Program Manager for the SME Services Action Program 2023–2026

Job Description

Together with the Chamber of Commerce, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, the Regional Development Agencies, entrepreneurs, industry associations, municipalities, and provinces, we will work to strengthen services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In 2022, the Committee on Entrepreneurship concluded that structural improvements are needed in the services provided to entrepreneurs. These services must function as a coherent and logically organized system. In the action plan, we will therefore take the following steps. We will encourage entrepreneurs to articulate their needs, and we will make better use of data as a foundation for deepening collaboration. We will improve coordination at the national level and work toward greater oversight in the implementation of programs for entrepreneurs.

As a program manager at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK), you will work with your team on this challenging and innovative program. Since the beginning of this year, a trailblazer has been working on designing the SME Services Action Plan. The Work on Implementation (WAU) initiative serves as a key source of inspiration for this program.

Job Requirements

What will you be doing?

• As a program manager, you will lead the team, assign tasks, and ensure that the agreed-upon goals are met.
• You have a keen eye for strategy development and understand the key issues and priorities in the field of service provision.
• You will serve as a point of contact for the executives of the relevant organizations and senior officials at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.
• You can easily switch between the stakeholders, the program’s objectives, and the team, while keeping a close eye on various interests and the program’s progress. You serve as the primary point of contact for the cluster leader and the responsible management team member.
• You are also a key player in the network of stakeholders involved in the SME Services Action Plan. You are an active networker and connector. You encourage collaboration and work to foster cohesion within this network.
• The action plan is currently being developed. You’ll work with the team to put it into practice. You enjoy building something new. There’s plenty of opportunity to contribute your experience and ideas.

Skills:

What skills do you need?

• Experience with programmatic work and coordinating a team’s activities is important. You must be able to lead people and take responsibility for achieving your team’s goals.
• Knowledge and experience in policy-making related to SME services, in collaboration with local and regional partners and business representatives, is of great importance.
• You can engage in strategic dialogue with executives and senior officials, weigh competing interests, stay the course, and provide incisive advice when necessary.
• You’re a go-getter with creative ideas and a flexible attitude.
• You are a team player, able to handle stress, proactive, and a good communicator, with a focus on collaboration and finding solutions.
• You are an observant and communicative person. You seek out real-world experiences and can translate them into the necessary policies and approaches.
• You have strong verbal communication skills and are a good writer.

Terms of Employment

• Salary level: Grade 13
• Monthly salary: Min. €4,688 – Max. €6,989 (gross)
• Employment status: Permanent employment contract
• Minimum number of hours per week: 32
• Maximum number of hours per week: 36

Other terms and conditions of employment

In addition to your salary, you will receive an Individual Choice Budget (ICB). The ICB consists of money (16.37% of your gross annual salary) and time. With the ICB, you can make choices that suit you and customize part of your employment benefits. For example, you can choose to have a portion of your monthly income paid out whenever you wish. You can also convert this budget into leave and vice versa, or spend it on tax-friendly purposes. The Dutch government is strongly committed to personal growth and career development and offers numerous opportunities for this. Secondary employment conditions include various study facilities, company fitness programs, full reimbursement of your public transportation costs for commuting, and partially paid parental leave.

Details

• The introductory and selection process consists of at least two rounds of interviews and a final discussion regarding terms of employment.
• Checking references or conducting an assessment may be part of the selection process.
• Candidates for reassignment and candidates subject to mandatory job-to-job placement who are not employees of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy or the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality must include a designation decision from the competent authority with their application.
• Colleagues within the central government who are permanent employees may be seconded or transferred while retaining their current employment status.
• If you do not (yet) have a permanent position as a civil servant, you will start with a temporary position with the prospect of a permanent one.

What else do we offer you:

• A pleasant work environment with excellent facilities, just a short walk from the central station.
• Plenty of opportunities to continue developing your skills and specialize.
• We believe it’s important to maintain a good work-life balance. Working hours can be arranged flexibly by mutual agreement.
• If you are hired, hybrid work is an option; you will work partly from home and partly at the office. We believe it is important to have a good home office setup. We therefore offer a subsidy for home office equipment and a work-from-home allowance in accordance with the Central Government Collective Labor Agreement (CAO Rijk).

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We do not accept unsolicited applications for our job openings.

Interested in applying?

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy / Directorate-General for Business and Innovation (DGBI) invites you to apply on their website. Clicking the button below will take you directly to the application form. The government values a diverse and inclusive organization. Working in diverse teams makes us more effective, more innovative, and makes the work more enjoyable. Everyone is therefore invited to apply.