Start date: 1 July 2025
Indication salary: Scale 09 full time, starting with a gross minimum of 2.278.542 CFA Franc
Motivation letter and CV can be addressed to abi-cdp@minbuza.nl 

Context and role overview

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Côte d’Ivoire is seeking a dynamic, results-driven, and proactive Senior Policy Officer to lead our work on sustainable cocoa and contribute to political affairs. This dual-role position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of economic diplomacy and political affairs, with a strong emphasis on the cocoa sector – a priority area for both the Netherlands and Côte d’Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest exporter of cocoa, while the Netherlands is its largest importer. Promoting a sustainable cocoa sector is a cornerstone of the Dutch multi-annual strategy (2023–2026) in Côte d’Ivoire. The Netherlands is actively involved in initiatives such as DISCO, a multi-stakeholder platform engaging manufacturers, processors, NGOs, financial institutions, and government bodies to improve sustainability across the cocoa value chain. In Côte d’Ivoire, the Dutch government supports key international partners such as IDH, Solidaridad, and Agriterra.

The Embassy is currently shaping a new multi-year cocoa program to support living income and local value addition focusing on win-win partnerships, including small-scale processing. This policy officer will be at the heart of these developments while also contributing to the Embassy’s political reporting, networking, and diplomatic engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Cocoa sector responisibilities

• Serve as the Embassy’s lead expert and liaison on cocoa, coordinating efforts across the Dutch public-private ecosystem and aligning with local stakeholders.
• Track and analyse trends and developments in the cocoa sector; provide regular updates, briefings, and strategic advice to the Ambassador, the economic team and relevant stakeholders in The Hague.
• Manage and grow partnerships with cocoa sector actors (government, private sector, NGOs, EU partners) in both Côte d’Ivoire and the Netherlands.
• Convene stakeholder meetings, lead working groups and organize visits, workshops, and events related to cocoa.
• Support implementation of the Netherlands’ sustainable cocoa policy.

Political affairs responsibilities

• Contribute to the Embassy’s political reporting and analysis, including on governance, security, and regional developments.
• Maintain a strong network of political contacts (government, civil society, EU partners) and represent the Embassy at relevant events.
• Draft political reports, briefing notes, and support the Ambassador and senior staff in preparing high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements.

Internal and cross-cutting responsibilities

• Ensure effective internal coordination between cocoa and political dossiers.
• Maintain well-organized internal documentation, contact databases, and archive systems.
• Actively contribute to the Embassy team’s joint priorities, including events, communication, and visibility activities.
• Support and contribute to the Embassy’s social media activities, including content creation and online visibility campaigns.

Profile of the candidate

• University degree in Political Science, Economics, Agronomy, or a related discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of the cocoa value chain, with at least five years of relevant post-qualification experience.
• Strong political awareness and experience working with senior government officials, civil society, and international partners.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, with experience in multi-stakeholder settings.
• Outstanding written and spoken communication skills in both French and English.
• Proven track record in project management experience with organizing visits and ability to work under pressure in a dynamic international environment.
• Self-starter, team player, flexible and passionate about sustainable development and diplomacy.

Work environment

You will be part of a close-knit team of four expatriate and seven local staff, working in an informal, high-performing, and collaborative environment. The Embassy maintains strong links with regional attachés in Accra, Abuja, and Dakar, and is active in economic diplomacy with a particular focus on agriculture, cocoa, and horticulture. Cross-cutting themes such as soil health, gender, and youth entrepreneurship are integrated throughout our programs and partnerships.

Application

Interested candidates are invited to send an email, containing your cover letter, CV and, if
applicable, details of residency and work permit via email. This email address can also be used to get additional information.
The candidate must have the legal right to live and work in Côte D’Ivoire.
The deadline for application is 5 May 2025.
The foreseen starting date of the contract is 1 July 2025.

Employment conditions

The candidate will be:

• Locally employed by the State of the Netherlands, represented herein by the Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands;
• Offered a fixed-term, full-time contract (40 hours per week) for one year, with the possibility of extension for one additional year. The position is for maximum 2 years.
• The position is ranked in job level 9. Like all salary scales in force at the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, this salary scale comprises 15 pay numbers, starting with a gross minimum of 2.278.542 CFA Franc. Upgrading to a potential next pay number is discussed during the annual job performance interview.

Selection procedure

The selection procedure consists of two interviews and a written test.