Programme Manager Secure and Inclusive Society

At VU Amsterdam, our researchers are at the forefront of driving social innovations across key areas such as Human Health & Life Sciences, Digitalisation and Globalisation, Governance for Society, and Science for Sustainability. These themes are deeply embedded in our identity and reflect our commitment to creating a better world through education, research, and knowledge transfer. We strive for the knowledge generated by our research and education to make a significant societal and economic impact. This vision is realised through our active collaborations with external public and private partners, ensuring that our work benefits society at large.

At IXA-GO, the knowledge transfer, grants, and project office of VU Amsterdam, we empower researchers to maximize the impact of their work. Our team identifies grant opportunities, support building strategic collaborations, assists in building business cases for new start-ups, and connects researchers with the right networks. Additionally, we offer support in IP protection and provide information on further funding opportunities when needed.

Within our IXA-GO project office team, which is based at the dynamic VU Campus, we are looking for a Programme Manager specialising in the domain Secure & Inclusive Society.

What you will do?
As a Programme Manager for Secure & Inclusive Society you will be responsible for building and managing collaborative partnerships between our researchers, other knowledge institutes, companies, governmental organisations and societal actors.

Secure & Inclusive Society, a domain where technical, social, legal, and ethical knowledge and expertise regarding societal issues converge. Especially when we look at the major societal challenges, it is of great importance that technological and SSH (Social Sciences and Humanities) research collaborates interdisciplinarily to contribute to addressing these challenges. At VU Amsterdam, we engage with society and societal actors in various contexts. Being deeply embedded in our city and region, we aim to contribute to regional programmes and agendas like the Nationaal Programma Nieuw-West, where we, along with other knowledge institutes in Amsterdam, form the Knowledge Coalition. On a national level, we collaborate with ministries to establish new partnerships, such as those aimed at strengthening our secure and resilient society. At a European level, we focus on participating in strategic collaborations within the Secure and Inclusive Society domain. As Programme Manager, you will support our researchers and the organisation in leveraging relevant opportunities for collaboration.

You will…

• Explore collaboration opportunities for VU Amsterdam researchers. Leverage your network and experience to guide researchers in forming strategic collaborations.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including academics, public partners, industry representatives, and potential funding bodies.
• Support the development of complex partnerships, including negotiating collaboration agreements (in close collaboration with our legal officers) and managing project administration and delivery.
• Coordinate and position the research portfolio of VU in the domain to increase the opportunities for funding acquisition.
• Liaise with faculty management and relevant stakeholders regarding the research strategy in this domain.
• Stay up to date with developments in the Secure and Inclusive Society and SSH domain, monitor trends, and identify opportunities for VU Amsterdam to innovate and create social and economic impact.

Requirements:

You have...

• A Master/PhD in a field linked to the Secure & Inclusive Society/SSH-domain. and/or a MBA.
• Proven experience in building strategic collaborations and funding acquisition.
• Several years of relevant experience in programme management, innovation management, and/or business development.
• Strong and relevant network in the Netherlands, with experience liaising with both public and private sectors.
• Hands-on approach with a strong ability to take ownership of projects and see them through to completion.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new situations, with a growth mindset and a desire for continuous professional development.
• Innovative and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Excellent proficiency in both Dutch and English, in both speech and writing.

Salary Benefits:

IXA-GO offers you a challenging position within a professional and motivated team for an initial period of 12 months. An extension of your employment contract is possible.

On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €4,537 (scale 11) and a maximum €7,056 (scale 12), depending on your education and experience. The job profile is based on the university ranking system (UFO) of Knowledge Valorisation Officer (2/3) and is open for at least 0,8 fte. The position is based on external funding and can be extended up to a maximum of 48 months (in accordance with art. 2.3 sub 7a CAO NU).

Most importantly, the nature of your work involves engaging with numerous different stakeholders and smart innovations that drive societal progress. This role will enable you to develop at a phenomenal rate and significantly strengthen your network.

De Boelelaan 1105