The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Italy is looking for an Honorary Consul in Verona  for a period of 5 years. Tasks include consular services, trade promotion, supervising 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 (and/or Consulate-General). An Honorary Consul is pre-eminently someone who is part of the local community and who has an extensive local network, with knowledge of the local customs. 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 interests, supporting visits, as well as tasks in the field of culture and information. 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 and/or Consulate General: 
•    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 after obtaining Embassy approval. The Honorary Consul does not issue consular certificates (such as a 'certificate of life').
•    In summer the resort is an important destination for a large flow of Dutch tourists who mainly visit places around the Lake Garda. In winter it is an important destination for winter sports tourism.
•    It is therefore essential to maintain good contacts with the authorities in the four provinces of the resort.  
 

Economy and trade promotion 

The Honorary Consul is only deployed at the request of the Embassy and/or Consulate General 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: 
•    Identifying possible opportunities for Dutch companies. 
•    Referring companies to the Embassy. 
•    Being the first point of contact for companies, assisting in case of problems (trouble shooting) and opening doors. 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. 

Other tasks at the request of the Embassy and/or Consulate General 
•    Identifying and monitoring developments in areas that are of interest to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (political, economic). 
•    Representation of the Kingdom on national days and ceremonies. 
•    Preparation of visitor programs for employees of the Embassy or delegations of the Kingdom 
•    Following relevant national developments and legal processes when Dutch nationals or the interests of the Kingdom are at stake. 
•    Support to or attendance of activities of the Embassy (cultural projects, public diplomacy events)
 

Minimum Requirements 

•    Good network in the local community. 
•    Good reputation and access to local administrative and political authorities. 
•    Thorough knowledge of local context. 
•    Minimal risk of conflict of interest. 
•    Affinity with Dutch societal values
•    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 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 rom-hc@minbuza.nl to the attention of Ambassador Willem van Ee. Expressions of interest will be accepted until March 29, 2024. 
Further information may be obtained from Consul General in Milan, Mascha Baak through the same email address. 
 

Diversity 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to being an inclusive and diversity-friendly organisation. We do this by leveraging the differences between persons to the fullest 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 age, gender, culture, background, orientation, impairment, knowledge and skills. We invite you to indicate in your motivation letter how you will commit to this.