Policy Officer for Sustainability and Digitalization

Job Description

We are facing rapid digitalization of the economy and society, significant influence from major technology companies, and rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The challenge is to ensure that we maintain our position as one of Europe’s best-performing digital economies. Based on our Digital Economy Strategy, which sets out goals and priorities for 2030, we are working together with a broad group of stakeholders and colleagues in other departments to realize this ambition. The Digital Economy Directorate develops policy, sets new strategies, influences European and international legislation, and coordinates various processes, all in support of the digitalizing economy.

Digitalization also offers opportunities to make our economy more sustainable. For instance, digitalization makes a fundamental contribution to digital innovations that support the energy transition and contribute to a circular economy. This can be achieved, for example, by making production processes more efficient or by enabling the integration of solar and wind energy into our energy system. On the other hand, the energy consumption and ecological footprint of the digital sector pose a challenge. Balancing different interests is inevitable when shaping the sustainable digital transition.

As a strategic advisor, you play a key role in balancing these competing interests. Together with a core team, you are responsible for implementing strategic initiatives to enhance the sustainability of the digital economy. Collaboration is essential in this regard, both within and outside the ministry, with public and private partners. You will collaborate with various stakeholders to develop policy measures and programs that enhance the impact of digitalization on sustainability. For example, you will work closely with other ministries and societal partners, such as the National Coalition for Sustainable Digitalization (NCDD). In doing so, you will monitor and analyze relevant developments and identify opportunities for improvement. You will also contribute to reporting on the progress and impact of sustainability initiatives.

In addition, you will contribute to the broader strategic coordination of various processes, including the interdepartmental decision-making bodies focused on digitization. Collaboration with various ministries is crucial to ensuring that digitization policies remain aligned across the government. In this regard, you will play a strategic and coordinating role with your counterparts to ensure that communications both within and outside the ministry run smoothly. In addition, you will provide substantive advice on decisions pending at the director and director-general levels and identify problems, while also proposing solutions yourself. There is also room to further develop your strategic role, such as maintaining contact with stakeholders, contributing to the better utilization of EU funds for digitization, or contributing to the monitoring and further recalibration of the Digital Economy Strategy.

The Digital Economy Department consists of a diverse group of people with varied academic backgrounds (including engineering, economics, law, and public administration) who work together harmoniously. We are a team of passionate professionals and are looking for someone who shares our passion and drive. You are someone who connects people, collaborates well, is constructive, and contributes to a pleasant and inclusive work environment. We regularly host casual get-togethers, a spectacular winter party, and an unmissable summer outing.

We’ll work with you to define your specific duties and responsibilities based on your experience. One thing is certain: you’ll be joining an exciting, diverse, dynamic, and relevant work environment. We’re eager to hear your story and look forward to your fresh, critical perspective and your sense of humor.

Job Requirements

• You have a college degree and are able to quickly grasp complex information.
• You have a wide range of interests and are passionate about sustainability.
• Experience in policy development and interagency collaboration is a plus.
• You have experience with process improvements and organizational issues.
• You can communicate clearly in both Dutch and English, both verbally and in writing.

If you don’t meet all the job requirements but think you’re a good fit, we warmly invite you to apply anyway.

Skills:

• Analytical and conceptual skills.
• Connecting and focused on collaboration.
• Politically and administratively savvy, with the ability to effectively manage conflicting interests.
• Results-oriented.
• Innovative and creative action.
• Stress-resistant.
• Good at planning and organizing.

Terms of Employment

Salary level: Grade 11, Grade 12

Monthly salary: min. €3,662 – max. €6,320 (gross)

Employment status: Fixed-term employment contract with the possibility of conversion to a permanent contract

Contract duration: Temporary appointment / Fixed-term employment contract with the possibility of conversion to a permanent position

Minimum number of hours per week: 32

Maximum number of hours per week: 36

Other terms and conditions of employment

In addition to your salary, you will receive an Individual Choice Budget (ICB). The ICB consists of money (16.37% of your gross annual salary) and time. With the ICB, you can make choices that suit you and customize part of your employment benefits. For example, you can choose to have a portion of your monthly income paid out whenever you wish. You can also convert this budget into leave and vice versa, or spend it on tax-friendly purposes. The Dutch government is strongly committed to personal growth and career development and offers numerous opportunities for this. Secondary employment conditions include various study facilities, company fitness programs, full reimbursement of your public transportation costs for commuting, and partially paid parental leave.

Details

• The introductory and selection process consists of at least two rounds of interviews and a final discussion regarding terms of employment.
• Checking references or conducting an assessment may be part of the selection process.
• Colleagues within the central government who are permanent employees may be seconded.
• If you do not (yet) have a permanent position as a civil servant, you will start with a temporary position with the prospect of a permanent one.

What else do we offer you:

• A pleasant work environment with excellent facilities, just a short walk from the central station.
• Plenty of opportunities to continue developing your skills and specialize.
• We believe it’s important to maintain a good work-life balance. Working hours can be arranged flexibly by mutual agreement.
• If you are hired, hybrid work is an option; you will work partly from home and partly at the office. We believe it is important to have a good home office setup. We therefore offer a subsidy for home office equipment and a work-from-home allowance in accordance with the Central Government Collective Labor Agreement (CAO Rijk).

After the application deadline, the job posting and the employer’s contact information will no longer be visible online. To avoid having to request this information later, we ask that you download and save the job posting.

We do not accept unsolicited applications for our job openings.

Interested in applying?

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy / Directorate-General for Economy and Digitalization (DGED) invites you to apply on their website. Clicking the button below will take you directly to the application form. The government values a diverse and inclusive organization. Working in diverse teams makes us more effective, more innovative, and makes the work more enjoyable. Everyone is therefore invited to apply.