Senior Advisor on European Affairs

Senior Advisor on European Affairs

Senate

Job Description

Do you recognize the importance of the European Union (EU) in national laws and regulations? Does a mix of substantive, procedural, and practical tasks energize you? Are you a natural team player who enjoys working with your immediate colleagues to shape a role that is still evolving? That certainly sounds like an excellent foundation for our position as Senior Advisor for European Affairs.

Your primary responsibility is to support the European Affairs Committee. Under the direction of the committee clerk/Permanent Representative to the EU (PR), you will handle the substantive and organizational preparation of committee meetings. You will draft committee letters, memos, and legislative briefs; organize working visits and expert meetings; and prepare consultations with government officials. You will verify that commitments made are fulfilled and independently address other action items.

In addition, as an advisor, you will help ensure that the European perspective is upheld within the Senate. Through various channels, you will maintain a focus on “Europe” among both senators and your colleagues in the Senate Secretariat. You will advise, guide, and inspire them regarding the European process and at European meetings. In this context, you will maintain a relevant network both within and outside the Senate.

You will also help prepare for and support the European activities of the President and Clerk of the Senate. When necessary, you will take over tasks from the committee clerk/PV and, in consultation with her, determine at which meetings your presence would be beneficial.

In short, a varied role in which substance, strategy, and execution come together at the heart of Dutch and European democracy.

Job Requirements

In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues from across the court administration. It’s not just your subject matter expertise and networking skills that matter; your enthusiasm and creativity are also infectious. You handle resistance effectively and are not afraid to explore innovative approaches. You view Europe through a strategic lens while also being able to advise and organize in a down-to-earth and practical manner. Additionally, you have:

• Academic work and intellectual level, with at least eight years of relevant work experience.
• Extensive knowledge of European law and/or policy.
• Key competencies: administrative/political acumen, advisory skills, and adaptability.
• oral and written communication skills in modern foreign languages, particularly English.

Terms of Employment

Salary level: Grade 13

Salary description: Grade 13, Central Government Collective Labor Agreement; depending on work experience, a starting grade of 12 may be applied. Temporary employment contract with the prospect of a permanent contract

Monthly salary: Min. €5,212 – Max. €7,747 (gross)

Employment status: Fixed-term employment contract with the possibility of conversion to 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 a flexible benefits package (IKB). The IKB consists of monetary benefits (16.50% of your gross annual salary) and time off. With the IKB, 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. The fringe benefits include various study facilities, company fitness programs, full reimbursement of your public transportation costs for commuting, and partially paid parental leave.

Details

• We’d like to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of the role, your colleagues, and the context of our organization. That’s why we’re organizing two in-person interviews at our office, where you’ll have the chance to meet with teammates, the management team, and HR, and get a feel for the atmosphere firsthand.
• Naturally, we also hope to get as complete a picture of you as possible. As part of this process, an assessment and reference check (both online and by phone) will be included in the selection process.
• This position occasionally requires some flexibility. Work for the Senate often takes place outside the Senate building and during non-business hours, and your presence may sometimes be required.
• Conversely, you can also expect flexibility from us when it comes to balancing your work and personal life, and it is common practice within the organization to work partly from home, for example.
• If you are already employed by the government under a permanent contract, we will assume that contract.
• Do you have any questions about this procedure? Please contact Roel Joosten, HR Advisor, at 06-11750372.
• If you have any questions about the position, please contact Luuk van Luijk, First Deputy Registrar/Director of Content.
• If you don’t meet all the job requirements but believe your background provides a solid foundation for this position, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
• You can respond until February 10.

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 invited to apply.