Mid-career transition specialist with a focus on the energy transition

This is where you get started 

Squarewise is a transition agency that helps shape the new world. Our team of passionate professionals works on sustainable solutions for social issues, such as the agricultural transition and the circular economy, as well as comprehensive initiatives related to energy, materials, and new ways of organizing. Out of love for the planet, with a focus on society. We create sustainable visions, connect the right parties in new partnerships, experiment to explore the unknown, and, as a social enterprise, serve as an example of the changes we envision.   

Squarewise is a self-managed social enterprise. This means we don’t have a board of directors and make decisions collectively based on equality and trust. In this video, you can see how our self-managed organization works. In addition to the projects, everyone—including you as a new transition maker—plays an active role within Squarewise’s internal organization. As we build a new team, this also means you can take on an active, independent, and entrepreneurial role. 

We have two offices: one in Amsterdam and one in Arnhem. Both teams operate independently, but collaborate when necessary. You’ll be based in Arnhem. At this location, the current focus is on integrated area development, biobased solutions, agriculture, and creating new value. However, we’re also building an energy transition team here, and you can be a part of it! 

Check out our projects page or our 2024 impact report for examples of our work. 

What will you be doing as a transition facilitator? 

You’ll immediately get to work on various projects related to the energy transition, with a focus on ensuring a just and socially inclusive transition. You’ll immediately put your knowledge, experience, and network to work to accelerate sustainable transitions.  You navigate a complex and rapidly changing landscape with ease. And you switch quickly between different roles and tasks, such as: strategic advisor, community manager, catalyst, contributor, and sub-project leader.  

Examples of assignments:  

• Supporting municipalities in their collaboration with civil society organizations (such as energy cooperatives) to achieve a (neighborhood-focused) energy transition that actually gets off the ground and keeps the benefits within the community. 
• Supporting future-oriented companies in driving a just energy transition in which ownership of energy assets (solar, wind, heat) is organized according to a “three-way” model. (Be sure to listen to our podcast“Operation Fair Energy Transition” if the concept of “three-way” doesn’t ring a bell yet.) 
• Supporting the (national) government in developing insights, policy recommendations, and enabling conditions to help establish district heating networks (up to 1,500 connections) in collaboration with energy communities. 
• Facilitating bottom-up initiatives in a neighborhood to engage residents in the energy transition. 

In addition, you will contribute to internal and external knowledge sharing, help build an energy transition team, and mentor the junior staff members you work with. 

What do you bring to the table? 

• You have at least 3 and up to 5 years of relevant work experience as a consultant and/or process facilitator. 
• You have an interest in issues related to a sustainable and equitable world and the energy transition. 
• You share Squarewise’s mission and values and are eager to take on projects across all areas (energy and housing, biobased and circular construction,food and agriculture, and new values). 
• You have a relevant network and experience in the energy transition, but you also enjoy learning new things—and you quickly get the hang of new topics. 
• You can inspire and motivate people to take action.  
• You are a systems thinker who maintains a clear overview of dynamic and complex processes. You have an eye for both the big picture and practical implementation. 
• You create structure and translate complex subject matter into practical and accessible advice, both verbally and in writing. 
• You enjoy working with others and supporting your colleagues when needed, with a focus on development and growth. 
• You work well in a self-managing team, take the initiative, and are energized by social entrepreneurship.  

Are you unsure whether you meet all the requirements, but feel like you’re a great fit? If so, we encourage you to apply. We’re actively seeking to bring diversity and new perspectives to our team. 

Why Squarewise? 

• The opportunity to make a real difference toward a sustainable and equitable society  
• A network of leaders in sustainability and systemic change   
• An open and close-knit team that encourages individual ideas and initiatives, where we help each other grow and share responsibilities and challenges 
• Educational workshops and in-depth inspiration sessions with the entire team  
• A gross monthly salary between €3,500 and €4,000 (based on full-time employment), depending on your experience   
• A one-year contract (between 32 and 40 hours per week) with the possibility of a permanent position  
• A public transit pass, a laptop, and a Fairphone, plus the freedom to work from home part of the time 
• We believe a healthy work-life balance is very important 
• We recognize July 1 (Keti Koti) as a public holiday  
• You can substitute national holidays with (cultural or religious) holidays that are important to you, such as Eid al-Fitr

Are you our new change agent?  

Please send your resume and a cover letter (in writing or in any other format that works for you) explaining how you would contribute to the diversity of our team and what a sustainable and equitable world means to you. 

If you need help with the application process or have any questions, please let us know. We’re happy to assist you.  

What happens next? 

• Please email your response to oost@squarewise.nl with the subject line “Mid-level Transition Specialist Job Opening.” 
• We are looking for someone who can start at the end of September . The deadline for this job opening is September 15, 2025. 
• Are we interested? If so, we’ll invite you for one or two interviews. 
• We will determine the start date together through mutual consultation. 

Want to know more?  

Please contact Marcel Heskes (transition specialist) at 06 538 05 095 or marcel@squarewise.nl. 

Our guiding principle is that different perspectives and diverse social identities are essential to building a sustainable and equitable world together. Do you have questions about diversity, inclusion, and equity (DIE) within our organization? Read more here about working at Squarewise and our diversity charter.

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening