2 International Relations Officers

Do you have what it takes to advise and prepare students for a unique study abroad experience?

Job Description
We are Maastricht University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE): the youngest and most international science, technology, engineering and mathematics faculty in the Netherlands. Following years of explosive growth, we proudly call ourselves home to over 3700 students and 460 staff members across four different cities in Limburg. As a faculty, we’re eager, deeply committed to both education and research, and a bit rebellious. 

We are seeking two dedicated and dynamic International Relations Officers to join our International Relations Office (IRO) team in Maastricht. This role is pivotal in facilitating and managing our student exchange programs, ensuring a smooth and impactful experience for students participating in international exchanges.

You will handle an ample portfolio of tasks in the International Office, ranging from documenting student applications, answering student queries, organising study abroad Q&A, initiating Erasmus+ grants requests, contacting exchange partners worldwide, welcoming incoming exchange students from all continents to updating online and offline exchange information. 

Responsibilities

• You are the go-to person internally for FSE students who would like to study abroad and externally for students interested in spending a semester at FSE.
• You support outgoing/incoming exchange students, from early interest to follow-up after return of exchange period.
• You administer student nominations and applications while keeping track of deadlines.
• You handle incoming and outgoing correspondence and phone calls with foreign exchange partners.
• You manage and update existing exchange partnership programmes and signal new opportunities.
• You manage and update relevant exchange information on FSE intranet and internet pages.
• You supply data & reports on exchange for internal management and external parties such as the central Erasmus Office.
• You participate in regular IRO-meetings with staff from other faculties.

Requirements

• You have HBO (university of applied science) education level.
• Demonstrated interest in international study, international affairs, and/or intercultural issues is preferred.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and oral, with the ability to communicate effectively with external clients as well as staff at all levels.
• Excellent IT skills (particularly Microsoft Office) and a willingness to learn new IT programs (such as SAP or document and workflow systems).

Competencies

• You are culturally sensitive, proactive, and adept at problem-solving.
• You are customer friendly, easily accessible and service oriented.
• You are an excellent team player with a “jump in and get it done attitude”.
• You are a self-starter, effectively managing your time, surveying your own work, setting goals and priorities, planning activities, resources and time and meeting deadlines.

What we offer
As 2 International Relations Officers at Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 7 - 8 according to UFO profile Student Affairs Officer, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2899,00 and €4298,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 0,5 or 0,6 FTE. Upon proven suitability, the employment contract will be converted to an indefinite contract. 
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. 
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. 
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM. 

Faculty of Science and Engineering  
At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development.  FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention.  The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS).  At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3700 students gather to explore e exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!  
 

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses  
Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.  

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Luc Giezenaar, FSE Head of International Relations team at luc.giezenaar@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new 2 International Relations Officers? Apply now, no later than November 24, 2024, for this position.
 

Please upload your CV and motivation letter. 

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.