JICN Head of department

Higher professional education (HBO) | Bonaire | Vacancy number: P&O2025_04_004 Closing date: April 22, 2025

Job description

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team as Head of Department within the Judicial Institution. As a manager, you will be responsible for effectively managing and coordinating day-to-day activities within the department, whereby the security, rehabilitation and well-being of detainees is central.

Responsibilities:

• Leading and motivating personnel to ensure a secure and respectful environment.
• Coordinating programmes for the rehabilitation and re-integration of detainees.
• Ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations in the field of security and order.
• Efficient management of personnel timetables, training and evaluations.

We aim to ensure diversity within our team and encourage all qualified candidates to submit an application.
We are looking for a head of department who will supervise the team within the department and will cooperate with fellow heads of department in the further professionalisation of JICN.

In order to be successful in this position, you must be able to establish networks and relationships in an original and creative manner, both inside and outside your department. You must also be able to approach the right people outside JICN, thus making sure that the development of the institution as well as detainees takes place effectively. When doing so, it will be important to safeguard ongoing processes and to always maintain a proper overview. Besides being responsible for your ‘own’ living section, you will work closely with fellow department heads. You will coordinate your initiatives and methods with them, and actively look for cooperation opportunities. As head of department, you must be capable of thinking outside the box because some issues will require creative solutions.

Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for managing and developing your team;
• You must be able to address projects and present creative solutions;
• You must safeguard the continuity of the primary process, manage the budget assigned to your department, and duly and accurately implement personnel resources;
• You must be aware of everything that occurs within your organisation and be familiar with trends and developments within your field of work. And you must modify existing processes accordingly. You must make sure that care and after-care in the department is carried out in accordance with applicable guidelines and must coordinate cooperation between the involved disciplines.
• You must make result-related agreements with your supervisor (department plan and detention plan) and accept responsibility for implementing these agreements. You must take action in due time if deviations are likely to be encountered. You must supply (management) data and information accurately and on time;
• You must maintain contact with colleagues and (chain) partners and be aware of the issues they are facing. You must ensure compatibility between the processes in your department and the surrounding work processes, and act accordingly. 

The organisation 

The JICN is a Judicial Institution that is based in an ultra-modern building at Plantage Aruba, where detainees from the whole of the Caribbean Netherlands can be placed. There are 113 detention places, spread across 8 departments (regimes). The JICN also offers extra clinical care to arrested persons and detainees. JICN keeps track with changes in the prison system. This requires proactive thinking, innovation and investment in the professionalism of our employees.

Would you like to read more about exactly what JICN does?
Then visit www.rijksdienstcn.com/justitie-veiligheid/justitiele-inrichting-caribisch-nederland for more information.

Competencies

• Customer focus
• Supervision
• Management identification
• Planning and organizing
• Networking
• Organisational sensitivity
• Collaboration skills
• Solution-oriented approach

Job requirements

• You must have an HBO working and thinking level, and possess demonstrable management experience/background;
• You must have an insight into operational processes;
• You must have knowledge of and experience with working in the Caribbean region;
• You must have a stimulating and motivational leadership style;
• Experience in managerial positions within a correctional environment;
• Thorough knowledge of the correctional system and relevant legislation;
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to inspire and lead team members in a challenging environment.

What do we offer?

• A competitive salary in job salary scale 10 of minimum $3,578 and maximum $4,644 per month based on a working week of 36 hours. A pay grade based on knowledge, experience and training;
• Holiday allowance (8.33% of the remuneration);
• A thirteenth month (8.33% of the remuneration);
• A vitality allowance
• A pension scheme with Pensioenfonds Caribisch Nederland (PCN);
• 182 hours of leave based on a working week of 36 hours;
• Temporary appointment for one year, with a view to permanent appointment after effective performance and positive appraisal;
• A relocation scheme for candidates responding from outside the island.

Procedure

An assessment, case and/or reference check may be part of the procedure.
This vacancy is opened simultaneously internally and externally, in the course of which the following order is taken into account in the selection:

• Official RCN staff on the BES Islands (internal);
• Residents of the Caribbean part of the Netherlands (external);
• Other candidates (external)

Good to know for potential candidates outside the Caribbean Netherlands

• The salary is in American dollars; the official currency of the Caribbean Netherlands;
• The Caribbean Netherlands has its own tax legislation; Income above the tax-free sum ($21,373,-- in 2025) will be taxed at a payroll tax rate of 30.4%;
• Participation in the pension scheme is compulsory, including the accompanying personal contribution;
• You are or will become an inhabitant of the Caribbean Netherlands.

More information? 

For further information about the vacancy, please contact Wibo de Vries, director of JICN, by phoning +599 795 2463.

Digital applications 

Send your Curriculum Vitae and cover letter to: vacature@rijksdienstCN.com