Project Associate, Meaningful Dialogue

The Social and Economic Council (SER) facilitates the development and implementation of various agreements. Agreements on international corporate social responsibility (international CSR) represent a collaboration between companies, industry associations, the government, labor unions, and civil society organizations. Together, they work to identify and prevent abuses such as exploitation, animal suffering, or environmental damage. The SER does this for various sectors, including apparel and textiles, food, the financial sector, natural stone, and metal. Within these agreements, we have had experience since 2016 with implementing the OECD guidelines on due diligence.

Thanks to its many years of experience advising on the practical application of the OECD Guidelines, the SER is uniquely positioned to provide companies—along with NGOs, trade unions, and governments—with practical knowledge and tools to make significant progress in promoting due diligence. Furthermore, the experiences gained from this sectoral cooperation provide a solid foundation for promoting the development and implementation of sectoral agreements at the European level. The SER also possesses the necessary expertise—which is applied in practice—regarding the establishment of an accessible complaints and dispute resolution mechanism, through which stakeholders can raise concerns about any negative impact resulting from corporate actions.

To effectively manage CSR risks, it is crucial to engage in meaningful dialogue with supply chain partners—both those close at hand and those far away and often out of sight. To further develop this concept, the SER, in collaboration with the Goldschmeding Foundation, has launched a two-year project to clarify this meaningful dialogue and make it more accessible to companies.

To further oversee this project, we are looking for a

Project Assistant, Meaningful Dialogue

: Key Responsibilities During the project’s implementation, you will serve as the “hub of the operation.” Together with the project leader, you will lead the project team and proactively engage experts and knowledgeable colleagues. Together with policy staff, you will develop proposals for the elaboration and implementation of the agreements based on the project proposal; you will serve as a point of contact for stakeholders and coordinate the efforts of all parties involved in the implementation. You will draw up the work plan and monitor its progress. You will also foster collaboration with relevant national and international initiatives and contribute to communication regarding the project.

What are we looking for?

• A completed relevant associate’s or bachelor’s degree, such as in public administration, law, political science, international relations, or business administration;
• Some relevant work experience;
• Ability to work on a project basis;
• Interested in corporate social responsibility or working with companies in the field of sustainability;
• Knowledge of and work experience in engaging stakeholders in supply chains is a plus;
• Strong problem-analysis and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent written communication skills;
• Able to bring different parties together and has an aptitude for analyzing and managing conflicting interests (the “mutual gains approach”);
• A practical mindset and the ability to effectively organize a variety of tasks;
• A proactive and collaborative attitude;
• Excellent command of Dutch and English. Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is a plus.

What do we offer you?
At the SER and the IMVO Program Directorate, you’ll work in a dynamic environment as part of a great team of about 30 colleagues. Close to politics and government, working alongside various stakeholders from the business community and civil society with diverse interests. You’ll contribute ideas on complex issues regarding how to shape and promote meaningful dialogue, making it actionable so that companies can put it into practice and work toward jointly supported, future-proof solutions. You’ll do this alongside enthusiastic colleagues with deep expertise in the field.

We are initially offering a contract for a minimum of 32 hours per week for a period of one year, starting as soon as possible. The salary will be determined based on your knowledge and experience and ranges from a minimum of €3,435 to a maximum of €4,521 gross per month for full-time employment. In addition, we offer an attractive benefits package: a year-end bonus, a pension plan through the ABP, and the option to work remotely. The SER collective bargaining agreement applies.

Information and Applications
Would you like to learn more about this position or about the Meaningful Dialogue Project in collaboration with the Goldschmeding Foundation? Please contact Ruud van Soelen by phone at 070-3499 371 or by email at r.van.soelen@ser.nl. Interested? We look forward to receiving your cover letter and resume! Please email them to the HR department at sollicitatie@ser.nl by May 8, 2022.

The first interview will take place on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, and the second interview on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

A practical assignment may be part of the application process.