Transition lead (kwartiermaker) sought for the martial arts sector

Introduction

The full contact martial arts kickboxing, Thai boxing and MMA are organised differently from most sports in the Netherlands. These sports have no overarching federation affiliated with NOC*NSF (the Dutch Olympic Committee and Dutch Sports Federation). The Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit (VA, the Dutch Martial Arts Authority) was founded in 2017 in order to regulate full contact martial arts in the Netherlands more effectively. Since 2020, at the request of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (ministerie van VWS), the VA has been looking for an organisational structure for full contact martial arts for the longer term. On the basis of research and extensive consultation of the sector, the VA and NOC*NSF have become convinced that there should be one overarching sports federation with full membership of NOC*NSF, in order to further develop and professionalise the martial arts sector. This concerns, among other things, cooperation and strengthening the organisational capacity within the sector, quality improvement and policy that leads to a sound and inclusive sporting culture (in line with the Sportagenda 2032 of NOC*NSF). The VA is an associate member of NOC*NSF and a member of the Platform Ondernemende Sportaanbieders (platform for commercial sports providers).

Assignment

For the martial arts sector to take a next step and to be able to sustain itself within a modern, collective organisational structure, the creation of a single federation is inevitable. An independent transition lead (kwartiermaker) is sought to take this step.

The transition lead (this may also be a duo) will be appointed as of 1 January 2023 for an average of 10 to 20 hours per week. The first phase focuses on the design plan and the implementation plan with a business model. This phase runs from January 2023 up to and including May 2023. From June up to and including December 2023 the second phase will follow, in which the plan from phase 1 is to be rolled out. The assignment therefore consists of the following deliverables:

• A broadly supported design plan for the development of a single modern martial arts federation
• An implementation plan with a business model
• Phase 2: Operationalisation of the plan, governance and organisational establishment of the federation

Profile of the transition lead

We are looking for a transition lead who knows the world of sport inside out. The transition lead has experience in developing and implementing sports policy and in organisational development. In addition, he or she has an unerring feel for the relationships between government bodies, sports organisations, the business community and social partners. The transition lead moves continuously between planning, building support, organisational development and adjustment. The transition lead works on behalf of NOC*NSF. In carrying out this assignment, the transition lead will be supported by a transition committee, initially consisting of NOC*NSF, the Vechtsportautoriteit, representatives from kickboxing, Thai boxing and MMA, and government.

The transition lead meets the following profile:

• Independent;
• Able to generate enthusiasm;
• Connecting, experienced in network development;
• Decisive and resolute;
• Process coach or facilitator;
• Strategic insight and the ability to translate strategy into tactics and operations in the sport and physical activity sector;
• Knowledge of innovative, contemporary ways of organising;
• Sensitive to the environment, with a feel for relationships;
• Commands authority and respect and takes a disinterested position;
• Affinity with the martial arts sector;
• Familiar with the sports infrastructure and has a relevant network at his or her disposal;

An advantage: working in a project-based way; working systematically, being able to provide structure and to convert what has been discussed into text.

Information

For substantive questions about the assignment, call or email Farid Gamei, director of the Vechtsportautoriteit (06-21711775, farid@vechtsportautoriteit.nl) or Kim Boterenbrood, account manager at NOC*NSF (06-20498105, kim.boterenbrood@nocnsf.nl)

Interested?

Do you think the role of transition lead suits you? Express your interest by responding to the assignment and submitting your CV. You can respond until 28 November by sending an email to: kim.boterenbrood@nocnsf.nl