The KNCB has this week advertised the national coaching job, four days before the expiry of its temporary contract with Paul Jan Bakker.

The advertisement has been placed on the ICC website and, according to the announcement on the KNCB website, ‘other relevant international cricket websites’, although it is not clear what the latter phrase means.

Although no starting date is specified in the advertisement, the KNCB has already stated that it is looking for the successful candidate to take up the post on 1 January 2008. Applications will close on 16 September.

Requirements for the job include an ECB Level 3 coaching certificate or the equivalent, ‘demonstrated coaching experience at elite level’, and, preferably, a relevant tertiary-level educational qualification.

It is also indicated that the successful candidate is likely to have international playing experience, and a range of other personal qualities and attainments, including an understanding of the concepts of sports science and sports medicine.

The advertisement states that ‘the National Coach will be responsible for the overall management of the international program which includes planning, development, implementation and evaluation of specialised cricket training and competition programs, and development of younger talent for the future.’

The initial appointment will focus on the 2009 qualification tournament for the 2011 World Cup, but there is also an indication that a longer-term contract might be negotiable if a suitable candidate is found.

The Dutch national coaching position originally fell vacant when Peter Cantrell decided not to seek extension of his contract shortly after the World Cup. PJ Bakker was then appointed for the duration of the summer in order to give the KNCB time to find a more permanent coach.

The fact that the post is only now being advertised means that there is likely to be at least a four-month interregnum before the new coach can start work.