Policy Officer for Environmental Taxes and Excise Taxes

Job Description

Would you like to help make our economy more sustainable through the smart use of taxes? Do you enjoy tackling complex economic and/or legal issues? If you’re a team player who thrives on varied work, this is a great opportunity!

The Environmental Taxes and Excise Duties (M&A) Department is responsible for advising on, as well as preparing, drafting, and explaining policy and legislation in the areas of environmental taxes, vehicle taxes, excise duties, and potential health levies. Examples include measures to limit sugar consumption. We work on current socially relevant issues, such as further greening the tax system through measures like CO2 levies. In doing so, we maintain close contact with the Tax and Customs Administration, the NEa, Customs, other ministries, planning agencies, external interest groups, civil society organizations, and the EU.

Current issues include, for example, introducing a tax on e-cigarettes and encouraging energy conservation through the energy tax. We raise consumer awareness that flying contributes to pollution through an air travel tax and try to discourage unhealthy behaviors such as smoking through tobacco excise taxes. In addition to national policy, our work is increasingly shaped by European and international agreements. We therefore negotiate various EU proposals in Brussels.

Within the department, we work with about twenty colleagues on a wide range of policy and legislative priorities. You will be involved in the files from start to finish. You will always work on your file alongside an experienced colleague. The team works closely together and members regularly get together outside of work for social activities. Together with the team, you will prepare political decision-making and advise senior political and administrative leadership. Communication lines are short. Additionally, the feasibility of policies and legislation is a key priority. Collaboration with implementing organizations is therefore essential. The quality of our department also depends on maintaining strong working relationships with, for example, other ministries and the many stakeholders involved in our areas of focus.

We would be happy to work with you to put together a job package that aligns with the opportunities within the department, as well as your preferences, knowledge, experience, and talents. Our guiding principle is to provide you with sufficient freedom and trust to make the most of your talents.

Would you like to learn more and discuss your potential future role in greater detail? Please contact Hans Dijkhuizen, Head of the Environmental Taxes and Excise Department, at 06-11708559 or h.w.e.dijkhuizen@minfin.nl, or Robin Hamerlinck, Acting Head of the Environmental Taxes and Excise Department at 06-50027867 and j.j.h.w.hamerlinck@minfin.nl.

Job Requirements

• You have a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a background in economics, tax, or law. Do you have an interest in tax or law but studied a different field? If so, we warmly invite you to apply.
• You have several years of relevant work experience in implementing or advising on tax laws and regulations.
• You enjoy working with a variety of colleagues, both within and outside your department, and find it easy to connect with others.
• You are sensitive to others' needs when working with them, and you are not afraid to voice a different opinion.
• You are able to distinguish between main and secondary issues even under time pressure and to present complex matters in an accessible manner to senior civil servants and political leaders, both in writing and orally.
• You are able to effectively manage complex issues involving many stakeholders and conflicting interests, while keeping both short-term and long-term goals in mind.

Terms of Employment

Salary level: Scale 11, Scale 12
Monthly salary: Min. €3,662 – Max. €6,320 (gross)
Employment type: Fixed-term employment contract with the prospect of a permanent contract
Contract duration: 1 year
Minimum number of hours per week: 32
Maximum number of hours per week: 36

Other terms and conditions of employment

In addition to your salary, you will receive an Individual Choice Budget (ICB). The ICB consists of money (16.37% of your gross annual salary) and time. With the ICB, you can make choices that suit you and customize part of your employment benefits. For example, you can choose to have a portion of your monthly income paid out whenever you wish. You can also convert this budget into leave and vice versa, or spend it on tax-friendly purposes. The Dutch government is strongly committed to personal growth and career development and offers numerous opportunities for this. Secondary employment conditions include various study facilities, company fitness programs, full reimbursement of your public transportation costs for commuting, and partially paid parental leave.

Details

We want everyone to feel at home at the Ministry of Finance and to be able to reach their full potential. Because working together to ensure a financially healthy Netherlands is what we stand for. We do this by drawing on diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and insights, because we believe this enhances our collective thinking. Everyone is welcome, regardless of cultural background, age, ability to work, gender, or sexual orientation. With your unique contribution, we can better respond to the needs of our society.

• Would you like to help ensure the financial health of the Netherlands? We’d love to have you. You can apply by sending us your resume and cover letter. However, we’re also open to other formats, such as a video application (with your resume attached) or a presentation (in PowerPoint). In the latter case, please paste the link to your application into a PDF or Word file. This will allow us to process your application properly.
• The first round of job interviews is scheduled for March 11.
• The pay grade for this position is determined based on knowledge and experience.
• Choosing a new job can be quite nerve-wracking these days. That’s why we make your transition as personalized as possible. Through an orientation session and an onboarding app, we’ll help you find your way and learn how everything works within Finance. Do you have any questions about the job opening or the selection process? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to assist you as you consider your options.

Interested in applying?

The government is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive organization. Working in diverse teams makes us more effective, more innovative, and makes the work more enjoyable. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply.