Director of Research Programs

About SOMO

SOMO investigates multinational corporations. We conduct independent, fact-based, critical research with a clear goal: a fair and sustainable world where the well-being of people and the planet takes precedence over corporate profits.

Guided by principles of anti-racism and decolonization and aimed at systemic change, our action-oriented research and investigations expose the influence, impact, and unprecedented power of multinational corporations. Through collaboration with hundreds of partners around the world, we ensure that our research has the greatest possible impact, reaching communities, courtrooms, civil society organizations, the media, and policymakers.

SOMO is a nonprofit organization with about 40 dedicated professionals, most of whom work from our Amsterdam office. Our organizational culture is built on openness, inclusion, and collaboration. SOMO brings together passionate, engaged individuals united by ambition, critical thinking, and a shared commitment to a fair and just world.

Structure

SOMO operates through specialized yet collaborative teams across our program areas of climate justice, economic justice, and The Counter, as well as teams that amplify the impact of our work through advocacy and strategic litigation, communications, operations, and a leadership team. We also coordinate several influential civil society networks, such as OECD Watch and MVO Platform, thereby expanding our global impact.

As Director of Research Programs, you will lead our dynamic research teams, serve as a member of SOMO’s leadership team, and report directly to the Executive Director. We are currently undergoing a strategic refresh and organizational evolution, and we want our new Director of Research Programs to help shape SOMO’s future. 

About the position

The Director of Research Programs drives SOMO’s research agenda and co-leads the development and implementation of SOMO’s mission and goals as outlined in our five-year plan. Success in this role means producing high-impact, high-quality research that advances our commitment to socioeconomic equality, radical intersectional justice, decolonization, and anti-racism.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership  

• Develop and implement SOMO’s research agenda, including projects and initiatives.
• Monitor developments in SOMO’s priority areas to identify strategic opportunities and emerging challenges.

Research Excellence

• Ensure that all research and investigative outputs meet SOMO’s quality standards.
• Provide guidance to researchers on methodologies and best practices
• Drive innovation in research methods and techniques. 

Team Management

• Lead, coach, and mentor dynamic research and investigation teams.
• Oversee performance management and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive research environment.

Cross-Functional CollaborationEnsure coordination across programs and work closely with SOMO’s advocacy and communications teams to maximize the impact of our research.

Organizational Stewardship

• Actively participate in SOMO’s leadership team.
• Co-lead SOMO’s anti-racism initiative.
• Foster an inclusive workplace that values diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• Manage the research budget effectively.

Learning and Innovation

• Promote a culture of learning.
• Position SOMO at the forefront of activist research topics, research methods, and approaches to research and investigations.

We welcome your application if you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to this role, even if you do not have experience with every responsibility listed above.

Key competencies of our ideal candidate

Essential:

• Extensive experience in overseeing impactful research and investigations
• Demonstrable knowledge of economic justice, corporate power dynamics, and contemporary political economy debates
• Strong understanding of budgets and financial oversight capabilities
• Excellent organizational skills, with a proven ability to oversee the delivery of high-impact projects and plans
• Experience in managing and coaching teams with an empathetic, supportive approach; a proven track record in delivering effective research-related programs
• A confident public speaker with experience representing organizations to the media, policymakers, and influential stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to present complex research in a way that is accessible to a variety of audiences
• A commitment to economic equality, intersectional justice, decolonization, and anti-racism

Required:

• Advanced degree in a field relevant to SOMO’s work
• 8+ years in management roles at social justice organizations
• Experience in securing funding, building donor relationships, and managing grant reporting processes
• Proficiency in another language relevant to SOMO’s global work.

What we offer

• A meaningful role in a globally connected, mission-driven organization.
• A supportive team of passionate, purpose-driven colleagues in a collaborative environment 
• A space for your initiatives and ideas
• Initial one-year contract (32–36 hours per week) with the intention of extending it to a permanent position, subject to funding
• A gross monthly salary between €5,217.00 and €7,221.00 based on a 40-hour workweek, depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits, including a robust pension plan, flexible work arrangements, and a potential year-end bonus, subject to positive budgetary results 
• Opportunities and budget for professional development and learning
• A relocation allowance is available for the successful candidate if they are moving to the Netherlands. Please note: Applicants must already have the right to work in the Netherlands. SOMO is unable to sponsor work permits or visas for this position.
• Travel allowance

Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Interested?

Please send your resume (without a profile photo) and a one-page cover letter in English addressed to Erdem Karal, HR Officer, to jobs@somo.nl by April 22, 2025.

Please enter "First Name Last Name – Director of Research Programs" in the email subject line.

Cover letter instructions: In your cover letter, please answer the following four questions. Each answer should be between 100 and 150 words:

1. What motivates you to apply for this position, and how do your personal and professional goals align with SOMO’s mission, particularly in the areas of economic justice and holding corporations accountable?
2. How do you manage and support experienced professionals in a research-driven environment?
3. How have you demonstrated a commitment to intersectional justice, decolonization, and anti-racism in your work?
4. Can you describe your experience in leading research programs and investigations, as well as your experience in strategic planning to ensure high-quality research outcomes?

Selection process timeline: We will conduct three rounds of interviews for this senior position:

• May 5–9 – Preliminary brief calls with shortlisted candidates
• May 12–14 – First panel interview (online)
• May 15–16 – Online Assignment (for the top 3 candidates)
• May 19–23 – Final interview (online)
• May 26–30 – Job opening

The ideal start date is August 2025.

At SOMO, we are actively working to build an anti-racist and inclusive organization. We understand the importance of ensuring that our teams reflect the diversity of the world we live in, and we warmly encourage and invite individuals from all walks of life—particularly those from historically marginalized groups—to apply for positions at SOMO.

For more information about SOMO, visit www.somo.nl.