Policy Officers for High-Tech, Semiconductors, and Digitalization

Policy Officers for High-Tech, Semiconductors, and Digitalization

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy / Directorate-General for Business and Innovation (DGBI)

Job Description

How a small country can make a big impact: the Dutch semiconductor industry holds a unique position in the world. Renowned companies such as ASML, ASM, and NXP operate and compete on a global scale within a highly geopolitical environment. We offer you a unique opportunity to further support these companies from within the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) and help them remain competitive. You’ll also work on new ecosystems such as photonics and quantum technology. Does this appeal to you, and would you like to collaborate with a driven team in a challenging environment? Then apply for this position.

The Dutch semiconductor industry makes a significant contribution to our economy. The sector develops high-quality equipment that continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible with digitalization and AI. The Netherlands is also active in the fields of chip design and chip manufacturing, and is investing heavily in new technologies such as photonics and quantum technology. All these developments are particularly relevant to our challenges regarding sustainability and digitalization.

Substantial investments in knowledge and innovation are needed to remain competitive on a global scale. However, expansion and growth are not a given now that the Netherlands is reaching its limits in terms of space, energy, and available talent. In addition, the sector is facing a rapidly changing international landscape due to shifting geopolitical dynamics. As a result, companies, knowledge institutions, and the government are examining vulnerabilities in the value chain, investing in new projects and partnerships, and taking measures regarding (digital) espionage and export controls. All with the aim of increasing strategic autonomy.

The Top Sectors and Industrial Policy (TOP) Directorate at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) is the primary point of contact for this exciting sector. The directorate is seeking two enthusiastic and proactive policy officers who want to contribute to a strong and resilient Dutch semiconductor industry. This involves developing and implementing an active industrial policy that takes into account both opportunities and threats, including in the field of cybersecurity.

• You will be working in a team of dedicated colleagues. As part of that team, you will interact frequently not only with other departments within the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy but also with companies, research institutions, industry associations, and other government agencies. You will always be open to dialogue and will provide these parties with the best possible support.
• You closely monitor developments within companies, identify trends relevant to policy, and translate these into concrete policy measures. In doing so, you maintain regular contact with a number of strategic companies within the sector and work to foster a strong collaborative relationship between the government and the business community.
• You will help shape national policy. This often involves broad and complex issues involving many different stakeholders. You will need to adapt quickly and gain a rapid understanding of the issues and the dynamics at play.
• As part of the National Growth Fund, you will collaborate with companies and research institutions to develop strategic innovation programs.
• Together with the postal networks in various countries, you will help your sub-sector scale up internationally. In this context, you will also maintain close contact with the European Commission and other member states, for example regarding the European Chips Act and the Network and Information Security (NIS II) Directive.
• Through all these tasks, you will serve as an important link between the government and the semiconductor industry (and the high-tech manufacturing sector in general).

Job Requirements

• You enjoy the challenge of building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders—such as businesses, research institutions, and government agencies—on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.
• Thanks to your excellent understanding of political and administrative dynamics, you are adept at handling conflicting interests.
• You are creative, proactive, and a true go-getter. You can quickly get up to speed on topics that are new to you and switch easily between different tasks. You also have a healthy critical eye and are skilled at maintaining a clear overview in a complex field with many stakeholders.
• You work well independently and enjoy proactively seizing opportunities. When it comes to translating ideas into concrete actions and results, you take the lead when the situation calls for it, and you have the persuasive skills to get others on board with your ideas.
• You have strong communication skills, both verbal and written, in Dutch and English;
• An affinity for the high-tech manufacturing industry, particularly the semiconductor industry and the field of digitalization. Experience in developing and implementing policies for business and innovation is a plus;
• The TOP management team is responsible for a wide range of topics and operates at a fast pace in a constantly changing environment. You are therefore expected to maintain an open, flexible, and collaborative attitude when supporting colleagues on other topics.

Terms of Employment

Salary level: Grade 11, Grade 12

Monthly salary: Min. €3,608 – Max. €6,227 (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.
• The goal is to hold the first interviews by the end of August.
• 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.

What else do we offer you:

• A pleasant work environment with excellent facilities within walking distance of the central station;
• Plenty of opportunities to continue developing your skills and specialize.
• We believe it is 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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Interested in applying?

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy / Directorate-General for Enterprise and Innovation (DGBI) invites you to apply on their website. Click the button below to leave this site and go 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.