The Consulate General of the Netherlands in Toronto is looking for a fulltime (37,5 hours) Senior Communication and Public Diplomacy (PD) officer.

Job Summary

The Communication and Public Diplomacy Officer supports the Consulate General (CG) in its communication efforts and is responsible for public diplomacy and cultural events. Since the main focus of the CG is economic cooperation, we are looking for someone who has a strong interest in trade promotion and economic diplomacy. The Senior officer is part of the economic department but is mandated to work for the whole CG.

The Consulate General in Toronto is active in the fields of economic and technological cooperation, innovation, climate policy, the promotion of Dutch culture & art, public diplomacy and consular affairs.

        1. Communication

Active and creative communications, leading to increased visibility, both in Toronto and in the Netherlands, of the work done by the CG. The work is carried out in close cooperation and consultation with the teams at the CG in Vancouver and the embassy in Ottawa.

• Contribute to and execute the communications strategy for Canada, and develop together with the Communications colleague in Ottawa the annual CG communications strategy (with focus on economic diplomacy).
• Create content for the social media channels and websites managed by the Embassy and the CG’s LinkedIn page, X and Instagram account;
• Develop, advise and execute communication activities during incoming/ outgoing trade missions, visits and events (co-) organized by the CG;
• Manage PR activities for visits of Dutch government officials and dignitaries, including planning and organizing events (PD events, press conferences, photo ops, social media planning, etc.) and drafting/editing articles, news releases, statements, etc., in close collaboration with the relevant spokespersons and PR professionals;
• Outreach to relevant local and business media, including traditional and non-traditional outlets (online and offline), engage with them on relevant activities and topics.
• Write and edit speeches and talking points for the (Deputy) Consul General

       2. Public Diplomacy

Public diplomacy with regular and well-managed activities that have a visible contribution to  a positive image of the Netherlands;

• Develop, advise and execute communication activities during incoming/ outgoing trade missions, visits and events (co-) organized by the CG;
• Manage the public diplomacy grant process, including support and advice for team members of the CG in development of applications, reports, communication materials for events, and in PR-related matters for events;
• Follow local media to stay on top of relevant political, societal and cultural developments, with a focus on PD-topics

       3. Culture

• Serve as the point of contact for Dutch/ Canadian cultural activities;
• Visit cultural events with a Dutch/ Canadian connection; develop PD and/or communication strategies for cultural events; connect culture with economic diplomacy.
• Create and maintain relationships with cultural institutes and artists, and develop initiatives to enlarge the influence of Dutch art and culture in Toronto/ Canada.

Knowledge and skill requirements

• Relevant academic background (communications, journalism, economics, etc.);
• 3-5 years relevant work experience;
• Mastery of the English language required, working proficiency in the Dutch language is not required but recommended;
• Experience with PR/marketing/journalism/branding/communication and proven skills in promoting core messages;
• Affinity, interest and preferably experience in working on trade, business and international cooperation.
• Excellent writing skills and experience in the use of image; experience with photography and video production
• Affluent in the professional use of social media and online content;
• Good knowledge and experience of both the Canadian and Dutch culture and society; business experience a pre.
• Ability to work independently, think critically and take responsibility;
• Excellent networking skills;
• Affinity with and interest in working in a diplomatic environment.

Competencies

• Initiative
• Flexibility (some events take place during the evenings or weekends)
• Creativity
• Result oriented
• Networking
• Integrity
• Team player

Staff member profile

A ‘digital maven’ with excellent writing and content creation skills and a understanding of framing for an Canadian audience. Someone who knows the media and is an avid and creative communicator with a strong business orientation, as well as an understanding of the complexity that the diplomatic network sometimes represents. A team player that is flexible, pro-actively looks for cooperation and has a can-do mentality.

Work environment

The Consulate General (CG) in Toronto is a medium-sized diplomatic post with 3 seconded and 14 local employees and is active in the fields of economic and technological cooperation, innovation, climate policy, the promotion of Dutch culture & art, public diplomacy and consular affairs. The working language at the office is English and the office is situated in downtown Toronto.

The Consulate General in Toronto is part of the network of Dutch missions in Canada, that consists of the Embassy in Ottawa and 2 CGs (Vancouver and Toronto) and 7 Honorary Consuls (different cities across Canada).

Economic and technological cooperation and trade and investment, the promotion of Dutch culture and public diplomatic activities are shaped in the Economic Cluster of the CG, consisting of the Economic Department (EA) and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA).

How to apply?

Closing date for applications:  May 22, 2024

Starting date: as soon as possible.

Indicative monthly gross salary: Pay scale 8, ranging between 5311 – 7966 (8.0-8.15). Salary offer will be based on amount of years of relevant working experience. The CG offers attractive secondary labor conditions such as collective medical insurance with Canada Life and 13 official holidays plus 18 vacation days.

Probationary period: 2 months

Application letters with resume (in English) and 3 examples of your work (e.g. social media, events, press), should be send via e-mail to:

Consulate General of the Netherlands Toronto
Attn: Mrs. Laurenske van den Heuvel, Deputy Consul General
Laurenske-vanden.heuvel@minbuza.nl

Please note: a valid Canadian residence and work permit is a requirement to apply for this job vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an active diversity policy and is committed to being an inclusive organisation. We do this by creating a work culture where everyone can be themselves and feel valued and by making the most of people's differences. In the composition of teams and when recruiting new talent, we strive for diversity in age, gender (identity), culture, religion, background, sexual orientation, (work) disability, knowledge and competences.

For further information regarding this vacancy, please contact Mrs. Laurenske van den Heuvel-Gerestein (laurenske-vanden.heuvel@minbuza.nl).