Policy Advisor for Education and Healthcare

What will you be doing?

As an education and care policy advisor, you will work within the Educational Opportunities team to strengthen collaboration between youth care, specialized education, and mainstream education, so that children can receive the education and care they need in one place. You are a key link in ensuring that all students—regardless of background or support needs—can participate in education. Your days are varied. One moment you’re in contact with members to gather questions from the field, and the next you’re liaising with stakeholders, such as advocacy groups or the Ministries of Education and Health, Welfare, and Sports, to translate solutions into national policy.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Advising the board on relevant developments in the fields of healthcare and (specialized) education in the context of the shift toward more inclusive education, and, where necessary, developing alternatives and proposals for the association’s board;
• Maintaining a clear overview of complex issues ensures that strategic goals remain concrete and achievable;
• Maintaining contact with (representatives of) our members—the school organizations—to stay informed about developments in the sector and ensure that agreements are implemented;
• Developing a network and maintaining contacts with various other relevant parties, such as industry associations, labor unions, government agencies, and partnerships;
• Consult with (government) agencies to influence national policy.

Who are you?

We are looking for a motivated colleague who is eager to make a strategic contribution to the advancement of equal opportunities for all students and who is able to engage in substantive discussions on relevant topics. You are capable of working both independently and as part of a team, and you have experience contributing ideas and participating in discussions at the strategic level regarding issues related to special education and (specialized) education. In addition, you bring the following to the table:

• You are both analytical and action-oriented, good at maintaining an overview, and able to translate analyses into concrete recommendations for our executive board, the association, and our partners;
• You have a strong sense of political and administrative sensitivity and strategic advisory skills;
• You work constructively with your colleagues, our members, and advisors from other stakeholder groups, and you serve as a strong discussion partner thanks to the expertise you bring to the table;
•  You are curious, stay up to date on new developments, and translate these into interesting initiatives for our industry and association;
• You find it energizing to work in an organization with a diverse range of stakeholders and complex issues;
• You are familiar with the latest developments in (early childhood) education, or you can quickly get up to speed on new topics;
• You have at least five years of relevant work experience;
• Experience in (youth) care and special education is a plus.

Are you unsure whether you meet all the job requirements, but does the position appeal to you? Don’t hesitate to apply! We believe that talent develops in many different ways and are open to candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

What do we offer?

We offer you a challenging position in which you will have the opportunity to contribute to quality education for every child in a large and dynamic sector. You will receive a full-time position (32 hours per week is negotiable) for a term of one year, with the prospect of a permanent contract. You will earn a gross monthly salary between €4,728 and €7,297 (depending on experience), based on scale 11/12 of the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities. The PO-Raad operates on a 38-hour workweek.

We also offer excellent benefits, such as:

• A generous leave policy of 232 hours, with the option for additional compensatory leave
• An end-of-year bonus of 8.3%
• An excellent pension plan with ABP
• The option to work remotely
• Travel expense reimbursement or an NS Business Card if your commute to our office is more than 10 kilometers
• An internet allowance of €25 net per month and a work-from-home allowance.

Where will you be working?

The PO-Raad (located right next to Utrecht Overvecht Station) is the sector association for primary education. As an association, we represent the common interests of schools and school organizations in primary education, special primary education, and (secondary) special education.

Every day, our members are dedicated to providing the best possible education for their students. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, they continue to innovate and improve.

The PO-Raad promotes, supports, and represents the sector, ensuring that the voice of primary education is heard loud and clear. Together with approximately 80 dedicated staff members, we work to provide high-quality and accessible education for all children. We place great value on a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Want to learn more and apply?

Please send your resume and cover letter by Monday, September 8, 2025, to vacature@poraad.nl. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Lourens Boeder, Advisor on Equal Opportunity and Inclusive Education (06-22335891).

The first interviews will take place on September 15 and 16. A potential follow-up interview is scheduled for September 23.

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.