Director/Secretary to the Board of Directors

About NWO
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) is one of the leading science funding bodies in the Netherlands. We ensure quality and innovation in science. NWO consists of a Domain Organization (NWO-D) and an Institute Organization (NWO-I). The NWO Domain Organization invests nearly one billion euros annually in curiosity-driven research, demand-driven research with societal impact, and research infrastructure. Based on recommendations from expert scientists and specialists from the Netherlands and abroad, NWO selects and funds research proposals at universities and knowledge institutions. NWO-D consists of approximately 750 passionate and dedicated employees. NWO-I is an umbrella organization for nine national research institutes. NWO-I employs over 1,900 staff members.

This is where you’ll be working
The Executive Board Office consists of a compact team of 18 employees who work together to guide the NWO organization through the dynamics of politics and society. The Executive Board Office supports the Executive Board and other bodies in the top management structure, such as the management team, the Supervisory Board, and the Advisory Board. The office thus plays a key connecting role with and between external partners, management, research domains, institutes, and operational departments. In addition, the office advises the board on strategic, integrated, and budgetary issues in relation to external developments in science and society. Where necessary, the team leads or participates in NWO-wide projects such as the development and implementation of the NWO strategy, the national“Recognition & Appreciation”program, or various evaluations. Finally, the office ensures accountability for the effective and efficient use of NWO instruments and resources, and through monitoring, evaluation, and learning, the team contributes to a learning NWO organization.

What will you be doing?
As Director/Secretary, you will work with the Executive Board Office to provide support to the Executive Board and other bodies within the senior management structure, such as the Supervisory Board and the Advisory Board. As secretary to the Executive Board and a member of the collegial NWO-D directorate team, you are responsible for providing strategic advice to the Executive Board. As director/secretary, you maintain a relevant external network and keep track of external developments in politics, science, and society. You contribute to the development and implementation of the NWO strategy and support the Executive Board in achieving its strategic objectives. You serve as the primary point of contact for the Ministries of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) at the executive level. Supporting the Board also involves managing the secretariat, coordinating agendas, and assisting with administrative representation. You report directly to the Chair of the Board of Directors.

What you bring to the table
Our ideal new director/secretary has:

• Experience working in a complex political and administrative environment;
• Substantive knowledge of and insight into national and international science and innovation policy;
• A perspective on the NWO’s strategy and organization;
• Academic level of work and thinking;
• Excellent social, communication, and networking skills;
• An open and coaching leadership style;
• Relevant management experience.

In addition, you are:

• Strategically minded, motivated, and proactive:
• Able to build and maintain a relevant strategic network;
• committed, reliable, collaborative, and innovative;
• providing coaching and facilitation to support the professional development needs of the staff at the RvB office.

Here’s what we offer you
A challenging and socially relevant position in an enthusiastic team with excellent employment conditions in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Research Institutions (Cao-OI (NL) - WVOI).

This is a one-year employment contract, with the intention of converting it to a permanent position upon satisfactory performance. The salary depends on your knowledge and experience and ranges from €6,848 to €9,847 gross per month for a full-time position (scale 16/17). In addition, we offer you, among other things, 8% vacation pay, an end-of-year bonus of 8.33%, and a very generous leave policy. Furthermore, NWO is affiliated with the ABP for pension benefits, and we offer partially paid parental leave, a discount on our group health insurance, and extensive training opportunities. We operate on a hybrid model (partly in the office and partly at home), and offer compensation for working from home and for travel by public transportation.

Promoting scientific research and increasing scientific and societal impact—in short, the success of NWO—stands or falls with the dedication, quality, enthusiasm, and diversity of our employees. Every day, we work to create an inclusive environment where all employees can develop their talents and feel valued and engaged. A work environment that embraces differences and where everyone can excel, feeling inspired and motivated. NWO’s core values are engaged, reliable, connecting, and groundbreaking.

Information/Application
Would you like more information about NWO? Please visit nwo.nl.
We are being supported in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. If you believe the above profile matches your qualifications, we strongly encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and cover letter by January 8, 2023 , via the “Apply” button on the Colourful People website. If you have any specific questions, please email Melek Usta at Colourful People at m.usta@colourfulpeople.nl. If you’d prefer to speak with her, please email your availability and phone number so she can call you.

Important dates to mark on your calendar:

• First round of interviews: January 30 in the morning and February 1 in the afternoon
• Second round of talks: February 6 in the afternoon
• In-depth discussion on the morning of February 10