What will you be doing?
A well-functioning democracy requires transparent and reliable information. As an information specialist at the Senate, you ensure that information about the legislative process is up-to-date, accessible, and easy to find. You work on legislative proposals, summaries, parliamentary documents, and files that are relevant today and can also be consulted in the future. In doing so, you directly contribute to the visibility and comprehensibility of parliamentary work and, in your own way, help shape political history.
“As an information specialist at the Central Information Point, you’ll be working in a unique environment: close to the legislative process and at the heart of current parliamentary affairs. Together with eight other colleagues, you’ll make a direct contribution to the quality and visibility of the Senate’s work.” Candacé van der Bijl, head of the Central Information Point (CIP).
In this multifaceted role, you’ll be closely involved with current political events. You’ll translate complex documents into accessible web content, summarize legislative proposals and parliamentary documents, edit and publish texts, and add metadata. You’ll also compile voting summaries, update motion files, help build digital files, and create digital newsletters for Senate committees. In addition, you’ll contribute ideas on the development of the website and serve as a point of contact for citizens, members of Parliament, and colleagues seeking reliable information.
"As an information specialist, I work with my colleagues to serve as the link between information and the decision-making process of the Senate. I ensure that information supporting the democratic process is clear, reliable, and accessible to everyone." Erik de Maijer, information specialist
What do we have to offer?
The Senate is a unique workplace in many ways! What can you expect from us there?
What do you bring to the table?
For this position, it is important that you have an interest in the Dutch legislative process and follow political, social, and administrative developments closely. You work analytically and meticulously, especially when searching for, evaluating, and selecting information. Even under time pressure, you continue to work carefully and independently. In addition, you are committed to your own professional development and are comfortable working with information in English.
You also have:
The CIP consists of nine information specialists with expertise in national and European legislation. Each team member has their own areas of focus, and CIP colleagues also support one another. The CIP supports this process, including during committee meetings, expert meetings, and technical briefings. The House meets regularly on Tuesday evenings. Flexibility is therefore desired. Colleagues describe the atmosphere within the team and the Secretariat as “professional and surprisingly informal, with room for social activities.”
Who are we?
With its 75 senators who serve on a part-time basis, the Senate is a unique institution where legislative proposals are scrutinized to their very core: Are they legally sound, are they feasible, and will they hold up in practice? The senators examine legislative proposals through both a political and a critical lens—and that requires service-oriented, meticulous, and impartial support. The Senate Secretariat, with some 80 staff members—from messengers to clerks—ensures this. So, this is work at the heart of our parliamentary democracy—work that truly matters!
Would you like more information? Are you interested and would you like to know more? If so, please keep the following points in mind.
The Senate of the States General invites you to apply on its website. Clicking the button below will take you away from this site and directly to the application form. The government is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive organization. Working in diverse teams makes us more effective, more innovative, and makes our work more enjoyable. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply.