External Relations Officer

The Zaanstreek/Waterland Discrimination Affairs Office (BD) is seeking an External Relations Officer (m/x/f) for the Zaanstreek/Waterland region, working 24 to 32 hours per week (based in Zaandam). The BD is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equal treatment and combating discrimination. We strive for a society free of exclusion that offers equal opportunities to everyone. We do this by, among other things, supporting and advising people who experience discrimination, providing training and information, and offering solicited and unsolicited advice to governments, organizations, and companies.

Organizational Structure of the Zaanstreek/Waterland Discrimination Affairs Office

The Discrimination Affairs Office, which operates in seven municipalities, currently employs six staff members. In addition, a number of volunteers are involved, including the board members. The organization is characterized by an open internal structure.

Job Description:

The number of reports the BD receives each year is many times lower than the actual number of incidents of discrimination in the region. In all our work, we therefore consistently focus on increasing awareness of our name and mission, as well as encouraging people to report incidents. We aim to achieve this largely through deeper collaboration and engagement with community partners. In practice, this means listening to what is happening, picking up on signals, identifying and offering opportunities, and raising awareness of the impact that discrimination can have. And, perhaps most importantly, making it clear how discrimination can be combated.

We are looking for a colleague who can accelerate progress on these key areas. Someone who can raise our profile and increase our visibility in the Zaanstreek and Waterland regions. The role is outreach-oriented; in other words, it involves reaching out to the community, expanding and maintaining existing networks, and initiating projects. In addition, you may occasionally be asked to help out with informational sessions and guest lectures, for example at schools.

The position of External Relations Officer is a new one within our organization. That’s why we’re looking for someone who enjoys breaking new ground and is eager to help us shape this role.

We are looking for the following in our new employee:

· HBO-level thinking and working skills;

· Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds;

· Familiarity with and commitment to understanding the causes and consequences of discrimination;

· Willingness to stay informed about developments in the field of discrimination and related issues (in the social, legal, and political spheres);

· Excellent ability to organize work independently and function effectively as part of a team;

· Strong verbal and written communication skills;

· Strong interpersonal skills;

· Empathy and analytical skills;

· A service-oriented and customer-focused approach;

· A proactive, enthusiastic, and enterprising attitude;

· Integrity;

· Be able to collaborate with various institutions and organizations;

· Willingness to help out with other tasks as well;

· A driver's license is preferred.

We offer:

· A nine-month contract with the possibility of converting it to a permanent position;

· Terms of employment and compensation in accordance with the Social Work Collective Bargaining Agreement (scale 8, depending on experience: steps 0 through 5; €2,864 to €3,233 on a full-time basis);

· Education and training programs in the field of information and training;

· An inspiring workplace within a motivated and dedicated team of volunteers and paid staff.

Application process:

For more information about the job opening, please contact the BD, Erik Schaap (coordinator): tel. 075-6125696.

Applications may be submitted through October 2, 2022, to the Zaanstreek/Waterland Discrimination Affairs Office, Botenmakersstraat 42, 1506 TE Zaandam, or by email to e.schaap@bdzaanstreek.nl.