balance. Working from home is an option. A 4x9 work schedule is negotiable.
• Opportunities for personal development, as well as a variety of courses and training programs.
• Many other benefits: such as exercising (online) with colleagues, participating in various networks and activities.
• For an overview of all other employment conditions, such as travel expense reimbursement and the comprehensive leave policies, please see here.

This is your input

Basically, you’ll need to bring:

• You have at least three years of experience as a policy advisor in a political-administrative organization, preferably a larger municipality.
  
• You have a college/university level of work and thinking.
  
• You have knowledgeof topics related to financial security and debt.
  

And the skills you’ll bring to the table include:

• You thrive in a fast-paced, politically sensitive work environment and are able to perform well under pressure.
  
• You combine strategic thinkingwith a results-oriented approach.
  
• You think in terms of opportunities and are innovative and can empathize with the lives of residents.
  
• You're good at building and maintaining a network both in the city and across the country.
  
• You have persuasiveness: both in writing and in person, you know how to get people excited about your solutions.
  

This is good to know

If you’re interested in joining the City of Utrecht as a Policy Advisor for Livelihood Security and Debt, please apply right away—no later than Tuesday, November 8. If you have any questions, please contact Noortje Smit, Development Manager, at 06 186 277 76. Or contactGitta Dalenberg, recruiter, at 06 481 921 45.

Initial interviews will take place during the week of November 14, and we may schedule^second interviews for the following week.