Local recruitment: Researcher nature-positive pathways (Netherlands nationals)

• Den Haag –  route
• Gepromoveerd, Master/doctoraal
• 32 – 36 uur
• schaal 11, schaal 12, €4.024 – €6.907 (bruto)
• Onderzoek / wetenschap, Natuur / milieu
• Solliciteer voor 20 januari 2025 Nog 8 dagen
• Arbeidsovereenkomst voor bepaalde tijd
• Kenmerk: PBL 24-048, Plaatsingsdatum: 27 december 2024

Functie­omschrijving

We are looking for a postdoc level researcher with a social science background developing our work on nature positive scenarios, transformative societal pathways, reflecting multiple values of nature and using mixed method approaches. As our new colleague, you will become part of our International Nature Programme in PBL’s Global Sustainability department (MD) and you will play a role in several exciting projects.
Your main project will be “Pathways for a just and nature positive future”, starting in 2025 (global level focus). This multi-phase project aims to develop a variety of just and transformative pathways towards a nature positive future, following the CBD targets, with social sciences at its core. More specifically, it will focus on 1) a conceptual framework on e.g. values of nature (using the IPBES Nature Futures Framework), justice, and governance; 2) developing pathways based on existing visions in society, both from literature studies and using participatory, co-creation methods; 3) and a reflection on the quantification of these pathways (if appropriate, how etc.). Your contributions will mainly focus on point 2 of the project but we follow a reflexive, iterative process so contributions to all three parts are to be expected. There will be a lot of room to discuss with the project team your ideas on how to operationalise phase 2 of the project and to bring in concrete suggestions on methodologies here.

Other projects you will contribute to are:

• BioAgora: a Horizon Europe project that aims to connect research on biodiversity to the needs of decision-making in a targeted dialogue between scientists, other knowledge holders, and policy actors. PBL’s contribution focusses on creating an overview of scenarios related to the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and to specific policies (European level).
• Visions and Visioning for societal transformation: building on work from 2024 about the transformative aspects of visions and visioning, this project will further develop this and test its application in ongoing PBL projects that focus on the future (both national and international focus).
• Valuing nature in Dutch society, a project in the PBL programme on visions for nature policy in the 21st century (national level).

Functie-eisen

• You have an PhD or similar experience in social sciences, natural resource management, conservation or environmental sciences, or a related study, with a proven affinity with nature and biodiversity.
• You have a demonstrable understanding of methods for visioning and participatory scenario and pathway development and experience in multi- or transdisciplinary research.
• You are familiar with IPBES work on scenarios, multiple values of nature, nature-positive approaches, and nature-inclusive society.
• You have an affinity with policy-oriented research and are able to operationalise this to reflect on and analyse policy.
• You have strong conceptual and analytical skills and are able to operationalise these for specific situations and contribute to other PBL projects in further developing these ideas.
• You are skilled in communicating your findings through presentations, policy studies, and articles, and you have excellent English language skills.
• You are experienced in working on a project with a team, including, ideally, in different international contexts, but are able to pick up your responsibilities independently and proactively.

The working language in our organisation is Dutch. There are, however, lots of non-Dutch-speaking colleagues, and part of our work is also aimed at international collaboration. To encourage internal communication, we expect that everyone makes the effort to learn both Dutch as well as English. Of course you will be supported through fitting training. Furthermore, some aspects are offered in both languages, and there is live translation available at important events.

Do you not (yet) comply with the requirements or do you need adjusted working circumstances? Please explain in your motivation letter how you can contribute to our organisation and what you need (from us). We’d like to see if we can make a good match where everyone is supported.

Arbeids­voorwaarden

• Salaris­niveau: schaal 11, schaal 12
• Maand­salaris: Min €4.024 – Max. €6.907 (bruto)
• Dienst­verband: Arbeidsovereenkomst voor bepaalde tijd
• Contract­duur: 2 jaar
• Minimaal aantal uren per week: 32
• Maximaal aantal uren per week: 36

Overige arbeids­voorwaarden

In addition to your salary, you will receive an Individual Budget (IKB). The IKB consists of funds (16.50% of your gross annual salary) and time. With the IKB, you make choices that are right for you, and you can decide on some of your employment conditions yourself. For example, you could opt to receive part of your monthly salary at a date of your choosing. You could also use the budget to purchase additional leave, or vice versa, or spend it on tax-efficient purchases. The Government of the Netherlands strongly values personal growth and career development and offers a wide range of options to achieve that. The fringe benefits include various study facilities, company fitness, a full compensation of your public transport expenses for your commute and partially paid parental leave.

Bijzonderheden

Specifics

• Pay attention: you can respond up until the closing date (so not up to and including).
• The interviews are planned for the week of 27 January 2025.
• After the closing date, the vacancy text is no longer available online. We suggest you save a copy beforehand.
• References or online screening (e.g. of academic publications or LinkedIn profile) can be part of the selection process.
• This vacancy is not a structural position, because it concerns the temporary replacement of another colleague for two years. A permanent contract is therefore not possible.
• Do you already have a (permanent) contract with the national government or a university? Then you could discuss with your current manager whether it is possible to be detached for the duration of this contract.
• Classification in the scale is based on knowledge and experience.
• Where it suits your activities, you can also partly work from home. However, you live and work in the Netherlands and spend at least half of your working hours at the office.
• Preferred starting date: latest 1 April 2025.

Onbarding
A good landing in the organisation is very important to us. In your introduction period, a direct colleague will be your first point of contact in the period in which you get acquainted with the organization, next to your manager. PBL has an introduction programme for new employees which focuses on the role and position of the agency, our working methods and the work culture.

Contact

• For more information about the application procedure, please call Ellen van Tongeren, HRM advisor, on +31 611499768, or Geoffrey de Winter, HRM advisor, on +31 625722671.
• Do you have questions about the content of this position? Please contact Machteld Schoolenberg on +31 611102012.

Meer over jouw toekomstige afdeling

The Department of Global Sustainability (MD) analyses the effects of biodiversity loss and climate change on society. Looking at global scale, our department carries out assessments of policies, both proposed and already in place, on how to realise internationally-agreed goals and targets for climate and biodiversity, as well as the broader SDG-agenda. The department supports the international sustainability policies of various Dutch ministries. It also studies scientific, economic, and governance aspects of societal developments, applying mixed methods. MD contributes to international assessments such as IPCC, IPBES, and UNEP GEO.

Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management

PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency is the national institute for strategic policy analysis in the fields of environment, nature and spatial planning. We contribute to improving the quality of political and administrative decision-making by conducting outlook studies, analyses and evaluations in which an integrated approach is considered paramount. Policy relevance is the prime concern in all our studies. We conduct solicited and unsolicited research that is always independent and scientifically sound. PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency believes that employees perform best in an inclusive working environment. Working in diverse teams makes our work more innovative and enjoyable.

PBL The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency is administratively part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is committed to improving quality of life, access and mobility in a clean, safe and sustainable environment. The Ministry strives to create an efficient network of roads, railways, waterways and airways, effective water management to protect against flooding, and improved air and water quality.

Would you like to know what it’s like to work at PBL? Have a look at this video or our website.