Your mission

At Circle Economy, we believe it is time for a new economic approach: the circular economy. We are a global impact organisation with an international team of passionate experts based in Amsterdam. We empower industries, cities and nations with practical and scalable solutions to put the circular economy into action. Our vision is an economic system that ensures the planet and all people can thrive. We are growing rapidly, and expanding our reach in both the Netherlands and globally. 

We conduct cross-sectoral and transnational research, and translate key findings and data into actionable and scalable solutions. Through capacity development and training, we provide the knowledge, skills, roadmaps and strategies to pilot and implement circular economy interventions. We work with a diverse portfolio of partners and clients, to develop and activate the networks, tools and dissemination needed to scale systemic transformation.

Your role at Circle Economy

As Director of Research & Development (R&D), you will lead and oversee the research activities of Circle Economy Foundation. Together with our team of researchers, you will improve and innovate the research methodologies we apply, with the aim to optimise their relevance and robustness and maximise the impact of our research outputs (reports, articles, webinars). You will join the Management Team of the Foundation, and together with the Foundation's Managing Director and Director of Strategy & Impact oversee the management of our people, projects and programmes.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Set and drive the R&D strategy: In line with Circle Economy’s Theory of Change, set and drive a coherent R&D strategy for CEF across all focus areas keeping pace with external research and development in the field of circular economy.

• Accountable for the R&D aspect of project delivery. Be accountable for ensuring the quality of applied research methodologies, frameworks and content delivered in projects and products in close collaboration with the project lead. 

• Drive business development opportunities to secure funding for the future development and integration of the R&D strategy.

• Collaboration and partnerships: Identify, initiate and develop research and product focussed partnerships with private, public and multilateral organisations as well as relevant knowledge institutes 

• Communication: Proactively drive the communication about Circle Economy's research and development as well as represent the organisation as thought leaders on the global stage. Enhance the organisation’s public profile and outreach activities by representing Circle Economy at external events and speaking opportunities

• Create a strong team environment, based on trust and transparency, and provide line management and mentoring support to relevant team members 

Your profile

Competencies and Skills

• Masters or doctorate degree with a strong quantitative and/or qualitative focus in fields relevant to circular economy. 

• Relevant experience and track record (12+ years) in initiating and managing (applied) research projects, developing and improving research methodologies, and conveying key findings to different audiences.

• Minimum of 8+ years experience in programme/business development and fundraising; identifying and initiating new projects, building project plans and associated budgets, identifying and acquiring relevant funding.

• Solid analytical skills and disposition to make decisions from the evidence at your disposal.

• Well organized, enjoy creating plans, executing on those plans and holding others accountable for sticking to the plan, but are flexible to adjust when necessary; hold your employees accountable and make sure the team can deliver high quality and on deadline.

• Self-starter (proactive and independent), know how to prioritize different assignments and tasks to meet deadlines.

• Proven experience in building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, networking, partnership, and relationship management at a senior level and in different geographies and industries.

• Excellent communicator internally and externally, being straightforward, decisive and assertive. Very strong written and oral communication skills (English).

• Affinity with the values of Circle Economy. We summarise this in our core values: Belonging, Collaboration, Courage and Transformation.

Why us?

Our Culture

We are a team of 55+ driven and ambitious professionals, coming from diverse backgrounds and 

from more than 20 different countries, sharing the belief that the circular economy creates prosperity for all. We work in a lively and dynamic atmosphere in our open office space right in the  heart of Amsterdam. At Circle Economy, we have a culture of getting things done while having fun,  and apart from friendly and open team dynamics, you can expect a drink in your hand every other Thursday by 4pm.

Our Values

As a team we have guiding principles of Belonging, Collaboration, Courage, Transformation that define our mindsets and are inherent in the way we work each day, especially in the way we treat each other and others. Our values are a compass to guide our culture internally and shape our impact externally, they further our greater mission and don’t impose ideology but enable ideas.

What we offer you

For this role, we are offering an initial 1-year contract for 32 to 40 hours per week. We offer an awesome   challenge for a passionate person that loves to learn continuously and take up responsibilities in a vibrant and talented team. Salary is competitive, keeping in mind we are a non-profit, startup organisation, based in Amsterdam. To apply please respond with your CV and a motivation letter. Applications will be closed on April 20, 2024.

About us

ABOUT CIRCLE ECONOMY

Circle Economy is an impact organisation combining research, tools, and advice for the greater good. We were founded to create prosperity for all within the limits of our planet. With nature as our mentor, we accelerate circularity. We help businesses, cities, and nations with data-powered roadmaps for change. We are an international team of excited experts based in Amsterdam.

PURPOSE

Earth, our home, needs to be healthy, safe, and just for generations to come. We harness the world’s intelligence and collaborative drive to restore its balance. It can and must be done; we pave the way.

VISION

A circular economy meets the needs of people in harmony with nature. It designs out waste and pollution, keeps products and materials in use, and regenerates natural systems. It’s a balancing act with nature as our mentor.

MISSION

We are a global impact organisation with an international team of passionate experts based in Amsterdam. We empower businesses, cities and nations with practical and scaleable solutions to put the circular economy into action.

Our vision is an economic system that ensures that the planet and all people can thrive. To avoid climate breakdown, our goal is to double global circularity by 2032. We do this by creating:

• An Impact-Driven Data and Evidence Base;

• Establishing metrics for assessing circularity that embraces ecological, economical, and social indicators

• Promoting circular solutions, innovations, and initiatives that have a positive impact on ecology, economy, and society

Actionable and Practical Strategies;

• Building capacity of stakeholders towards the implementation of circular strategies

• Ensuring multi-stakeholder commitment—operational, financial, and political—towards the implementation of circular strategies

• A Digital Environment to Scale Adoption;

• Standardising and digitising the scan approach into products and tools

• Facilitating access to tools and knowledge through open online platforms

OUR CULTURE
We are an international team of ambitious and highly driven (young) professionals who share the belief that the circular economy creates prosperity for all. We work in a lively and dynamic atmosphere in our open office space right in the heart of Amsterdam. At Circle Economy, we have a friendly and open team dynamic and a culture of getting things done while having fun.

Circle Economy welcomes applications from all qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity,as governed under our Gender Equality Plan. Circle Economy encourages our candidates to refrain from attaching their profile photos and gender details in their resumes to mitigate any potential subconscious bias.