Trade Program Finance Assistant

About the Embassy of Canada in the Netherlands

Located in The Hague, the Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands plays a crucial diplomatic role in advancing Canadian interests in the Netherlands and at international organizations based in The Hague, while fostering strong bilateral relations, facilitating trade and investment opportunities, providing consular services, and promoting cooperation across various fields.

Summary of Duties

The Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands is seeking a Program Finance Assistant to work closely with our Commercial Counsellor and other members of the commercial team, supporting financial management activities and ensuring the smooth operation of our commercial team.

What you'll do

• Financial management: You will oversee budget allocations, process payments, manage contracts, and handle procurement procedures with skill and precision.
• Team Support: You will be the backbone of our sales team, supporting the team’s operations, handling administrative tasks, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and guidelines.
• Flexibility: You may be asked to assist with various Embassy programs, adapting your duties as needed to meet programmatic needs and objectives, such as helping to organize trade shows, visits, and other diplomatic events.

What we can offer you

Dynamic Environment: Work with great colleagues in a strong team where no two days are the same. Currently able to work from home for up to one day a week.

Global Impact: Make a real difference in the world by helping to advance Canada's diplomatic efforts and Canada-Netherlands cooperation, particularly in areas related to innovation and climate change.

Professional Growth: Opportunities for professional development and learning within a supportive team environment.

Benefits: We offer a competitive annual salary and pension package. (You will be responsible for paying your own taxes.) A work laptop and phone will be provided. The starting salary increases annually, subject to positive performance.

You must have (Essential Qualifications)

• Education: A degree from an accredited university or vocational college (HBO), or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

• Language: Advanced English proficiency.

• Experience: At least one year of recent combined experience in administrative services, including budgeting and/or accounting, office clerical duties, and logistics.

Candidates will initially be screened based on the essential qualifications related to education, language skills, knowledge, and experience. Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter and resume how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

We want to know (Required Information)

• Your Prioritization Skills. How do you manage multiple projects and tasks in a fast-paced environment?

• Your Compliance Savvy. What has been your experience navigating procurement procedures and ensuring compliance with financial regulations?

• Your Approach to Collaboration. How would you work with our sales team to ensure smooth operations while maintaining financial integrity?

• Your Adaptability. In what situations have you adapted your responsibilities to meet changing program needs?

• Your Problem-Solving Skills. How would you handle conflicting priorities between budget constraints and program requirements?

The specified requirements regarding knowledge, skills, and competencies will also be evaluated. Evaluation methods may include, but are not limited to, a written exam, an oral interview, role-playing, practical tests, references, presentations, and/or psychometric testing.

It would also be helpful for you to have (Asset Qualifications)

• Proficiency in financial software. Experience with financial software such as SAP, Oracle, Sage, etc., would be beneficial for efficiently managing financial activities.

• Tech Savvy. Familiarity with Office 365 Suite tools (SharePoint, Teams, MS Lists, etc.) is considered an asset for improving communication and collaboration within the team.

• Familiarity with CRM. Knowledge of customer relationship management software such as MS Dynamics, Salesforce, and PitchBook would be beneficial in supporting client interactions and business development efforts.

• French and Dutch. Fluency (reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking) in French and, in particular, Dutch—or at least a willingness to learn—would be helpful so you can communicate effectively with the team’s various contacts.

• International Experience. Prior experience working in an international setting is highly valued, as it brings a global perspective to our team and operations.

• Knowledge of Canada and Canadian Business Practices. Understanding Canadian business practices and market trends would help us better advance our objective of promoting Canadian interests.

Preference may be given to candidates who also meet the Asset Qualifications

Organizational Needs:

In support of the Clerk’s Call to Action, candidates who self-identify as members of the following employment equity groups will be given priority consideration: Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

Operational Requirements

• Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week, 5 days a week (7.5 hours per day).
• Overtime. You may be required to work paid overtime from time to time; preference will be given to applicants who are flexible with their work hours.
• Travel: Occasional travel within the Netherlands and/or, on rare occasions, internationally may be required.

How to apply

Are you ready to join a dynamic team dedicated to making a difference for our partners and for the world?

• Please fill out the online application form and submit your cover letter and resume in English or French.

• Do not include personal information such as age, date of birth, marital status, family status, or a photo in your application form, resume, or cover letter. Please include only information relevant to the position, as requested in the job posting.

• Please submit a cover letter in English or French explaining why you are interested in the position and how your previous experience relates to it. Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter how they meet all essential qualifications. Applications that do not include the required documents or information in the resume or cover letter will be rejected.

• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties may contact us directly at LES-E-Recruitment-LDN@international.gc.ca before the application deadline.

The Fine Print and Additional Information:

Area of Selection/Eligibility

This position is open to candidates who currently reside in the Netherlands, hold valid documentation allowing them to work in the Netherlands without restriction, meet all of the essential requirements listed, and whose applications are received by the deadline.

Candidates must be authorized to work legally in the Netherlands. Please note that the Embassy of Canada does not sponsor work permits, either directly or indirectly.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse segments of the community. In order to achieve a representative workforce, priority in selection may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the following groups: Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities. Candidates will be considered based on merit.

Values and Ethics

• Accommodations may be provided for physical and cognitive disabilities. The Government of Canada is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all segments of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit.
• The Government of Canada is committed to employment equity. In order to achieve a representative workforce, priority in selection may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the following groups: Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities.
• All activities of Government of Canada employees are governed by the Government of Canada’s Code of Values and Ethics.
• Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are integral to our culture. Canada's missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

Terms of Employment

• Before an offer of employment can be made, candidates must provide a local address in the Netherlands as proof of residence, as this will be included in the offer letter;
• Any job offer is contingent upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the ability to obtain and maintain a Reliability security clearance (including a criminal background check and credit check);
• Candidates must have a valid work permit covering the entire period of employment. If the employment is indefinite, the work permit should be permanent or lead to a permanent work permit.

Important Notes

• Please do not use a tablet or cell phone to submit your application, as mobile browsers are not supported by our online portal.
• Only applications submitted in one of Canada’s official languages (English or French) will be accepted. Candidates are entitled to participate in the recruitment process in the official language of their choice and to indicate their preferred official language in their application.
• Communication regarding this process will be sent via email. Candidates applying for this position should provide an email address that accepts messages from unknown senders and should check their email regularly, including their spam folder.
• Reference checks will be conducted for candidates who reach the interview stage and may be part of the selection process.
• The Embassy of Canada in the Netherlands does not reimburse any travel expenses to and from interviews or exams, nor does it reimburse any relocation expenses.
• Candidates who require any special assistance in taking exams or attending interviews are asked to let us know.
• The results of this recruitment process may also be used to create a list of eligible candidates for similar fixed-term, indefinite-term part-time, or full-time positions at the Embassy of Canada in the Netherlands that may become available within 12 months of the completion of this recruitment process.
• If you have any questions at any stage of the recruitment process, please send an email to: LES-E-Recruitment-LDN@international.gc.ca

For the French version of this job posting, click here.