The Policy Officer Problem: When Titles Trump Talent
December 30, 2024
In 2020, as part of a sweeping overhaul of the government structure, all job roles were reviewed and redefined. Enter the consultant with a so-called “brilliant” idea: to describe all roles in generic, one-size-fits-all terms. The result? Most government employees are now proudly titled policy officers (Beleidsmedewerker).
But here’s the problem. By making job descriptions generic, qualifications and expertise were sidelined during placements. Specialists were in the wrong roles, and essential knowledge got lost in the shuffle. Today, many of these so-called policy officers have never drafted a single policy memo but still carry the title on their business cards like a badge of honor.
This approach has blurred job definitions and undermined the government’s ability to function effectively. Expertise is scattered, and the title of policy officer has become meaningless. Isn’t it time to rethink this ill-conceived experiment and bring real expertise back to the forefront?
Miguel Goede
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