Strategic Policy Advisor for National and European Industrial Policy

Strategic Policy Advisor for National and European Industrial Policy

Job Description

As a strategic policy advisor for industrial policy, you will work with approximately ten colleagues in the Strategy Team of the Top Sectors & Industrial Policy (TOP) Directorate. We make a significant contribution to the development and implementation of national and European industrial policy and the internationalization of the business community. In doing so, we work closely with the sector and thematic experts within the directorate. TOP’s policy focuses on (international) growth, sustainability, and the digitalization of industry. Due in part to Europe’s growing role, the climate challenge, and turbulent geopolitical developments, this policy is undergoing significant change. As a strategist, you will be asked to develop proposals to make the economy more resilient by focusing on strengthening strategic autonomy and economic security.

In addition, our team is responsible for a number of coordination tasks across the directorate, such as political and parliamentary coordination and preparing meetings with the business community for government officials, the Secretary-General, the Director-General, and the Director. We also set the directorate’s priorities and coordinate the top sectors approach and public-private governance.

Your work is focused on strengthening our industry’s position and making the Netherlands an attractive destination for foreign manufacturing companies to innovate and grow here. At the same time, it aims to fully leverage the business community’s potential to contribute to major transition challenges in the areas of sustainability, safety, and digitalization.

Key responsibilities: As an industrial policy officer at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) in The Hague, you will play a strategic advisory role in shaping economic policy. This is an exciting position within the dynamic Top Sectors and Industrial Policy (TOP) Directorate, situated at the intersection of government, the business community, and the academic world. Specific issues that may land on your desk: “How will the Netherlands earn its money in the future? How do we strengthen the Netherlands’ position in European industrial policy? What is the government’s role in economic development? How do we deal with strategic dependencies on other countries? And, how do we create a circular economy?”

When developing industrial policy, you will advise management on the strategic implementation of the 20 sector agendas for which the executive board is responsible, ranging from the Top Sectors to the defense industry. Specific activities you will contribute to include: analyzing opportunities and challenges within a specific sector, and developing a sector strategy aligned with economic and social goals. Naturally, you will not do this alone, but in close collaboration with sector managers within TOP and external experts. In doing so, you will actively contribute to strengthening and safeguarding sector intelligence within the executive board.

Finally, you will serve as the executive board’s parliamentary coordinator. This means that when it comes to incoming parliamentary questions, committee debates, and budget deliberations regarding industrial policy, you will mobilize your colleagues and prepare the minister so that the House receives the correct answers in a timely and knowledgeable manner.

This dynamic role requires you to quickly gain an overview of a broad range of national and European policy areas, taking into account the various interests at play within the government, the business community, and society. Your work will be shaped in part by current events that affect the business community and the public interest. That is what makes your work both fascinating and challenging. All in all, this is a responsible, high-profile, and varied position where your strategic vision on industrial policy can make a significant contribution to the Dutch economy and society.

Job Requirements

You are driven by substance, know how to persuade others, and have the ability to engage public and private stakeholders in the transitions we aim to achieve through our policies. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world that places new demands on the role of government, you know how to surprise others with creative new insights. You do all of this in close collaboration with your colleagues on the strategy team.

You easily connect with colleagues and stakeholders both within and outside the executive board, remaining calm and results-oriented. You are self-critical, but as a strategist, you also have the confidence to act assertively to improve policy. You always keep the interests of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy in mind. You also enjoy taking the initiative and assuming responsibility. You are skilled at analyzing situations and policies and know how to make your case with sound policy and economic reasoning. Furthermore, you enjoy making your case in a dynamic public-private environment.

What else we ask for:

• You have a bachelor's degree, preferably in economics.
• You have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• You have an interest in complex political and economic issues.
• You have excellent analytical skills and aren't afraid of numbers.
• You are persuasive and enjoy collaborating with others both within and outside your team.
• You can handle stress and meet tight deadlines.
• You are a team player and have a good sense of perspective.

Terms of Employment

• Pay grade: 11
• Monthly salary: Min. €3,608 – Max. €5,503 (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.
• Colleagues within the central government who are permanent employees may be seconded or transferred while retaining their current employment status.
• After the application deadline, the job posting and the employer’s contact information will no longer be visible online. To avoid having to request this information later, we ask that you download and save the job posting.

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 is 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).

Interested in applying?

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy / Directorate-General for Business and Innovation (DGB&I) 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.

We do not accept unsolicited applications for our job openings.