Defence Research Leader - 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: defence capability and acquisition; defence industry, strategy and policy; armed forces, personnel, doctrine and resources. We are also interested in individuals with expertise in a range of methods.

Key Responsibilities

Your primary role will be to design, lead and manage research and analysis on topics related to defence capability development and acquisition, industrial base analysis and policy questions on behalf of our government clients.

This role will involve:

• Leading or managing the development of competitive research proposals.
• Leading or 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
• Frequently liaising with government and industry stakeholders as part of the research projects
• Mentoring and developing junior researchers through training and development activities, and performance management processes
• Demonstrating mature understanding of the policy context of the Netherlands and European defence and an ability to apply relevant knowledge on defence studies,
• Demonstrating excellent time management skills to manage involvement in multiple parallel projects, proposals, corporate initiatives and other activities (e.g. outreach, speaking roles at conferences, publication of op-eds etc.)
• Supporting and contributing as required to the wider management and leadership of the research group and RAND Europe as a business 

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

You will have extensive professional experience (less for candidates with a PhD), in defence-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 a good knowledge of Dutch, NATO and European defence issues
• You have achieved impact through the delivery of high-quality research
• You have designed research approaches tailored to specific policy research questions
• You have excellent writing skills and have experience leading and coordinating the drafting of complex reports
• You have managed or led multidisciplinary research teams
• You can communicate research findings effectively to policymakers through a variety of written and verbal means
• You can engage effectively with a variety of government and industry stakeholders at all levels of seniority
• Your experience includes applying qualitative and/or quantitative research methods to address complex research questions
• You can communicate research findings effectively to policymakers through a variety of written and verbal means
• You have managed a diverse range of clients in the public and/or private sector
• You are eligible for Personnel Security Clearance (PSC)

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