Coordinating Policy Officer in the Innovation and Knowledge Division

Coordinating Policy Officer in the Innovation and Knowledge Division

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

Job Description

At the Innovation & Knowledge Division, we believe that innovation makes the world a better place. We promote the idea that knowledge and technological developments, found both in the Netherlands and abroad, offer solutions to societal challenges and contribute to a sustainable economy and greater prosperity for everyone. A key question here is: What innovation opportunities do foreign partners offer for the major transitions outlined in the coalition agreement: energy and climate, digitization and key technologies, and the circular economy?

The scope of the Innovation and Knowledge Directorate is broad and is characterized by a large and diverse group of governmental, civil society, and international stakeholders: companies, research institutions, government agencies, and regional and civil society organizations.

As a coordinating policy officer for bilateral innovation cooperation, you will contribute to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy’s (EZK) international vision and policy development, provide incisive analyses, offer clear recommendations to senior political and civil service officials, and—together with the EZK network of Innovation Attachés—promote cooperation with other countries. You will help guide our network of Innovation Attachés in 15 countries within a changing geopolitical context. (economy)?

As a coordinating policy officer, you will work on the further development, repositioning, and evaluation of international innovation policy. You will advise your colleagues and senior political and civil service officials on developments related to your portfolios and countries. You base your analyses on facts, figures, and logic. When it comes to policy proposals, you also demonstrate an understanding of political realities. You can present your advice convincingly, but you are also able to assess other perspectives on their merits. Of course, you don’t work on strategy, analyses, and maintaining and establishing international contacts alone. You collaborate with colleagues both within and outside the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) and are mindful of the interests of stakeholders, whom you know how to assess on their merits.

You will be working in a great department where people not only work hard but also place a strong emphasis on relaxation, a positive atmosphere, and a safe work environment. Within the department, you will be part of the International Program (PINT) team. You will work on international vision and strategy development and will also be responsible for a number of countries where Innovation Attachés are stationed. As the person responsible for these countries, you will work closely with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), which is responsible for all practical matters related to the Innovation Attaché Network.

Job Requirements

• You have proven experience in strategic work.
• You have a strong international interest.
• You have an interest in innovation, technology, and science.
• You are able to look beyond the scope of your own cases (countries).
• You always see room for improvement, speak up about it, and come up with suggestions.
• You have experience with innovation and economic policy.
• You are a team player with a good sense of humor, and you are also able to speak up when things could be done better.
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English.
• You have completed a university degree relevant to the position.

If you don’t fully meet the job requirements but feel that the position is a good fit for you and believe you can make a positive contribution, please feel free to send us a cover letter.

Skills:

• Political and administrative sensitivity
• Sensitivity to the local context and diplomacy
• Initiative
• Analysis, Evaluation, and Strategy
• Collaborate
• Results-oriented
• Creativity

We value diversity within our organization and take this into account in our hiring process. We believe that diversity enhances the quality and broad support for our work, and we strive to be an organization where everyone can be themselves and has the opportunity to grow. In our work, we therefore examine issues from various perspectives and aim to connect with all segments of society.

Terms of Employment

• Salary level: Grade 13
• Monthly salary: Min. €4,688 – Max. €6,989 (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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