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What are you looking for?

Project Officer Nutrient Platform & YEP Agrofood

Working at the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) means working to help solve global water challenges, whether it's too little, too much or too polluted. You do this by matching Dutch water expertise to international water issues. Do you want to play a role in solving global issues related to water and agrofood, and contribute to improving the nutrient cycle while creating economic opportunities? NWP is looking for a Project Officer Nutrient Platform & YEP Agrofood. If you have affinity with the Dutch water and agrofood sector, then read on and apply!

Want to join us? Apply now for the position of Project Officer International

Our organisation

NWP is the network organisation for the Dutch water sector. The Netherlands has a rock-solid reputation when it comes to water. We believe this expertise can make a difference worldwide. For this reason, we facilitate the Dutch water sector in export, international cooperation and promotion. NWP has about 180 members, profit and non-profit, from water technology to water infrastructure, NGO and government. With these members, we create water impact worldwide and NWP is responsible for adding value on a daily basis for our members, and with our members.

NWP’s global ambition is to grow the international impact of the Dutch water sector through its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The Nutrient Platform (www.nutrientplatform.org), a platform hosted by NWP, is a cross-sectoral network of Dutch organisations that are concerned about the global impact of the nutrient problem and the way in which nutrients are handled in general. The main objectives of the Nutrient Platform are:

  1. Positioning the nutrients cycle on the governmental and political agenda;
  2. Accelerate business and research initiatives and
  3. Share relevant news and information with the members.

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and enthusiastic colleague that will help realise the platform’s and its member’s objectives.

Young Expert Programmes (www.yepprogrammes.com) is one of the main activities of NWP. The mission of YEP Programmes is to create a young, renewed, inspiring international network and build expertise in the field of Water, Agrofood and renewable Energy (nexus) through Dutch organisations, operating in developing countries and emerging markets. 

Hunger and malnutrition remain huge challenges in many parts of the world. More than 820 million people in the world suffer from chronic hunger, while the world’s population is projected to grow to almost 10 billion by 2050. To meet food demand, agriculture will need to produce almost 50 percent more food than it did in 2012. The Netherlands has a renowned international reputation in the Agrofood sector, and acknowledges it has a responsibility in transferring knowledge and skills to low and middle-income countries in view of sustainable growth and development.

Achieving the SDGs by 2030 will require food systems that are inclusive, sustainable, efficient, nutritious and healthy. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has used the SDGs as guidance for the design of their policy and continues to focus on agriculture, and especially on Food and Nutrition Security (FNS). The three objectives, which were developed in 2014, are still relevant, and all YEP Agrofood positions are related to one or more of the following themes:

  • Eradicating existing hunger and malnutrition.
  • Promoting inclusive and sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
  • Creating ecologically sustainable food systems.

Together with our strategic partner Netherlands Food Partnership, YEP Programmes contributes to these themes. Netherlands Food Partnership enables powerful collaboration with international partners to achieve urgent changes that contribute to sustainable food systems and nutrition security and reach SDG2. It accelerates transformative coalitions by facilitating relevant support, and creating experimental space to prototype new approaches and solutions.

Your role

Our ideal candidate is a networker with knowledge of bringing people and organisations together, both internally and externally. Somebody with a go-getter attitude, is creative, a good planner, and well organised. She/he is experienced/willing to learn to work with various online tools, and is able to shape and provide direction to the efforts of the team, clarifying objectives and indicating priorities. 

As secretary of the Nutrient Platform, you create an overview on all relevant political, business and technological developments regarding the nutrient cycle. You are the Platform’s spokesperson, liaison for governmental organisations and first point of call for members. You facilitate the collaboration of Nutrient Platform members and expand the network.

As a Project Officer for YEP Agrofood, you jointly coordinate the recruitment and selection process of organisations and candidates. You frequently meet with (online) trainers, coaches, representatives of Dutch organisations and young professionals, and inform them about the possibilities to join YEP Programmes and facilitate and improve this process.

About the job

  • Secretary Nutrient Platform, inter alia:
    • Organise events, steering committee meetings and members meetings.
    • Keep an overview on relevant political, business and technological developments regarding the nutrient cycle.
    • Initiate and facilitate dialogue between relevant stakeholders (public and private sector, and knowledge institutes) to advocate, facilitate and promote nutrient recovery and reuse.
    • Maintain and expand the network.
    • Perform activities part of projects that the Nutrient Platform participates in.
    • Be the contact person for the European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform and others.
    • Coordinate information sharing through newsletters, websites etc.
    • Write meeting minutes and initiate activities with added value for members.
    • Financial project management.
  • YEP Agrofood, inter alia:
    • Acquisition.
    • Assessment of project proposals.
    • Review YEP Programme candidates’ CVs and motivation letters.
    • Recruitment and selection through live and online interviews and speed dates.
    • (Co)coordinate the Online Learning process of Young Experts, including the online courses.
    • Contribute to the offline trainings and learning trajectory (support the training coordinator in organising offline trainings).
    • Concluding YEP journeys: end calls with Young Experts.
    • First point of contact for ad hoc and practical questions or requests from Young Experts and alumni Young Experts, Basecamp and WhatsApp groups.
    • All round support and representation.

As Project Officer at NWP, you will also be contributing to the other projects we are working on, such as the water for food programme or the saline water & food systems partnership.

What we offer

  • You will be working with like-minded colleagues in an international, challenging, and innovative environment.
  • A position in which you contribute to the SDGs and create opportunities for young professionals.
  • A broad perspective on the Dutch and global water and agrofood sector to expand your knowledge and network.
  • NWP offers you a competitive salary, good employment conditions and interesting perks.
  • Working hours are flexible and working from home is very well facilitated.
  • A lot of freedom and opportunity for you to come up and execute good ideas.

What we ask

  • Higher education (HBO in Netherlands or University) in water, agrofood or a related field.
  • A vision on a sustainable future and affinity with the nutrient management, circularity and the development of young professionals.
  • Good organisation, planning and project management skills.
  • Good communication skills in both Dutch and English.
  • Good networking and presentation skills.
  • Stress resistant, flexible, independent but also a team player.
  • Proactive attitude to work, someone who dares to take initiative and decisions.
  • Being innovative and enjoying standing out!

Application

Please apply by sending your motivation letter and CV to hr@nwp.nl before 18 February 2024. Only applicants with a valid work permit in The Netherlands will be considered.

Contact

For more information on this position, contact Vincent Cornelissen, Programme Manager YEP Programmes, +31 70 304 3716, v.cornelissen@nwp.nl, or Rick Elmendorp, Director and Board Member NWP, +31 070 304 3726, r.elmendorp@nwp.nl

For more information about the profile and procedure, please contact Samiena Nabibaks, HR Business Partner, +31 70 304 3729 s.nabibaks@nwp.nl.