‘My research makes the IND more effective’

Samira works in Research & Analysis. This department identifies and reports on political, social, scientific, policy and operational developments. Samira’s team carries out applied scientific research commissioned by the Director-General of the IND and the Ministry of Justice and Security. 

In-house research department

‘The IND has its own research department,’ Samira explains. ‘We explore a wide range of topics, looking at the past and future. What have been the results of our policy? And how will policy decisions made by the government affect our work? We also investigate how the IND’s working processes can be improved. Everything we do is aimed at making the IND more effective.’

Samira’s team uses several different research methods. ‘We conduct interviews and send out surveys, but we also do desk research and statistical analysis. In the end, we write a report that brings together all our findings. We present our results to clients and colleagues, and they are often published on the IND website as well. We also create infographics and fact sheets to make our findings easier to understand for an even wider audience.’

Exploring new subjects

‘There is a lot of variation in the topics we explore and the methods we use,’ Samira continues. ‘Sometimes we will do a quick impact analysis, other times it will be a long-term thematic study. No two days are the same, which I love. Going into a new study, I often know nothing about the subject, and by the end I am practically an expert. That never fails to fascinate me.’

Samira is currently doing a study on the decision-making skills of IND employees. ‘I wanted to understand how they come to a decision and how we can speed up that process without compromising on quality. We gathered input from over 400 colleagues through surveys and interviews. The things we learned from that can already be used by the IND to make improvements, which is very valuable.’

Political decision-making

That is exactly what Samira enjoys so much about her work: it has a visible impact. ‘A lot of our studies lead to so-called implementation tests, and the results of those tests are actually used in practice,’ she says. ‘Take the asylum policy proposals that have been in the news a lot recently. Our team investigated whether the IND would be able to implement those policies, and we also looked at the opportunities and risks. Our findings are often discussed in the House of Representatives or at roundtables. Research results are used to support political decision-making, so they can have a pretty big impact.’ 

‘Of course, you always hope that your work will contribute to an informed decision,’ Samira laughs. ‘But at the end of the day, the decisions are made by politicians – which means that they may not always be ‘sensible’ for the IND from a research perspective. That can be frustrating, but it is also just part of the job. I know people are better informed because of my work, even if a decision is made that the IND is unhappy with. And I’m proud of that.’

A versatile organisation

After seven years, Samira still enjoys working at the IND. ‘It is the combination of the work itself, the contribution we’re making to society, and the team spirit that makes me want to stay,’ she says. ‘There’s an open atmosphere, and I can always bounce around ideas with my colleagues. I also have a healthy work-life balance, and switching between writing, analysing, presenting and consulting keeps me on my toes.’

‘The IND is much bigger and more versatile than people think,’ Samira continues. ‘People do not expect us to have our own research team that looks at policies and processes with scientific precision. They do not know that decisions are supported by data, experience and analysis. It is a large, multi-faceted organisation that is constantly evolving. I know how important it is to invest in critical research. It can either lead to small improvements or major changes, but it always provides insight.’