SZW Operations Manager

Aim of the job

As Operations Manager you will be co-responsible for effective and efficient operations within the Unit for Social Affairs and Employment of the National Office for the Caribbean Netherlands (RCN SZW Unit). You will collaborate with the other managers of the RCN Unit SZW on the implementation of the Unit’s (long-term) strategic objectives, while taking account of the specific legislation and regulations which apply in the Caribbean Netherlands. You will ensure that internal operational processes are properly organised and make an effective contribution to the implementation of the legislation, regulations and policy objectives set by the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) for the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. When doing so you will act as a bridge between the RCN Unit SZW and colleagues at the Ministry of SZW in The Hague. You will jointly ensure that the P&C-cycle runs smoothly and that the continuity of our services continues to be guaranteed.

Job description

The Operations Manager coordinates and optimises the internal operations of the RCN Unit SZW. You will make sure that adopted policy is correctly implemented and protected in terms of its implementation (primary processes), the provision of information/ICT and support processes, while taking account of both the government-wide guidelines, RCN guidelines and the local context of the Caribbean Netherlands.

You will monitor things in general, but will also be active and involved in terms of content and you will be a member of the implementation team. You will be directly in charge of the managers of the Control team, the Information Management team, the Data Management team and support staff, which includes the legal advisors, the executive secretary, the office manager and the front office employee(s). You will be a member of the management team and report to the head of the RCN Unit SZW.

You will also be responsible for developing strategic policy proposals and recommendations in the field of, for example, organisation development and operational themes, in accordance with government-wide guidelines, RCN guidelines and the local context of the Caribbean Netherlands. Within the RCN Unit SZW there are still many things that not only need to be set up but also be set in motion and, with this in mind, you will be expected to take the initiative and also take things to the next level.

The unit’s policy proposals and recommendations are based on reliable and up-to-date data and information, such as financial data, budget information, production and implementation data, market and benchmark information and cost-benefit analyses. This information is used to support (financial) accountability towards the Ministry of SZW and other stakeholders.

Duties

• The timely and accurate implementation and monitoring of operational management themes (PIOFACH) and accountability (reporting).

• Realising high-quality data management for the purposes of generating figures and statistics relating to:

• operational, tactical and strategic control;

• staffing plans;

• financial and policy-related accountability;

• forecasts and management information.

• Realising a properly functioning information supply and management system.

• The timely and correct execution of centralised purchasing operations, or the arrangement of these operations.

• Supervising correct compliance with legislation and regulations in relation to operational and financial control.

• Advising management on how to optimise internal business processes.

• Helping to develop and implement the RCN Unit SZW’s (long-term) strategy.

• Analysing organisational performance and initiating and supervising improvement and change processes.

• Strategic coordination with, among others, chain partners, the Shared Service Organisation of the Caribbean Netherlands (SSO CN) and the Ministry of SZW on operational issues (PIOFACH).

• Contract and supplier management.

The organisation

The RCN Unit for Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) implements the social welfare policy for the Caribbean Netherlands. The RCN Unit SZW is also responsible for the CN Labour Authority (Arbeidsinspectie CN), work permits, employment matters and the ‘Plenchi di Trabou’ job site. The RCN Unit SZW employs a total of approximately 70 staff, of which 6 are stationed on Saba and St. Eustatius. All manner of developments are taking place in the social domain and the Unit’s range of duties is expanding. Depending on political decision-making, the RCN Unit SZW will soon be responsible for implementing, among other things, a childcare scheme, an Unemployment Insurance Act for the Caribbean Netherlands and changes to employment legislation. The SZW Unit's aim is to achieve a decent standard of living for everybody in the Caribbean Netherlands.

Competencies

• You are an analytical thinker with a strong feeling for organisation, finance and human capital.

• You know how to motivate people, implement changes and optimise processes.

• You are a strong communicator and able to convey complex information clearly to various stakeholders.

• You have a feel for the culture within an organisation, you are sensitive and you have good administrative skills.

• You are someone who likes to focus on collaboration and who can stimulate a ‘culture of continuous improvement’.

• You have an affinity with the social domain and can contribute to that respect.

Job requirements

• A degree from a university or a university of applied sciences in business administration, public administration or a similar course of study.

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in a managerial position in the field of operations.

• Demonstrable experience with, among other things, (financial) planning and control cycle, data management and/or information management/ICT.

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations in relation to both the (central) government and the National Office for the Caribbean Netherlands.

• Demonstrable experience with managing change and improvement processes.

• A proactive, result-oriented and independent work ethic.

• Experience with CRM and/or ERP systems would be a definite asset.

• A good command of Dutch and English, with a command of Papiamentu being a definite asset.

What do we offer?

• An appointment in conformity with the Rechstpositiebesluit Ambtenaren BES (BES Legal Status of Civil Servants Decree);

• A salary in line with the market, in initial salary scale 12/ job salary scale 13 a minimum of $5.066,- and a maximum of 7.159,- based on a work week of 36 hours. A pay grade based on knowledge and experience;

• A holiday pay (8.33% of the annual income);

• A13^th month (8.33% of the annual income);

• Vitality allowance;

• A pension plan administered by Pensioenfonds Caribisch Nederland (PCN);

• 182 holiday hours based on a work week of 36 hours;

• A temporary appointment of one year with the prospect of a permanent appointment in case of good performance and a positive appraisal;

• A relocation scheme for applicants not living in the island.

Procedure

An assessment, case and/or reference check may be part of the procedure.
This vacancy is being advertised internally and externally, and the following order will be considered in the selection process:

• Official RCN staff on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (internal);

• Residents of the Caribbean part of the Netherlands (external);

• Other candidates (external);

Terms of appointment

• A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG);

• A medical examination for admission to the pension fund (Participation is mandatory, including a personal contribution);

• Dutch citizenship.

Important information for interested applicants living outside the Caribbean Netherlands

• The salary is paid in American dollars, the official currency in the Caribbean Netherlands;

• The Caribbean Netherlands has its own tax regulations. Income above the tax-free allowance $21,956 in 2026 is taxed at 29.4% in the first bracket (up to an income of $53,198). A tax rate of 38.4% applies to the second bracket;

• You are or will become a resident of the Caribbean Netherlands.

More information?

For information about the job vacancy, please contact: Mischa Prinsenberg (Head of Department SZW Caribbean Netherlands) via mail: mischa.prinsenberg@rijksdienstcn.com or Olaf Wilders Interim Operations Manager via mail: owilders@minszw.nl.

Digital applications

You may send your curriculum vitae with cover letter to: vacature@rijksdienstCN.com.