Strategic Policy Advisor

As a key player within the Strategy, Policy & Knowledge Center, you will work on major, challenging projects at the intersection of policy and implementation. You’ll dive deep into topics such as social-medical assessment and labor market policy. We’re looking for a decisive generalist with a keen sense of political and social dynamics. Experience in policy-making? Great! Knowledge of labor market policy and social security? Even better! If you think you’re the ideal candidate for this dynamic, high-impact role, we’d love to talk to you!

Strategy, Policy & Knowledge Center (SBK)

The SBK Management Board plays a key role within the UWV; on behalf of the UWV, SBK serves as the primary point of contact for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), acts as a strategic advisor to the Executive Board, and serves as the leading authority on implementation and policy in the field of social security. SBK promotes the practical feasibility of policies and coordinates with the SZW regarding policy mandates assigned to the UWV. SBK also oversees the development of UWV’s strategy and internal policies and is responsible for translating policy mandates to UWV’s divisions. In addition, SBK advises the Executive Board from a strategic perspective and based on (scientific) knowledge regarding the effectiveness of policy and implementation. As a department head at SBK, you and your team will therefore serve as the key coordinator and agenda-setter for your department’s policy themes.

In addition to the Knowledge Center, SBK has four policy departments. The Income and Employment departments advise the Executive Board on the core tasks of the UWV: the provision of benefits (Income Department) and the reintegration of job seekers (Employment Department). The new Services and Enforcement Department, currently being formed, will focus, among other things, on applying a human-centered approach to the UWV’s service delivery and enforcement activities. The P&C Department, where the position of department head is currently open, takes the lead and advises on UWV-wide themes in the areas of employer affairs, data, ICT, and agreements with the ministry within the P&C cycle.

The role and responsibilities

The Strategy, Policy, and Knowledge Center (SBK) division of the UWV is seeking a strategic policy advisor in the field of social medical assessment. As a strategic policy advisor, you will translate relevant developments in the broad field of Labor Market Policy and Social Security into policy recommendations for the Executive Board, UWV directors, and government ministries. The UWV is currently facing significant backlogs in the assessment of applications for work disability benefits (WIA). Policy proposals are now being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), the relevant UWV divisions, social partners, and other stakeholders to eliminate these backlogs. Within SBK, a policy team of approximately six people is working on these policy options. SBK is now seeking to strengthen this team with a Strategic Policy Advisor, a senior coordinating role.

As a Strategic Policy Advisor, you’ll be closely involved with policy. You’ll also play a coordinating and driving role in the field of Social Medical Assessment, both within and outside SBK. You will maintain relationships with, among others, government ministries, sector partners, umbrella organizations, social partners, advisory bodies, and your colleagues within SBK and the UWV. Your responsibilities will also include overseeing implementation reviews of legislation, drafting administrative responses on behalf of the UWV, providing input for letters to Parliament, and contributing to annual plans.

The cases you will be assigned to are large-scale, complex, fast-paced, and have significant political and operational implications. They are directly related to the backlogs currently facing the UWV. These cases often involve multiple advisors and stakeholders, and you will play a coordinating, motivating, and authoritative role. You must be able to quickly grasp the often complex subject matter and develop a plan for how to address it. We expect a generalist approach that spans multiple policy areas. Extensive experience in policy development is a requirement. Naturally, you are able to identify new developments and initiate actions in response.

The profile:

• You have a college degree.
• You are a generalist with advisory experience in policy roles within the government or similar implementing organizations.
• You are flexible, results-oriented, and able to come up with creative solutions.
• You have a keen understanding of political and social dynamics and can analyze situations from the outside in. It is also an advantage if you already have knowledge of labor market policy and social security (and their implementation) and are able to guide others in these areas. Knowledge of social-medical assessments and the WIA is recommended
• You are able to quickly familiarize yourself with various cases and make connections to related cases.
• You take the initiative and work toward achieving results on your case.

We offer:

A highly interesting and varied position in a dynamic environment at the intersection of policy and implementation, offering ample opportunities for professional development. The position of Strategic Policy Officer A is classified in job group 12 (€5,737.76 – €7,584.20 plus vacation pay and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33% – salary scale based on relevant work experience). The terms of employment are in accordance with the UWV collective bargaining agreement.

In addition to a challenging job, the UWV offers excellent benefits. These include a competitive salary, a thirteenth month’s pay, a flexible benefits plan, a robust pension plan, and attractive training and development programs.

SBK offers you a challenging, independent role with significant responsibilities within a rapidly evolving organization. In addition, SBK supports your professional and personal development and provides you with ample opportunity to shape your career.

Apply:

The UWV is being assisted in this recruitment process by the executive search firm Colourful People. You can apply by uploading your resume (in PDF format) no later than November 26 via www.colourfulpeople.nl. If there are enough suitable candidates, we may close the application process early. For direct contact or questions about this position, please contact René F. Burgler, Esq., senior partner at Colourful People, via r.burgler@colourfulpeople.nl or at 06 28 57 54 36.

The (pre-)selection interviews will take place in weeks 43 and 44, and the interviews with the selection and advisory committee will take place in November. We plan to complete the process in November.

The UWV aims to reflect society as a whole; after all, the success of our organization depends entirely on the quality of all our employees and the services they provide. To ensure we are as diverse as the clients we serve, we are looking for a colleague who brings diversity through their employability, education, gender, age, and/or cultural background.