Vacancy in Ottawa - Communication and Public Diplomacy Officer

  • Location: Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ottawa
  • Duration:  from May 1, 2026 (open ended contract)
  • Work week: 37.5 hours (full time)
  • Renumeration: Gross annual salary 75,528 - 113, 292 CAD, plus attractive benefits package
  • Deadline for applications: March 23, 2026

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ottawa is looking for a Policy officer Communication and Public Diplomacy (37,5 hours per week). S/he will support the Embassy communicating with its target groups as well as the general public, by means of (new) media and public diplomacy events.

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and flexible team player, who is results oriented, hands-on, pragmatic, well organized and has experience with media and project- or event-management.

General

The Embassy of the Netherlands in Ottawa looks after the interests of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its citizens in Canada and is supported in this task by the Consulates General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Toronto and in Vancouver, several attachés stationed in Washington, honorary consuls in various Canadian provinces, and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), promoting investment into the Netherlands.
Our team at the Embassy in Ottawa currently consists of 16 employees. We primarily focus on the political, security and economic relations between Canada and the Netherlands, consular affairs and public diplomacy. We value open, responsible and professional internal relations and high integrity. We also help each other out with events and activities that are focused on the promotion of the Netherlands in general and the values that Canada and the Netherlands share.
 

Job description

The policy officer is responsible for implementation of policy in field of communication and public diplomacy, and reports to the deputy Head of Mission. The policy officer has a high degree of autonomy, receiving direction and instructions regarding key elements of his or her  tasks. The policy officer has a good network, actively shares knowledge, information and ideas, and is a visible presence both within the organisation and outside the mission. Due to peak-periods and the small team, the policy officer is flexible, a go-getter also willing occasionally to work after office hours.

Tasks/Activities

  1. Regularly updates the annual communications strategy and plan for the mission network in Canada, consistent with the available budget and capacity of the Embassy and Consulates General and oversees its implementation;

  2. Collaborates with and supports the embassy team and the Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver on their PD and PR activities and communication aspects;

  3. Maintains the social media channels of the Embassy and the mission network;

  4. Identifies Public Diplomacy (PD) and PR opportunities for the Embassy and the mission network;

  5. Carries out operational activities, such as organising events or supporting the team in communication activities such as interviews, recordings, webinars, etc.

  6. Ensures/guards the correct use of the corporate identity and is responsible for promotional material

  7. Keeps up to date with the latest developments in communication, marketing and public relations (including tools, such as podcast, video, etc.).

  8. Builds a relevant network, in particular with media, event-managers and colleagues at other missions in Ottawa.

Requirements

  • Academic Master's degree

  • Knowledge of and experience in the field of journalism and communication

  • Affinity and experience with communication and technology, both traditional and modern (social media, podcasts, video creation and basic knowledge of graphic design);

  • Experience in making complex information accessible, both textually and visually;

  • Strong in target group communication and can easily switch between target groups

  • Works in a structured manner and has experience organizing events, has knowledge of and experience with project-based work, from planning to management, implementation, registration/archiving and evaluation;

  • Experience working with relevant software (like Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, in Design) and easily learns new software programs;

  • Insight into socio-economic and political developments in both countries as well as into administrative structures is an asset;

  • Excellent spoken and written English and French; knowledge of Dutch is recommended.

Diversity and Inclusion

The 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.
 

Renumeration

Gross salary: Dutch civil service pay scale 9, currently ranging between CAD  6.294 and CAD 9,441 per month. Our salary offer will be based on the number of years of relevant work experience. The Embassy also offers attractive secondary labor conditions, such as collective medical and dental insurance with Canada Life and 13 official public holidays plus 18 vacation days per calendar year with the possibility to expand with an extra 14 days if you decide to go for a 40-hour workweek instead of 37,5 hours. This position is based and performed on-site at our Embassy office at 350 Albert Street in Ottawa.
 
Probationary period: 3 months.
 

How to apply

Application letter motivating why you apply for this position, together with resume (in English) should be sent by e-mail to the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ottawa to the attention of Mr. Paul van Oostveen, Deputy Head of Mission, e-mail address: OTT@minbuza.nl.
 
Only applications received by March 23, 2026 COB will be considered.
 

Interviews will take place between Monday March 30 and Friday April 10, 2026.

For further information regarding this vacancy, please contact Mr. Paul van Oostveen, Deputy Head of Mission, at e-mail: ott@minbuza.nl.

Please note: A valid residence/work permit in Canada is a requirement; as part of our hiring process, we will request the successful candidate to submit a Police Record Check.