Transition Specialist with 5–15 years of work experience (any gender)

This is where you get started 

As a transition agency, Squarewise helps shape the new world. Our team works on solutions to societal issues, such as the energy transition, circular economy challenges, and new ways of organizing. Driven by a love for the planet, with a focus on society.  

We develop sustainable visions, bring the right parties together in new partnerships, and experiment to explore the unknown.  

We are a living example of the changes we envision. After all, Squarewise is a self-managed, social enterprise. We have no executive board and make decisions together based on equality and trust. In this video, you can see how this works. In addition to our projects, everyone—including you as a new transition maker—plays an active role within our internal organization. 

 We have two offices: one in Amsterdam and one in Arnhem. Both teams operate independently, and collaborate when necessary. In both transitions, we focus on new forms of organization, transformative government, and equity. In Amsterdam, the focus is on the energy and materials transition.  

Check out our projects pageor our 2024 impact reportfor examples of our work. 

What will you be doing as a transition facilitator? 

As a transition specialist at Squarewise, you help organizations accelerate their transitions. You’ll collaborate with a wide range of partners, from municipalities, provinces, and research institutions to startups and local entrepreneurs. 

This is where your existing network, knowledge, and experience will come in handy. You navigate a complex and rapidly changing landscape with ease. And you switch seamlessly between different roles and tasks, such as: project manager, community manager, and strategic advisor.  

Examples of assignments:  

• Driving breakthrough projects through a network of circular economy leaders in the construction industry 
• Action-oriented learning program focused on alleviating the burdens of homeowners, across four municipalities, led by an interdisciplinary team of experts 
• Principles for a Just Energy Transition

In addition, you will contribute to internal and external knowledge sharing and mentor younger colleagues. 

What do you bring to the table? 

• You have at least 5 years of relevant work experience as a project manager; 
• You have an interest in issues related to a sustainable and equitable world. Substantive knowledge of the energy or materials transition is a plus. For example, you may have worked for a housing authority, a utility company, a construction firm, or a government agency; 
• You share Squarewise’s mission and valuesand are eager to take on projects across all areas (energy and housing,biobased and circular construction,and new values); 
• You have a relevant network and experience in (at least) the energy or materials transition, or another sustainable transition. You also enjoy acquiring new knowledge and expanding your network—you quickly get to grips with new topics; 
• You are a systems thinker and maintain 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 see opportunities for new projects and actively pursue them; 
• You enjoy working with others and supporting your colleagues when needed, with a focus on development and growth; 
• You enjoy working in a self-managing team, you take the initiative, and you take responsibility for the (internal) organization; 
• Depending on your external commitments, you’ll aim to be at our office in Amsterdam-Noord twice a week. Friday is our regular “office day,” so you’ll definitely be working at the office on that day. Part-time shifts are available on all other days.  

You may not meet every requirement, but do you see yourself in this description? What matters to us is your motivation, eagerness to learn, and desire to make an impact. We’d love to get to know you! 

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 €4,000 and €6,000 (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 cozy office in Amsterdam-Noord with delicious Moyee coffee and a shared vegan and organic lunch  
• A public transit pass, a laptop, and a Fairphone, plus the freedom to work partly from home 
• We recognize July 1 (Keti Koti) as a day off. In addition, you can exchange national holidays for (cultural or religious) holidays that are important to you, such as Eid al-Fitr.  
• We believe a healthy work-life balance is important 

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 toinfo@squarewise.nl with the subject line “Job Opening: Mid-Level/Senior Transition Specialist” 
• We are looking for someone who can start in October or November . This position is open until Sunday, August 17, 2025. In week 34, you will find out whether you have been invited for an initial interview in week 35 or 36.  
• Are we interested? If so, we’ll invite you for a second interview, during which you’ll be presented with a case study.  
• We will determine the start date together through mutual consultation.  

Want to know more?  

Please contact Dieke Schutjens (transition specialist) during business hours at 06-83310785 or email dieke@squarewise.nl  

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DIE) 

Our starting point is that different perspectives and diverse social identities are necessary for us to work together to create a sustainable and just world. 

In recent years, our colleagues have taken training courses on this topic, held discussions, and updated our internal (and external) processes, but this issue is still very much a work in progress at Squarewise.  

Do you have questions about DIG within our organization? Please read our FAQ about working at Squarewise or contact Xenia Leito (Transition Specialist) at 06-43636637 or xenia@squarewise.nl. 

We do not welcome unsolicited recruitment inquiries regarding this job opening.