Director of WereldWijd Werken (3W)

Guiding 3W

You will have overall responsibility for managing and achieving the objectives of the implementing organization, 3W. In addition, you will focus on developing strategic policies for operational support in an international context.

You ensure that all products and services provided by 3W to employees of the Dutch government function optimally. This includes support with relocations, reimbursements, medical examinations, diplomatic documents, and consular services. You ensure the efficient and effective delivery of all services offered by 3W, and you develop policies to support and improve these services. You ensure the lawful and adequate implementation of personnel policy. It is essential that this implementation is optimal at all times, as it has a significant impact on staff.  

• You will be responsible for a multidisciplinary department that covers several complex support areas, such as human resources, facilities management, international business travel, and IT services, among others.
• You are responsible for the continued development and maintenance of 3W as a fully-fledged implementing organization.
• You will ensure that 3W is strongly positioned within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and among the relevant departments within the central government.
• You will serve as the point of contact for political and administrative leadership, the Directorate of Post Network (HDPN), the Directorate of Personnel and Organization (HDPO), the Directorate of Consular and Visa Policy (HDCV), and the Directorate of Operations (HDBV).
• You will play a key role in the development and implementation of strategic policies and objectives, and help shape the direction of 3W in relation to government-wide and/or Ministry of Foreign Affairs policies.
• You will ensure the integration and influence of 3W in other policy areas and organizational processes, including interdepartmental cooperation and the development of shared services. You will provide strategic guidance to senior civil servants, political leaders, and administrators.
• You effectively address national and international political, social, and organizational issues that affect both seconded staff and local staff across all ministries.
• You serve as chair of the Management Team and also of the Government-wide Strategic Client Council for Transportation and Accommodation, appointed by the Interdepartmental Committee on Government Operations (ICBR).

Job Requirements

Extensive managerial experience at an implementing organization with a multidisciplinary range of responsibilities in operational management

You have extensive knowledge and experience in leadership within a dynamic and multidisciplinary implementing organization. You are skilled at balancing strategic and operational aspects, with a specific focus on the unique challenges of an implementing context. You have experience identifying problems and optimizing processes to improve the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness. Within a multidisciplinary scope of responsibilities, you can set priorities and make well-considered decisions that enhance the organization’s functioning and performance. You possess in-depth strategic and operational insight, enabling you to develop effective strategies and manage and improve operational processes in an implementation environment. This is crucial to the success of 3W and the satisfaction of the employees you support.

The ability to lead with balance and energy under significant political and operational pressure

You are able to lead effectively and calmly under pressure and know how to stay focused when decision-making at 3W encounters resistance from various levels within the organization and beyond. Thanks to your ability to put situations into perspective and approach them with a healthy dose of humor, you know how to manage personal stress and maintain your composure. In this way, you not only ensure the continuity of the work but also create a stable and positive work environment for your employees.

The ability to strike the right balance between steadfastness and flexibility within the dynamic environment of an implementing organization

You understand when it is necessary to vigorously defend your position and when it is wiser to adapt to the situation. This ability allows you to effectively navigate the political and bureaucratic landscape, always prioritizing the interests of both the organization and your team. You make decisions that align with 3W’s core values and objectives, even when they are under pressure.

The ability to manage an organization efficiently by delegating tasks and responsibilities without losing control over progress and results

As Director of 3W, you translate the organization’s mission and vision into a clear strategy and operational goals. You align the organizational structure and processes with these objectives, drive their implementation, and adjust the course when necessary. In doing so, you collaborate across the boundaries of your own domain, always keeping the bigger picture in mind. You are an experienced people manager who gives employees the confidence to operate independently, without losing control over progress and results. You understand that effective leadership is not just about control, but also about empowering your team so they can perform optimally in their roles. At the same time, you remain closely involved in the processes and are able to intervene or take charge of the work yourself when necessary. You know how to effectively adapt your leadership and communication style to communicate efficiently with the entire executive team. You foster a safe work environment where diversity and inclusivity are the norm.

The ability to proactively contribute to the development and implementation of strategic policy (vision) across various areas of government-wide operations

In your role as Director of 3W, you have the ability to look ahead and identify trends that could impact government operations. In doing so, you provide valuable insights that contribute to an effective and future-proof implementation assessment. You not only contribute ideas but also take the initiative to achieve strategic goals, integrating 3W’s interests into broader government policy.

The ability to navigate effectively within an administrative environment, while being aware of the dynamics, interests, and power dynamics

You understand how decisions are made within complex administrative networks. You are able to act strategically, taking into account the diverse interests of the parties involved. You also know how to build support for policies and decisions in a diplomatic manner. You have a clear understanding of the implications of decisions and how they will be received within the political and bureaucratic spheres.

Details 

• Please apply by clicking the ‘Apply on external site’ button.
• The selection process consists of writing a cover letter that addresses the job requirements, one or more interviews, and a selection assessment. After each phase, we determine which candidates will move on to the next phase of the selection process.
• If you are employed by the government, we will review your employment history and current contract type to determine which contract type is most appropriate.
• The interviews will take place in February 2025.
• The start date for this position is September 1, 2025.

Other terms and conditions of employment

In addition to your salary, you will receive an Individual Choice Budget (ICB). The ICB consists of money (16.50% 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. The fringe benefits include various study facilities, company fitness programs, full reimbursement of your public transportation costs for commuting, and partially paid parental leave.

More about your future department

3W | WereldWijd Werken is a government-wide shared services organization within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 3W supports all central government employees who are stationed abroad or in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom for short or long periods to carry out their international duties.

3W offers a comprehensive range of products and services. This includes orientation and preparation for employees and their families, relocation services, allowances, medical examinations and vaccinations, overflight permits, international business travel, diplomatic passports, and visas. In addition, the legal status of local staff, consular services, support with personnel administration, and diplomatic mail and cargo transport are provided.

With approximately 170 full-time equivalents, 3W is one of the largest directorates/SSOs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 3W consists of two departments: Services and Relationship Management (DRM) and Overseas Personnel (PB). In addition, the Control & Information Management (CI) department serves as the backbone of 3W.

3W is and will continue to be in a state of rapid development in the coming years. The key principles guiding work within 3W are: interdepartmental, digital, and customer-centric. Employees describe the atmosphere as welcoming, informal, and open.

Organizationally, 3W falls under HDBV, which also includes FSO, BBV, and DHF.