Research Leader - Security - Netherlands

The Defence & Security (D&S) research group conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of research for a diverse client base in the Europe and beyond. Our clients include the National Coordinator for Terrorism and Security (NCTV), the Ministry of Justice and Security, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other national government departments, EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, European Parliament), international defence and security organisations (e.g. Foreign Affairs ministries across Europe, NATO, UN), and various third sector and humanitarian organisations.

Our team’s work covers a broad range of public policy issue issues, including:

• Defence Strategy, Policy and Capability
• Defence Industry and Acquisition
• Defence Workforce and Skills
• Security
• Technology, Disruption and Uncertainty innovation)
• Sustainability and Resilience

We are specifically looking for an individual with a strong, proven track record of delivering research on issues related to violent extremism, (societal) resilience, terrorism, national security, human security, cyber security. We are also interested in individuals with expertise in a range of methods.

Key Responsibilities

Your primary role will be to design, manage, and lead research and analysis on complex security policy questions on behalf of our clients. You will work as part of our wider research team to ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the highest quality standards.

Specifically, the Research Leader – Security role will involve:

• Leading and managing the development of competitive research proposals
• Leading and managing research projects
• Contribute to the management of the Dutch office under the leadership of the office director, and contribute to the growth strategy in the Netherlands
• Proactively developing relationships with current or prospective clients, as well as wider networks of experts and collaborators
• Demonstrating mature understanding of the policy context of the Netherlands and European security
• Demonstrating excellent time management skills to manage involvement in multiple parallel projects, proposals, corporate initiatives and other activities

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

You will have extensive professional experience (or less professional experience plus PhD) in security related research and you will have applied a range of research methods in either the public, private or academic sectors. 

Essential

• Excellent command of the Dutch and English language.
• You have achieved impact through the delivery of high-quality research
• You have designed research approaches tailored to specific policy research questions
• You have a good knowledge of Dutch and European security issues.
• You are familiar with the policy context in the Netherlands
• You have demonstrated experience of successfully managing policy research projects and evaluations
• You have excellent writing skills and have experience leading and coordinating the drafting of complex reports for clients
• You have managed multidisciplinary research teams providing intellectual leadership and coordination on a daily basis, ensuring quality of work delivered and providing guidance and support on methodological, subject matter, and logistical issues
• You can communicate research findings effectively to policymakers through written and verbal means
• Your experience includes applying qualitative and/or quantitative research methods to address complex research questions
• You have managed a diverse range of clients in the public and private sector
• You have mentored junior researchers to develop their skills and competence
• You are proficient in using the Microsoft Office tool suite
• You are eligible for Personnel Security Clearance (PSC) and/or willing to undergo security screening to request a “certificate of no objection” (Verklaring van geen bezwaar, VGB).

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