Project Secretary Regional Development & Land Use (temporary replacement)

Would you like to support our project leaders working in the field of Regional Development & Spatial Use as a Project Secretary? Do you enjoy contributing to project management and, when needed, to the implementation of national and international scientific projects such as NL2120 and various national and European applied research projects? Are you proactive, quick to adapt, analytically minded, and do you have an affinity with regional development, agriculture, and nature? Then we are looking for you as our (temporary) new colleague!

We are seeking temporary cover for our current project secretary from 23 January to 15 May 2026. Ideally, the temporary contract would start earlier to ensure a smooth handover, preferably on 1 January 2026. After this period, there may be an opportunity to continue working a few hours per week as a replacement during parental leave.

At Wageningen Environmental Research, we are looking for a project secretary to join the Regional Development & Spatial Use team. This team consists of a diverse and interdisciplinary group of researchers who work together with regions, cities, and local areas to guide them through the necessary transitions. In close collaboration with governments, businesses, and regional partners, we develop practical knowledge bases and methodologies needed to make these transitions possible.

We work on projects for the national government, provinces, and municipalities, as well as for and with the private sector. In addition, we are involved in several European projects with multiple international partners, making project and process management an essential part of our work.

As a project secretary, you will act as the central hub ensuring that the organization of complex and large-scale projects runs smoothly in close cooperation with project leaders. Your responsibilities range from contributing to and organizing project proposals, communicating with national and international project partners and clients, to planning and supporting the implementation of complex projects.

With your substantive background, you may also be asked to contribute content-wise to proposals and research, alongside facilitating the project team.

This position can be performed four days per week or full-time.

Your Team
You will work within the Regional Development & Spatial Use team — a diverse, interdisciplinary group of researchers supporting regions, cities, and areas through major societal transitions. Together with governments, businesses, and area partners, we develop practical knowledge and tools that make these transitions possible.

In addition, you will work as a project secretary for the NL2120 Growth Fund. NL2120 is a ten-year programme (starting in 2024) in which science, industry, government, nature organizations, and education collaborate to create a climate-resilient and nature-inclusive Netherlands by scaling up Nature-based Solutions.

• You have strong analytical skills, work accurately, and are committed to delivering quality results.
• You have an interest in project management with a flexible and service-oriented mindset.
• You work independently, are a connector, and act from a team spirit. You demonstrate problem-solving ability, quality orientation, and good organizational skills.
• You have an interest in research and have gained experience with it during or after your studies.
• You hold a degree (at least a bachelor’s level) in Environmental or Life Sciences, Spatial Planning, Public Administration, Human Geography, or another relevant field.
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills in both Dutch and English.

In our increasingly international work environment, English is becoming more commonly used. For this position, the required language level is B2. If you have not yet reached this level, we will of course support you through our Wageningen in’to Language centre.

You can see there are plenty of challenges for you — and we also view these as development opportunities. So even if you do not yet have the full track record mentioned in the vacancy but do have solid work experience, we warmly encourage you to apply.

When it comes to employment conditions, Wageningen University & Research offers an excellent package. Highlights include:

• Flexible working hours to maintain an optimal work-life balance;
• Sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• A strong focus on vitality, with access to on-campus sports facilities at a favourable rate;
• An annual year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• An excellent pension scheme via ABP.

In addition to these outstanding secondary benefits, we offer a competitive salary depending on your experience, ranging from € 3,482.- to € 4,929.- for a full-time (36-hour) work week, in accordance with CAO Wageningen Research, scale 9.

The position is offered on a temporary contract for a period of six months. Naturally, we are happy to discuss any questions you may have regarding the contract.

Wageningen University & Research offers ample opportunities for growth and development, supported by strong internal mobility policies and excellent training options.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working atmosphere. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the “Best University” in the Netherlands — a place to be proud of.

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.