The Netherlands Energy Research Alliance (NERA) is looking for a General Secretary to support the organisation in its day-to-day operations and further strategic development.
NERA brings together energy researchers and research institutions across the Netherlands and acts as a voice for the Dutch energy research community. NERA contributes to strategic agenda-setting for energy research, provides independent, science-based advice to external stakeholders, strengthens connections within the research community, and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and thought leadership around the energy transition.
The General Secretary plays a central role in keeping NERA running effectively. Working closely with NERA’s chairpersons, Executive Board, Scientific Board and Working Group, the General Secretary connects the different parts of the organisation and maintains relationships with important external stakeholders.
Responsibilities
• Scientific Board. Prepare the monthly Scientific Board meetings in collaboration with the chairpersons. This includes developing the agenda and content, preparing the meeting binder and supporting documents, coordinating input from participants, attending the meetings, and taking and distributing minutes.
• Executive Board. Support the twice-yearly Executive Board meetings. The Executive Board brings together rector/CvB-level executives from leading energy research institutes and universities in the Netherlands, giving the General Secretary the opportunity to work directly with senior leaders in the Dutch research landscape. Responsibilities include preparing the agenda and meeting materials with the chairpersons, drafting relevant documents, and taking and distributing minutes.
• Coordination with the NERA Working Group. Act as a bridge between the Scientific Board and NERA’s Working Group, which drives the implementation of NERA’s activities. The General Secretary ensures effective communication, coordination and follow-up between the strategic and operational parts of the organisation.
• Financial administration. Manage NERA’s day-to-day financial administration, including making payments and coordinating and collecting financial contributions from NERA members.
• External relations and representation. Represent NERA and maintain relationships with relevant external stakeholders, including regular contact with organisations such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) and the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
• Strategic and organisational development. Work with the chairpersons and other members of NERA to strengthen and further develop the organisation, improve ways of working, contribute to strategic planning, and increase NERA’s activities and impact over time.
Profile
We are looking for someone who wants to make a positive contribution to the energy transition and is motivated by the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of the Dutch energy research landscape.
You are highly organised and combine strong administrative and coordination skills with excellent communication and stakeholder-management abilities. You are comfortable working with people at different levels, from researchers to senior academic leadership, and government stakeholders.
You can work independently, take initiative, maintain oversight, and turn discussions and decisions into concrete actions. You also bring a strategic and improvement-oriented mindset: you enjoy thinking about how an organisation can develop, work more effectively and increase its impact.
Previous experience in an organisational coordination role and/or within an academic or research environment is desirable. Familiarity with the energy transition, energy research, and the Dutch research and policy landscape would be a strong advantage. A university degree (WO) in an energy-related field is required. Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Dutch and English are required.
Practical information
The position is an employed position for 16 hours per week, with a gross salary of €1,850 per month.
The role offers substantial flexibility to work remotely, with the possibility of working from an office at one of NERA’s member organisations. As NERA is a national network, the position also involves regular attendance at meetings and activities at locations throughout the Netherlands. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
The preferred starting date is as soon as possible.
Application
Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and short motivation letter to B.Ehrler@amolf.nl.
For further information about the position, please contact Bruno Ehrler, Chairperson of NERA, at B.Ehrler@amolf.nl.