You will shape and define AOb’s policy on employment conditions. This means you will advise, identify issues, set the agenda, negotiate, coordinate, and build connections. You will actively seek input and collaboration with (potential) members across all sectors of education. You will represent the AOb in administrative consultations. In this way, you will work toward concrete improvements on issues such as workload, pay, and major investments in education.

The General Education Union is looking for a

Economist responsible for shaping our employment policy (0.8–1.0 FTE)

The assignment

To make an impact in politics, education, and public opinion as a whole through leading-edge policies on employment conditions. Our primary objectives are: well-qualified, adequately staffed, and competent educational personnel.

The track

You will shape and define the AOb’s policy on employment conditions. You will do this for all sectors of education and with regard to all positions in education and research. This means you will advise, identify issues, set the agenda, and—where appropriate—take the lead and foster connections, both internally and externally. In this way, you will work toward concrete improvements in areas such as workload, pay, and key investments in education. You also serve as a go-to resource, so you ensure that you have broad knowledge and stay well-informed about current events. A specific topic within education is funding; lump-sum financing is once again under discussion.

You will actively seek input and collaboration with (potential) members. Using this input, along with your own knowledge and that of your colleagues, you will develop policies and activities. You will advise Tamar van Gelder, Thijs Roovers, and Jelmer Evers, who serve as chair and members of the executive committee, respectively. You will also work closely with fellow policy officers, as well as sector directors, the spokesperson, and the lobbyist. Externally, you will participate in and represent the AOb in administrative consultations, acting as an advisor and negotiator. You will maintain contacts with, among others, educational organizations, political parties, academic institutions, and other unions.

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates:

with a degree in economics and a university-level standard of work and thinking
with approximately 5 years of experience in policy and consulting work and well-developed analytical skills
Knowledge of (the funding of) education is a plus
a flair for presenting and writing, including online
legal knowledge, or at least an affinity for laws and regulations.

Who are you?

You are enthusiastic about the content and results-oriented
You combine energy with an understanding of organizational dynamics
You communicate effectively in a variety of situations
You’ll find the connection within and the opportunities outside.

The department

You will be part of the Policy Subdivision, which falls under Collective Advocacy. Other subdivisions within Collective Advocacy are: Employee Participation and Field Services. The Collective Advocacy department is currently undergoing a transition in line with our new strategic plan.

About the General Education Union

With approximately 80,000 members, the AOb is the largest trade union in the Netherlands across all sectors of education. The AOb is affiliated with the FNV and aims to represent the interests of everyone working in education, both in terms of educational content and employment conditions. In addition to being an advocate for its members, the AOb also positions itself as a professional organization.

We offer

An exciting job, opportunities for professional growth, and a high degree of freedom and autonomy in achieving our goals. The AOb is home to a team of passionate colleagues and a pleasant work environment. We’ll start with a fixed-term contract. The salary ranges from a minimum of €4,723 to a maximum of €6,370 gross per month (scale IX) for full-time employment (35 hours per week). In addition, you’ll receive an 8.3% vacation allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.

Flexibility, generous leave, and a schedule that aligns with the academic calendar contribute to a healthy work-life balance. You will be provided with a phone and a laptop, and furniture will be loaned to you for your home office. The pension plan is administered by the Pensioenfonds Zorg & Welzijn; the employer pays 75% of the premium.

Information

For information about the job description, please contact Kimon Moerbeek, Head of Policy and Professional Association, kmoerbeek@aob.nl, phone 06-47072801.For information about the terms of employment and/or the application process, please contact Ineke Kingma, HR Advisor, ikingma@aob.nl, phone 06-41118546.

You can find more job openings and information about the AOb at www.aob.nl.