The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) is looking for an iconic and authoritative ecologist for the position of director of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) with a broad vision, an extensive network and excellent leadership and managerial qualities.

The mission of the NIOO is to conduct leading ecological research, to stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and to share ecological knowledge with society. In this way, the NIOO plays a unique role in fundamental and applied (inter)national ecological research. NIOO’s ecological research is in the areas of biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water.

Within and outside the Netherlands the NIOO is considered a top research institute in ecology, and was recently evaluated highly positively by an independent assessment committee. NIOO’s research takes place both inside the Netherlands and internationally. With over 300 employees, including guest employees and students, the NIOO is one of the KNAW's largest research institutes.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• You are ultimately responsible for the general and daily management of the NIOO and as such responsible for the direction of the institute, fitting within the strategy of the KNAW. You will be supported in this by the Director of Operations.
• You are tasked with ensuring that the NIOO remains a leading (inter)national institute in the future, where scientific talent can flourish.
• You are tasked with delivery of the recent NIOO strategic plan and taking the lead on future strategic planning,
• You are responsible for the work culture within the NIOO based on the five core values: Collaborative, Inclusive, Responsible, Innovative, and Impactful.
• You identify important developments in science and society, within and outside of the Netherlands, and respond adequately.
• You play an important role within (inter)national networks and collaborations in the ecological field.
• You promote interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary cooperation and collaboration to consolidate and further expand the scientific and societal stature of the NIOO. You carry out this together with universities, scientific NWO and KNAW institutes, other research institutes and social organisations.
• You position the institute with funding bodies, nationally (e.g. NWO) but emphatically also in Europe (e.g. Horizon program and ERC), as well as with foundations, social institutions, government agencies and industry and translate this into new partnerships.
• You are a figurehead and point of contact in the public debate and for the media, clearly communicating the relevance of NIOO research to current social issues.
• You represent NIOO both within the KNAW (member of the Council of Directors) and in (inter)national bodies and in this way represent the interests of NIOO and the KNAW.

PROFILE

The following criteria will be considered in the selection process.

• You are an iconic and authoritative ecologist with a broad vision of science, an extensive research and social network and excellent managerial qualities.
• You have strategic thinking skills, managerial insight and carry responsibility.
• You are demonstrably capable of using your network to establish strategic alliances and acquire grants for research. You participate in public debate and are committed to scientific integrity and soundness.
• You have demonstrable leadership qualities, are creative and committed and able to lead a research institute in an inspiring way. You have an eye for what is going on within the organization, you are people-oriented, empathetic and accessible. You act as a connector and encourage cooperation. You endorse our vision on appreciative leadership with core values: connection, development and clarity.
• You have integrity, are result-oriented and decisive. You are a strong communicator, both internally and externally.
• You have affinity and experience with finance, human resources and ICT policy, and are able to bear integral responsibility for the institute.
• You have a good command of the Dutch and English languages, both spoken and written. If you do not speak Dutch, you are expected to master the Dutch language within a year.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The contract of employment with the KNAW is entered into for an indefinite period. The appointment as institute director is for a term of five years starting April 1, 2025 or as much earlier as possible, with the intention of reappointment for a second and final term of five years.

The position will be remunerated at the level of scale 18 (Collective Agreement of Dutch Universities/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet and home working allowance and pension accrual with the ABP.

The KNAW offers its employees an excellent package of fringe benefits. A package that meets the various needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions.

For a complete overview of the employment conditions, please refer to the webpage: work for the Academy - KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure

Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences

The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) is the forum of and for outstanding scientists. The KNAW is an advisory body to the government and responsible for ten national research institutes - and two institutes that provide infrastructure for research - that rank among the (inter)national top with their research and collections. Independent components are The Young Academy and the Society of Arts.
The Bureau of the KNAW assists members, Board, councils and committees, institutes and the Executive Board in the performance of their duties.