The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is looking for an Honorary Consul in Djibouti for a period of 5 years. Tasks include consular services, trade promotion, supervising and facilitating incoming visits and generally following developments in the interest of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

What is a Honorary Consul

An Honorary Consul is a resident of the country where the consulate is located and is directed by an Embassy with an area of jurisdiction over which the country in question falls. He/she takes action at the request of that Embassy. An Honorary Consul is pre-eminently someone who is part of the local population, who has an extensive local network, with knowledge of the local customs and who is culturally sensitive to customs that are important to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. An Honorary Consul is not a diplomat, does not enjoy diplomatic immunity and does not hold a Dutch diplomatic passport.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The Honorary Consul is requested to perform tasks in the field of consular services, promoting trade and economic as well as our military operational interests, supervising visits, as well as tasks in the field of culture and information. The Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands provides consular services to Dutch people in need. In the field of trade promotion, the Honorary Consul only works at the request and instruction of the Embassy. The Honorary Consul may not develop own activities, everything he/she does in his/her role falls under the responsibility of the Embassy.

Consular services

The Honorary Consul primarily provides assistance to Dutch citizens in the event of an emergency.

Consular services are always on request of the Embassy:

• Assistance in consular-social situations such as death, hospitalization, missing persons, crises, calamities, as well as possible visits to Dutch detainees in the area.
• Issue of laissez-passers through the Embassy. The Honorary Consul does not issue consular certificates (such as a 'certificate of life').

 

Policy support for economy, military, culture and science

The Honorary Consul is only deployed at the request of the Embassy to promote commercial, economic and cultural relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the host country.

The possible services of the Honorary Consul can be:

• Referring companies to the Embassy.
• Being the first point of contact for companies, assisting in case of problems (trouble shooting) and opening doors.
• Supporting military operations; Deployment of the existing network of the Honorary Consul is essential in this respect.
• Visits to relevant authorities (local government and companies).
• Facilitating visits and trade missions.
• Identifying and monitoring developments in areas that are of interest to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (economic and social).
• Signal special developments (an imminent political, humanitarian, military crisis), based on public sources.
• Visit an Embassy project. The task of monitoring and responsibility for that project remain with the Embassy.

Other tasks at the request of the Embassy

• Representation of the Kingdom on national days and ceremonies.
• Preparation of visitor programs for employees of the Embassy or delegations of the Kingdom, as well as guidance of visitors.
• Following relevant national developments and legal processes when Dutch nationals or the interests of the Kingdom are at stake.
• Contacting and informing the Dutch community.
• Crisis management related tasks (‘eyes and ears for the Embassy’).
• In some cases the Honorary Consul is a point of contact for the authorities of the host country and is invited to official meetings. 
• First point of contact for the Dutch community with a representative of the Kingdom.

Minimum Requirements

• Good network in the local community.

• Thorough knowledge of local context.

• Minimal risk of conflict of interest.

• Good reputation and access to local administrative and political authorities.

• Own source of income (financially independent).

• Own office space.

• Preferably a relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Expense Allowance

The Honorary Consul will receive an expense allowance which amply covers the work done. Tasks are carried out on the basis of a volunteer agreement rather than an employment contract.

How to Apply

If you are interested in the position, please submit a short cover letter and resume to add-cdp@minbuza.nl to the attention of Ms. Christine Pirenne, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands accredited to Djibouti. Expressions of interest will be accepted until 30 September 2026. Further information may be obtained from Ms. Christine Pirenne through the same email address.

Diversity

The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs pursues an active diversity policy and is committed to an inclusive approach organization. We do this by making optimal use of people's differences. And by creating a work culture where everyone can be themselves and feel valued. We strive for diversity in the composition of teams and when hiring new talent age, gender, culture, background, orientation, disability, knowledge and competences. We invite you to indicate in your motivation how you will commit yourself to this.