The Unit Manager for Social Support oversees the Social Support Unit.
The Social Support Unit falls under the Directorate of the Social Domain and has as its primary objective the support and activation of citizens’ social and societal participation, as well as monitoring compliance with prescribed regulations, provisions, and conditions in areas including, labour affairs, social work, parenting support and the approach to domestic violence and child abuse.

The Unit Manager for Social Support leads the unit and provides the substantive expertise required for shaping various policy initiatives and projects, coordinates implementation, contributes to the development of the annual operational sub-plans, and prepares project proposals. The Directorate of the Social Domain’s Master Plan “Strong Roots” is the guiding framework. “Strong Roots” is central to the mission of establishing a strong social foundation for the Statian community: a Statia in which every resident can thrive across all life domains, including participation, youth, family, social support, care, employment, lifelong learning and leisure.

Tasks and responsibilities
You will lead the unit and, as an integrated manager, be responsible for task allocation, progress monitoring, and ensuring the efficient functioning of the unit, as well as the quality of its outputs. You will oversee, plan, and coordinate the implementation of socially oriented programs and services, set priorities, provide guidance, make recommendations, and implement changes and innovations. You will stimulate and promote the social and civic participation of citizens and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. You will also maintain regular contact with various ministries (including SZW, VWS, OCW, BZK, and J&V) regarding developments within the unit and will critically contribute to the formulation of new policies. In addition, you will analyze data and, based on the directorate plan, prepare the annual planning and budget for the unit; in consultation with your supervisor, you will determine financial priorities and produce periodic reports.

And furthermore, you will:
• Draft socially oriented policy papers, project proposals and plans, and advisory notes.
• Coach, guide and evaluate the unit’s employees.
• Perform related duties as required to support the unit’s objectives.

Job requirements
• A completed bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Management or a related social domain.
• Broad knowledge of relevant BES legislation and regulations in the area of social and community affairs.
• At least five years of management experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in both English and Dutch.
• Knowledge of and/or strong affinity with the social challenges present on St. Eustatius.
• Knowledge and understanding of labor-related matters and associated issues.
• A strong sense of political, intercultural, administrative and societal dynamics.

Required Skills and competencies
• A clear and future-oriented vision, enabling you to guide the unit with direction and purpose.
• Strong problem-analysis skills, allowing you to assess complex social issues and determine appropriate interventions.
• Creativity in developing innovative approaches and solutions within the social domain.
• A results-oriented mindset, ensuring consistent progress and high-quality outcomes.
• Sound judgement in decision-making, even in sensitive or ambiguous situations.
• Political sensitivity, with the ability to navigate intercultural, administrative, and societal dynamics effectively.
• A collaborative and networking-oriented attitude, fostering strong partnerships both internally and externally.

Additional requirements
An assessment, case, and/or reference check may be part of the procedure.
The selected candidate must provide a certificate of good conduct (VOG) and undergo medical evaluation for inclusion in the pension fund.
The following order of preference will be applied during the selection process:
This vacancy is being posted internally and externally simultaneously. The following order is considered in the selection:
• Official staff of OLE (internal)
• Residents from or currently living on Sint Eustatius
• Residents of the Caribbean part of the Netherlands
• All other candidates 
A preference will be given to candidates who are locally based.

Apply 
Send your CV and motivation letter no later than 5 January to:
The Executive Council of the Public Entity of St. Eustatius
Attn: Director Social Domain – Ms. Carol Jack
email: [email protected]
Please note that, due to the upcoming holiday period, this vacancy will remain open longer than usual; however, we encourage you to apply promptly, as the position may be closed earlier if sufficient qualified applications are received.

More information
• Interviews will be scheduled from the 12th of January.
• Questions about the position? Contact Ms. Carol Jack - [email protected]
• Questions about the recruitment process? Contact Ms. Yvonne van ‘t Oever -  [email protected]