Job title: Agricultural Advisor for Thailand (in close cooperation with the LAN colleagues in Vietnam)

Please send your CV and application letter before October 12 to BAN-HR@minbuza.nl

 

General features of the Netherlands Agricultural Network

The Agricultural Advisor (further abbreviated as AA) is part of the Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN in short). This is a network present in about 59 Embassies and Consulates-General, and active in 75 countries, which represents the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN in Dutch) abroad. LAN supports Dutch companies, knowledge institutions and societal organisations in the domain of agriculture, fisheries, food and nature worldwide. 

LAN proactively supports the dialogue and (bilateral and multilateral) cooperation in the field of sustainable agriculture, nature (biodiversity), food safety, food security and fisheries. LAN also focuses on trade promotion, Dutch investments abroad, market access for Dutch agri-food products and knowledge sharing. It also stimulates innovation and technology partnerships.   

LAN works on strengthening the international position of the Dutch agricultural and nature sector by means of: 

• policy support; 
• business support services to the Dutch agribusiness and knowledge sector;
• promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Job description

The Netherlands is from all the EU members the largest foreign investor in Thailand and the Netherlands is also the number one destination of Thai foreign investment in the EU. Agrifood is one of the a leading sectors in these investments and bilateral trade. 

As AA you will, among others, be responsible for supporting Dutch companies, knowledge institutions and organisations which are or want to become active in Thailand, as well as in supporting Thai companies, knowledge institutions and organisations in their engagement with the Netherlands. 

You will be doing this as part of Vietnam/Thailand LAN-team which is managed by the Agricultural Counsellor (further abbreviated as AC) based at the Dutch embassy in Hanoi. The AA for Thailand will also be a member of the economic team at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok. 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a professional who has a high degree of autonomy, can work independently, with a structured and result-oriented approach. You are willing to travel in and outside Bangkok. You can translate policy into achievable plans that are tailored to the local situation, and ensure effective implementation of those plans. You support Dutch parties and provides them with an appropriate level of advice. You understand the local political and administrative situation, understand the balance of forces at work (including the interests at stake), estimate the viability of actions/decisions, and you are timely in recognizing reputational/diplomatic/political chances and risks. You have a relevant network in Thailand and you are able to build a network in the Netherlands as well will actively share knowledge, information and ideas, and you have a visible presence both within and outside the embassy.

The Netherlands Embassy pursues an active diversity policy and is committed to an inclusive organization. We strive for diversity in age, gender, culture, knowledge and competences in the composition of our teams and when recruiting new talent.

Description of tasks

• Collects, identifies, analyses, interprets and reports on information and developments in one or more LVVN domains that are of importance for the development of LVVN policy as mentioned in the vision paper and annual plan for Thailand.  
• Is responsible for the translation of the LVVN policy in the local context of Thailand and if relevant the region and helps to develop a course of action under the direction of the AC, and in line with the LVVN vision document and annual plan drawn up by the responsible AC, which are corresponding with the annual plan and Multi-Annual Strategy of the Netherlands for Thailand.  
• Contributes to the planning, organization and evaluation of existing bilateral partnership projects in relation to nature, water, environment and sustainable development;
• Is responsible for gathering information on request of the AC on specific relevant topics by studying literature and reports, contributing to research and advising on the relevant policy, including independent analysis and interpretation of the collected information and data;
• Has an understanding of the Thai political/administrative environment, establishes and maintains network contacts for carrying out the above tasks;
• Monitors veterinary and phytosanitary legislation and regulations in Thailand, identifies bottlenecks in trade transactions and contributes to solutions and (new) opportunities for Dutch stakeholders;
• Keeps track of, acts upon and registers trade requests addressed to LAN-BAN, or the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok, activities and contacts in the relevant databases, such as Achilles;
• Due to the phasing out of the LAN activities in Thailand after July 2028, supports where relevant, the preparation, planning and guidance of Dutch trade missions in relation to current partnerships. There will be no budget or promotional activities related to the thematic priorities of LVVN, such as participation in fairs and exhibitions;
• Prepares and writes articles and posts for www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl, newsletters and social media channels of LAN-BAN and the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok; 
• Reports directly to the AC who carries final responsibility; Responds, after the AC agrees with it, to requests by the MT of the Embassy.

Knowledge & skills requirements

Level of education: higher professional graduate level (preferably agriculture/nature related);
Level of working experience: at least 5 years of professional experience.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of and insight into agriculture, food, fisheries and nature policy, legislation and regulations, sector organizations, knowledge institutions and government structures and agribusiness of Thailand; 
• General knowledge and understanding of current developments in policy domains, society and trading position in Thailand;
• Knowledge of the national and regional environmental policy and veterinary and phytosanitary legislation is a plus;
• Good verbal and written command of English and Thai;
• Ability to adapt to Dutch culture and customs.

Skills

• Strong communication and contact skills, enjoying to use social media and exploring new ways of communication;
• You are a natural networker with the capacity to build, maintain and expand a network of contacts in all relevant fields; 
• Ability to translate insights and information into recommendations, plans and reports and assessing the resultant policy consequences;
• Good computer skills and experience with various computer programs.

Competencies

• Independence
• Initiative
• Focus on Results
• Integrity
• Organizational sensitivity
• Ability to think analytically
• Ability to work with others
• Flexibility
• Ability to network

 
Working environment

The Dutch Embassy is located in Dusit Central Office, a modern office building in the heart of Bangkok. Dusit Central Office is next to Lumpini park, and easily accessible with public transport. 

The Dutch Embassy in Bangkok represents and promotes the interests of the Netherlands in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia on a wide range of topics. Its core tasks include consular affairs, economic affairs and trade, agriculture, political affairs and human rights and public information. The embassy team consists of 43 persons, a mix of Thai and Dutch highly motivated professionals.  

What do we offer?

The appointment will be effectuated on the basis of a local contract according to the
Locally Employed Staff Council (LESC) rules and regulations of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Netherlands.

We offer a fixed term contract until 31 July 2028, with a probation period of two months, at grade level 8 according to the Dutch local staff rules, plus a 13th month and health insurance; 40 hours a week.