Policy Officer for International Spectrum Policy

Policy Officer for International Spectrum Policy

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy / Directorate-General for Economy and Digitalization (DGED)

Job Description

Would you like to contribute to a better society in a results-oriented and inspiring environment? To a clear government role with a crystal-clear objective at the intersection of the economy, society, and technology? With frequent interaction with the business community and varied and challenging work? Are you analytically strong and willing to say no when necessary? Then this position is for you.

Texting, contactless payments, video calls, and streaming your favorite music on your phone while on the train. But also business communications at Schiphol Airport and live broadcasts of sporting events—it all runs through our wireless communication networks. Radio frequencies are the essential raw material for this. The frequency spectrum belongs to all of us, but without agreements, everyone “talks” at once and we reach no one. That is why the government manages the use of frequencies. Our goal? To ensure that we enable the wireless communication applications that are most beneficial to all of us.

As part of a fun and results-oriented team, we aim to be international leaders in frequency management. This ensures that the Netherlands continues to have access to innovative wireless communication services. Because those networks help keep Dutch society running: from self-driving containers in the Port of Rotterdam and cell phones to Wi-Fi and everything that can be connected to it, such as your smart doorbell or other smart home applications like your robot vacuum cleaner.

Every four years, decisions are made at the global level regarding which adjustments to the use of spectrum are desirable in order to meet new (market) needs for mobile applications, satellite use, and other applications such as broadcasting. At the European level, discussions are held in advance to determine which adjustments are deemed desirable. You will also regularly participate in these international meetings, representing Dutch interests. You determine the Dutch position by consulting with various stakeholders and weighing what serves the public interest. You then actively work to realize this position on the international stage. The subject matter is often technical in nature, but you do not shy away from it. You also do not need to understand every detail yourself; for that, you work closely with your colleagues at the National Inspectorate for Digital Infrastructure.

The outcomes of these international agreements largely determine the national activities within the Frequency Policy cluster. You will be involved in this work as well. For example, you will help shape policy decisions on how to implement international agreements within the Dutch context. To this end, you will assess the underlying frequency requirements of new technologies and applications and, together with your colleagues, determine whether and how those needs can be met. You build strong working relationships with companies, ministries, and implementing agencies, and you are able to clearly distinguish between relationships, substance, and interests. Spectrum is sometimes scarce, so you’ll need to find good, creative solutions and sometimes make difficult choices. It’s important that you can be critical in this process: what exactly does the spectrum need consist of, why is it necessary, and what is the value for the Netherlands? In doing so, you’ll be confident in making well-reasoned decisions and, when necessary, saying “no.” After all, you always take your position based on the broader public interest: what are the (competing) needs of the various frequency users, and what constitutes optimal use of the frequency spectrum for the Netherlands from the perspective of overall prosperity?

Job Requirements

• You have a master’s degree. Regardless of your field of study, we are primarily interested in your qualities and motivation.
• You have strong analytical skills, are solution-oriented, and creative. This allows you to quickly assess the choices at hand and determine the best option.
• You are able to make well-considered decisions and are persuasive.
• You are proactive and results-oriented.
• You have a pleasant demeanor and are skilled at collaborating and building and maintaining relationships, including internationally. You are not afraid to speak up in a large, international meeting.
• You have excellent spoken and written skills in both Dutch and English.
• You are willing to travel internationally on a regular basis to attend international meetings.
• Whether you have a few years of work experience or are in a senior role with extensive experience, you can grow with us. Salary is determined based on your knowledge and experience.

Terms of Employment

Salary level: Grade 11, Grade 12, Grade 13

Monthly salary: Min. €3,503 – Max. €6,786 (gross)

Employment status: Permanent employment contract

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 or transferred while retaining their current employment status.
• 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).

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Apply

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 away from this site and 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.