Schelte van Deventer: A Dedicated Cybersecurity Policy Officer and Risk Management Expert
Schelte van Deventer is an accomplished professional in the fields of cybersecurity, crisis management, and risk analysis, currently serving as a Policy Officer for Cybersecurity at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in the Netherlands. His career trajectory is marked by a strong academic foundation and a diverse range of practical experiences across public and private sectors. This article delves into his professional journey, educational background, and expertise, offering an informative and comprehensive overview of his contributions to cybersecurity and risk management.
Early Life and Education
Schelte van Deventer’s academic journey began at Leiden University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from 2014 to 2017. This foundational education cultivated his analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to contextualise complex issues within broader societal frameworks. These skills later became essential in his approach to crisis and security management.
Building upon his undergraduate studies, Van Deventer completed a premaster’s programme in Public Administration at the same university between 2017 and 2018. This step provided him with a deeper understanding of governmental operations, policy development, and administrative structures, preparing him for roles in the public sector.
He further specialised by undertaking a Master of Science in Crisis and Security Management from 2018 to 2019 at Leiden University. His master’s coursework was extensive and multidisciplinary, covering subjects such as governing after crises, the interplay of emotions and security, terrorism and foreign fighters, and Europeanisation of crisis and security management. This academic training equipped him with theoretical knowledge and practical tools to address complex security challenges in contemporary governance.
Professional Experience
Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management – Policy Officer Cybersecurity
Since August 2024, Schelte van Deventer has been working full-time as a Policy Officer for Cybersecurity at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. In this pivotal role, he is responsible for shaping and implementing cybersecurity policies to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure resilience against cyber threats. His position requires a precise, organised, and calm approach to crisis situations, qualities which he has honed over years of experience.
ProRail – Risk Analyst
From June 2023 to August 2024, Van Deventer served as a risk analyst at ProRail through RiskChallenger, where he contributed to ensuring the successful delivery of complex railway infrastructure projects. His work focused on embedding robust risk management practices within project teams, helping to maintain projects on schedule and within budget by anticipating and mitigating potential risks. His hybrid working setup in Utrecht allowed him to balance hands-on project involvement with strategic advisory responsibilities.
RiskChallenger – Consultant Risk Management
Between September 2020 and August 2024, Van Deventer worked full-time as a consultant in risk management at RiskChallenger in Amersfoort. Here, he specialised in crisis management, risk analysis, and the deployment of risk management tools. His expertise enabled organisations to prepare effectively for crises, manage uncertainties, and improve their overall resilience.
Advisory Roles in Crisis Management
Van Deventer has also held contract advisory positions in crisis management with key Dutch governmental bodies, including Waterschap Limburg and Rijkswaterstaat. At Waterschap Limburg (May 2023 – December 2023), he was responsible for developing risk profiles and drafting strategic plans to enhance crisis preparedness. Similarly, at Rijkswaterstaat Zuid-Nederland (April 2022 – April 2023), he updated and developed contingency plans for managing extraordinary circumstances within the southern region of the Netherlands. These roles highlight his capability in public sector risk governance and crisis readiness.
Other Roles
Prior to these positions, Van Deventer worked as a project consultant at Balance – Advies, Projecten, Interim, and gained early experience as a Cyber Risk Advisory work student at Deloitte in Amsterdam. These roles laid the groundwork for his understanding of cyber risk and project consultancy.
Skills and Expertise
Schelte van Deventer possesses a diverse skill set finely tuned to managing risks and crises in both cybersecurity and physical infrastructure sectors. Key competencies include:
-
Crisis Management and Crisis Control: Skilled at analysing and responding to emergency situations with a focus on swift, effective decision-making.
-
Risk Assessment and Risk Management: Proficient in identifying potential risks, assessing their impact, and developing mitigation strategies to reduce vulnerabilities.
-
Use of Risk Management Tools: Experienced in applying modern digital tools and frameworks to support risk analysis and decision-making processes.
-
Policy Development: Capable of formulating cybersecurity policies that align with national infrastructure protection goals.
-
Project Consultancy: Expertise in supporting complex infrastructure projects with integrated risk management to achieve successful outcomes.
Personal Attributes and Approach
Van Deventer describes himself as driven, precise, and organised, qualities which underpin his professional success. His background in history has imbued him with a keen eye for detail and the ability to place issues within a wider societal context. This perspective enhances his analytical capacity when dealing with multifaceted security challenges.
His ability to remain calm and solution-focused in stressful situations is a key asset, particularly in the fast-paced and high-stakes realm of cybersecurity and crisis management. These attributes enable him to contribute effectively to teams working under pressure and to deliver well-considered policies and strategies.
Conclusion
Schelte van Deventer exemplifies the modern professional navigating the complex interplay of cybersecurity, crisis management, and public administration. His thorough academic preparation at Leiden University, combined with a wealth of practical experience across Dutch governmental and infrastructural organisations, positions him as a valuable asset in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, professionals like Van Deventer, who blend historical insight with technical expertise and a calm, solution-oriented mindset, will be crucial to building resilient societies. His ongoing contributions to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management demonstrate a commitment to public safety and national security that is both commendable and necessary in today’s interconnected world.
