Office Manager Research Priority Area Decolonial Futures

Do you have strong organisational and communication skills, and would you like to support the Research Priority Area (RPA) Decolonial Futures in a variety of tasks? Do you have an affinity with or interest in decolonial theory, or scholarship on and from the Global South? Then read on and apply for this versatile position!

The Department of Research and Impact of the Faculty of Humanities is hiring an enthusiastic office manager who will work for the RPA Decolonial Futures.
The RPA Decolonial Futures establishes collaborations on decolonial research across the Humanities, Law, and Behavioural and Social Science Faculties. The RPA understands ‘coloniality’ as a form of power that emerged in the modern period to determine how people are categorised, how power and wealth are distributed, and how social exclusion takes place.

This is what you will be doing
You will ensure that all RPA activities run smoothly. You will work closely with the three project coordinators, one from each participating faculty, and with the support staff within the Research & Impact department. You will be the first point of contact for participants and partners in the RPA. Your supervisor will be the head of the Department of Research & Impact.

• Assist the three project coordinators in the organisation and running of regular project meetings and board meetings.
• First point of contact for questions from staff members and external partners.
• Support in organising calls for funding and fellowships and supporting procedures, in close collaboration with faculty support staff.
• Organising events, such as the annual lecture, masterclasses by visiting scholars and collaborations with external partners. Provide practical support for bookings, catering, and events.
• Maintain the Decolonial Futures website, draft and circulate the RPA newsletter, as well as the social media accounts (Instagram and Bluesky), and help to further develop the social media presence of the RPA.

This is what we ask of you
You keep a good overview and set priorities. You enjoy working in a team and have a service- and result-oriented attitude. In good consultation, you take on various tasks. You are flexible, have an eye for what your colleagues need and naturally share information and experiences with others. You are a connector, have a positive attitude and excellent communication skills. You are available to start as soon as possible.

• Experience with administrative tasks and event organisation.
• Experience with MS Office and website management.
• Good communication skills, including active listening and constructive feedback, and the ability to collaborate effectively within diverse team.
• Excellent English and Dutch writing and speaking skills.
• A background or demonstrable interest in decolonial theory, post-colonial theory or scholarship on and from the Global South would be a plus.

This is what else we offer you

• A temporary contract for a maximum of 24 months, with a probationary period of two months. The employment contract is for 0,5 fte hours per week. The preferred start date is as soon as possible.
• A position in which your initiative and input are highly appreciated.
• An inspiring academic and international environment located in the heart of Amsterdam.

This is where you will be working
The RPA Decolonial Futures establishes collaborations on decolonial research across the Humanities, Law, and Behavioural and Social Science Faculties. The RPA understands ‘coloniality’ as a form of power that emerged in the modern period to determine how people are categorised, how power and wealth are distributed, and how social exclusion takes place.

The RPA Decolonial Futures is coordinated by three researchers from the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences and the Faculty of Law. You will work closely with the three project coordinators and with the support staff within the Research & Impact department from the Faculty of Humanities.

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the red button. We accept applications until and including 6 June 2025.

Applications should include the following information (all files should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation.

Interviews will take place in the second half of June.

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact via email, headed "RPA Decolonial Future":

Dr. Nanske Wilholt, Head of Research and Impact, Faculty of Humanities n.m.wilholt@uva.nl.