Vacancies and Internships

 

Job Title: Trade Officer Defence Industry (max. 2 year contract)

Unit/mission: Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sydney

Job level: scale 8

Number of working hours per week: 38

Duration: Maximum two year contract

Please note: Applicants must have valid working rights in Australia (Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or temporary work visa)

 

Background

International developments have prompted increased defence spending and the need to diversify and broaden existing security and defence relationships. Both the Netherlands and Australia have announced new investments in their respective armed forces and defence industry capabilities, opening up possibilities to strengthen like-minded partnerships. Against the background of Australia’s long-standing partnership with NATO and the recently concluded Security and Defence Partnership with the EU, the Netherlands is intent on seeking additional opportunities for Dutch companies in the Australian market.    

 

Who we are

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is represented in Australia by the Embassy in Canberra and the Consulate General in Sydney, with the latter covering consular services and economic relations across the Commonwealth. The Embassy and Consulate General closely coordinate their activities. In the other States and Territories the Netherlands is represented by Honorary Consuls. The Netherlands Business Support Office (NBSO) in Melbourne and the Sydney-based Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) complement the economic network.

We stimulate an open work culture with ample space for innovative ideas, cooperation among the various teams and individual development. In addition to solid professional knowledge, this environment requires an independent approach, a high degree of autonomy, and strong organizational sensitivity.

 

What will you be doing?

The role of a Trade Officer Defence Industry includes the following key responsibilities/tasks:

    1. Develop a network with the private sector, government, trade and investment agencies, industry organizations and knowledge institutes within Australia’s and the Netherlands’ respective defence domains;
    2. Guided by a recent market scan, assist Dutch companies to explore options in Australia and connect them to counterparts (companies, government and knowledge institutes), inform/report back to The Hague;
    3. Follow-up on leads, facilitate B2B and/or B2G contacts in defence and/or defence-related industries;
    4. In cooperation with the Economic Team and the Canberra-based Defence Attaché, prepare potential participation in trade shows such as Land Forces, Undersea Defence Technology Australia, Avalon Airshow, Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition and help organizing related networking events;
    5. Work with the Economic Team to identify dual-use applications/opportunities with regard to other tech portfolio’s such as quantum and space.

 

 

What will you bring to the table?

  • Interest in, affinity with and preferably experience in the defence industry sector
  • Experience with trade promotion, connecting businesses and project management 
  • Fluency in English (working knowledge in Dutch is an asset but not a prerequisite)
  • Excellent writing skills and ability to present data clearly
  • Skilled at communicating, networking, teamwork and outreach to third parties
  • A pro-active, service oriented and flexible attitude / preparedness to occasionally work outside office hours
  • Experience with various IT applications
  • High sense of integrity, ability to handle sensitive information discreetly

 

What do we offer?

We offer a position for 38 hours per week. You will be part of a professional and close-knit team within the Dutch Consulate General in Sydney. The scale 8 gross baseline salary is AUD 8564 per month; relevant experience may lead to a higher entry level.

 

 

How to apply?

Send your application, consisting of a CV and accompanying motivation letter and possible references to syd@minbuza.nl (you may also use the email address for further inquiries).

Applications deadline: Friday 9 April 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

 

Diversity and Inclusion

The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs pursues an active diversity policy and is committed to an inclusive organization. We do this by optimally deploying and utilizing people's differences. And by creating a work culture where everyone can be themselves and feel valued. When composing teams and hiring new talent, we strive for diversity in, among other things, age, gender (identity), culture, religion, background, orientation, (occupational) disability, knowledge and competencies.

 

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