The International Institute of Social Studies is looking for a Controller (0.8–1.0 FTE)

 

THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL STUDIES

The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) is a leading academic centre for international development studies in The Hague, which is part of Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). It is a postgraduate institute of policy-oriented critical social science, founded in 1952. The Institute offers a PhD in Development Studies, a 15.5-month Masters (MA) in Development Studies with five majors, and an MA in Public Policy.

 

The ISS engages a highly diverse international community of scholars and students from the global south and the north. It brings together people (on average from over 50 different countries), ideas and insights in a multidisciplinary setting which nurtures, fosters and promotes independent thinking. ISS staff, PhD researchers and MA students conduct innovative research on fundamental development problems that exist in different parts of the world. Our strong partnerships with organisations and individuals in developing and developed countries make up a network where we co-create knowledge so that our work remains societally relevant. The wish to contribute to achieving social justice and equity on a global level is key to the ISS philosophy and practice. With its teaching, ISS aims to support its students in becoming critical global citizens, professionals and change agents who are able to make a difference in the world. ISS also acquires and manages externally funded projects for teaching, research and capacity building from a wide range of donors, including NWO, Nuffic and the European Commission.

 

ERASMUS UNIVERSITY ROTTERDAM

Erasmus University Rotterdam, named after Rotterdam-born humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus, is a research university with a strong international orientation and a pronounced social focus, in both its education and research activities. The academic education offered at our faculties is intensive, engaged and strongly focused on connecting theory and practice. We increasingly perform our research in multidisciplinary teams, which are closely interwoven with international networks. In terms of research impact and the quality of its degree programmes, EUR can compete with the leading universities in Europe. This is reflected in our consistent top-100 position in most major university rankings. Erasmus

 

University Rotterdam’s key values include curiosity, social involvement, breaking new ground and striving for success. More details are available at: www.eur.nl

 

THE CONTROLLER AT ISS

As Business Controller you hold a key position within the Institute. You work together with Project Controllers within ISS who are responsible for specific projects. You will have the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Advise the Institute Board; in consultation with the Rector and Institute Director you are closely involved in the establishment of the Institute policy and you will be responsible for the financial aspects of this policy;

• You actively participate in externally funded research, teaching and capacity development projects within and outside the Institute and at a central EUR level. You advise project leaders and project officers on the set-up of and reporting on these projects (budget € 3 million);

• You prepare audits for the projects;

• You prepare project budget management information for project leaders and project officers;

• You initiate and facilitate the annual budget cycle and the periodic planning and control cycle;

• Based on data from the financial administration, you will periodically report to the Institute Board and the central EUR-organization regarding the financial status and in particular 3rd party project activities;

• You prepare and monitor the annual ISS budget of approximately € 22 million (subsidy and external funds)

• You are expected to make a considerable contribution to the further development and improvement of management reporting;

• You are furthermore responsible for the administrative organization and related internal control measures at the Institute. Such measures should take into account requirements regarding efficiency, accuracy of data, minimalizing risks, etc.;

• You participate and contribute in the group of Business Controllers at the EUR;

• You are the financial business partner for all management levels, including the central organization of the EUR. Here you are able to continually switch between financial policy and financial reporting needs and their consequences;

• You will report to the ISS Institute Director

 

MINIMAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• You have completed a relevant bachelor or master degree (economics, business administration or management with financial background);

• Several years’ relevant work experience (preferably at a university);

• Command of SAP is a plus;

• Good communication (writing and speaking) skills in English (C1 or capability to reach this level within one year);

• Affinity with and competences to work in a team in a highly international and multi-cultural environment;

• Ability to work in a small team and ability to deal with non-specialists;

• Willingness to contribute actively to the overall support organization;

• Being the professional you are, you are trustworthy, analytical, professionally strong and able to efficiently and persuasively present information, both verbally and in writing;

• Service-oriented attitude and a hands-on mentality; 

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The starting date for this position is as soon as possible. The successful candidate will be based at ISS in The Hague and will initially be offered a one-year contract with Erasmus University Rotterdam. In case of good performance, the contract may be extended or changed to a permanent contract. In accordance with the conditions applied at Erasmus University Rotterdam as indicated in the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch universities, the salary is in the range EUR 4,538 to EUR 5,826 for full-time employment. In addition, ISS pays an 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year payment of 8.3%. (ISS is committed to building and sustaining a community that is based on inclusiveness, equity and diversity and believes this will contribute to our mission and vision of being the best institute in our field. ISS is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from candidates of all genders, ethnicities, and nationalities.)

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HOW TO REACT

Public Search takes care of the recruiment for The International Institute of Social Studies. Please send your application, consisting of an English-language CV and motivation letter to Melissa Anthonio manthonio@publicsearch.nl / 06-386 90 104 or Sabine Root sroot@publicsearch.nl / 06-289 31 992.

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