Director of Research Programmes

About SOMO

SOMO investigates multinational corporations. We conduct independent, factual, critical research, with a clear goal: a fair and sustainable world where the well-being of people and the planet take precedence over corporate profits.

Guided by anti-racism and decolonisation principles and aimed at systemic change, our action-oriented research and investigations expose the influence, impact, and unprecedented power of multinationals. Through cooperation with hundreds of partners around the globe, we ensure our research creates maximum impact, reaching communities, courtrooms, civil society organisations, media, and policymakers.

SOMO is a non-profit organisation with about 40 dedicated professionals, most of whom work from our Amsterdam office. Our organisational culture thrives on openness, inclusion, and collaboration. SOMO brings together passionate, engaged individuals united by ambition, critical thinking, and a shared commitment to a fair and just world.

Structure

SOMO works through specialised yet collaborative teams spanning our programmatic areas of climate justice, economic justice, and The Counter, as well as teams that increase our work’s impact through advocacy and strategic litigation, communications, operations, and a leadership team. We also coordinate several influential civil society networks such as OECD Watch and MVO Platform, extending our global impact.

As Director of Research Programmes, you will lead our dynamic research teams, serve as a member of SOMO’s leadership team, and report directly to the Executive Director. We are currently in the process of a strategic refresh and organizational evolution, and we want our new Director of Research Programmes to help shape SOMO’s future. 

About the function

The Director of Research Programmes drives SOMO’s research agenda, and co-leads the development and execution of SOMO’s mission and goals outlined in our five-year plan. Success in this position means delivering high-impact, high-quality research that advances our commitment to socio-economic equality, radical intersectional justice, decolonisation, and anti-racism.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership  

• Develop and implement SOMO’s research agenda, including projects and initiatives.
• Monitor developments in SOMO’s priority areas to identify strategic opportunities and emerging challenges.

Research Excellence

• Ensure all research and investigative outputs meet SOMO’s quality standards.
• Provide guidance to researchers on methodologies and best practices
• Drive innovation in research methods and techniques. 

Team Management

• Lead, coach, and mentor dynamic research and investigations teams.
• Oversee performance management and professional development.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive research environment.

Cross-Functional CollaborationEnsure coordination across programmes and work closely with SOMO’s advocacy and communications teams to maximise research impact.

Organisational Stewardship

• Participate actively in SOMO’s leadership team.
• Co-lead SOMO’s anti-racism commitment.
• Cultivate an inclusive workplace that values diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• Manage the research budget effectively.

Learning and Innovation

• Promote a culture of learning.
• Position SOMO at the cutting edge of activist research issues, research methods, and approaches to research and investigations.

We welcome your application if you are passionate about our mission and believe that you can contribute to this role, even if you do not have experience with every responsibility listed above.

Key competences of our ideal candidate

Essential:

• Extensive experience in overseeing impactful research and investigations
• Demonstrable knowledge of economic justice, corporate power dynamics and contemporary political economy debates
• Strong understanding of budgets and financial oversight capabilities
• Excellent organisational skills, with proven ability to oversee delivery of high impact projects and plans
• Experience in managing and coaching teams with an empathetic, supportive approach Proven track record on delivery of effective research-related programmes
• Confident public speaker with experience representing organisations to media, policymakers and influential stakeholders
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English, with ability to make complex research accessible to various audiences
• A commitment to economic equality, intersectional justice, decolonisation, and anti-racism

Desired:

• Advanced degree in a field relevant to SOMO’s work
• 8+ years in management positions within social justice organisations
• Experience in securing funding, building donor relationships, and managing grant reporting processes
• Proficiency in another language relevant to SOMO’s global work.

What we offer

• A meaningful role in a globally connected, mission-driven organisation.
• A supportive team of passionate, purpose-driven colleagues in a collaborative atmosphere 
• Space for your initiatives and ideas
• Initial one-year contract (32-36 hours per week) with the intention to extend permanently, subject to funding
• A gross monthly salary between €5.217,00 and €7.221,00 based on 40 hours a week, depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits including a strong pension plan, flexible working arrangements, and potential end-of-year payment, subject to positive budgetary result 
• Opportunities and budget for professional development and learning
• A relocation allowance is available for the successful candidate if moving to the Netherlands. Please note: Applicants must already have the right to work in the Netherlands. SOMO is not able to sponsor work permits or visas for this position.
• Travel allowance

Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Interested?

Send your CV without a profile photo and a one-page cover letter in English addressed to Erdem Karal, HR Officer, to jobs@somo.nl by 22 April 2025.

Please title the email subject as ‘First name Last name – Director of Research Programmes’.

Cover letter instructions: In your cover letter, please respond to the following four questions. Each response should be between 100 and 150 words:

1. What motivates you to apply for this role, and how do your personal and professional goals align with SOMO’s mission, particularly in economic justice and challenging corporate?
2. How do you manage and support experienced professionals in a research-driven environment?
3. How have you demonstrated a commitment to intersectional justice, decolonisation, and anti-racism in your work?
4. Can you describe your background in leading research programmes and investigations, as well as your experience in strategic planning to ensure high-quality research outputs?

Selection process timeline: We will conduct three interview rounds for this senior role:

• 5-9 May – Preliminary brief calls with shortlisted candidates
• 12-14 May – First panel interview (online)
• 15-16 May – Online Assignment (for top 3 candidates)
• 19-23 May – Final interview (online)
• 26-30 May – Job offer

The ideal starting period is August 2025.

At SOMO, we are actively working to build an anti-racist and inclusive organisation. We understand the importance of ensuring our teams become representative of the world we live in and warmly encourage and invite individuals from all walks of life, particularly those from historically excluded groups, to apply for roles at SOMO.

For more information about SOMO, visit www.somo.nl.