Project Description: 'Providing Further Direction for the Aa en Hunze Sustainability Initiative'

Background 

The reason for this assignment is a significant increase in focus on the topic of sustainability. In recent years, the team responsible for sustainability has primarily addressed the issue on an ad hoc basis. This approach has successfully raised awareness of and advanced the sustainability agenda. We see this reflected in an increase in initiatives coming to us from residents. Now that new, one-time funds are also becoming available from sources such as CDOKE and Nij Begun, we expect that this approach will no longer suffice. In practice, we are already seeing that more guidance is needed in a number of areas. It is essential that our work is structured in a way that is sustainable for the future. 

Problem Statement/Research Question

To keep sustainability-related tasks manageable, we want to provide direction for what we do (1. Substantive issue) and how we organize it (2. Organizational issue) without losing the flexibility to adapt to the changing landscape and (3. Financial issue) use our resources effectively. 
 

Approach and intended outcome

We are looking for an external consultant who will primarily focus on guiding the processes that still need to be carried out to clarify the existing frameworks and address the organizational structure issues related to sustainability. This requires close collaboration with the strategic consultant and other specialists within the organization who oversee their respective areas of expertise. 

With regard to the three key areas (content, organization, and finances), we expect the following results: 

1. Refining the objectives of the sustainability vision, for example within a decision-making framework. The established sustainability vision serves as a guiding principle in this process and is not up for debate. The chosen format helps clarify our course of action while preserving our flexibility to continue responding to developments in the operating environment. 

2. Recommendations for establishing a robust organizational framework around the theme of sustainability, taking various scenarios into account. 

3. Recommendations regarding the use of financial (one-time) resources that are appropriate for and aligned with the organization and its political priorities. 

The strategic advisor working for our municipality is leading Component 1. We are looking for an Advisor(lead) for Components 2 and 3 who will tackle these in close coordination with Component 1. The internal advisor and the external advisor to be hired complement each other and serve as sparring partners who can help put the pieces together and present choices and dilemmas to the clients. 

Required competencies 

Knowledge of sustainability is not required. What is important is that the candidate has a good grasp of organizational and financial issues. Additionally: process facilitation, consulting, strategic advising, a big-picture perspective, the ability to distinguish between main and secondary issues, and an understanding of municipal and political sensitivities.

If you have any questions about this request, please ask them below in our portal. Direct contact with the hiring team leader is not permitted.