The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Washington DC. is looking for a Senior Management Assistant (40 hours per week).

You will be part of a small, close-knit team in the Economic cluster and ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, so that the staff can focus on the impact of their work in projects and policy.

You will work for two teams: the Economic Affairs team and the Education & Science Counselor. The Economic Affairs team consists of 7 people and is responsible for trade promotion of Dutch companies in the US and trade policy,  the coordination of the Dutch Network in the US, liaison with International Financial Institutions as well as a strong network with companies. The work of the Education & Science Counselor is focused on the academic sector, research security and rewarding and recognizing talents, as well as facilitating a Dutch Network for Academics in the US.

This is a permanent position within our organization. The initial contract will be offered for a period of two years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The job is being offered at pay scale 6.

For more information about this vacancy please contact:
Ruth Schipper, dep. Head, Ruth.schipper@minbuza.nl
Renske Heemskerk, Counselor, Renske.heemskerk@minbuza.nl

Application letters together with resume should be submitted to:
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Danielle-van.mulukom@minbuza.nl

Closing date for applications: April 23rd, 2026
Starting date: June 1st, 2026

Monthly gross salary starts at $ 6,336.00 gross (pay scale 6, step 0), depending on education and experience (no rights can be derived from this indication).

401K Plan is offered. Health/Dental/Vision is provided on a 72%-28% Employer-Employee basis.

*This vacancy is open to internal (local employees and partners of officials posted to a Mission in the US) and external candidates. If a local employee and a partner of an official posted to a Mission are equally qualified, the local employee shall be given priority. Furthermore, if an internal candidate and an external candidate are equally qualified, the internal candidate shall be given priority.

* As per US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), employers in the US are required to ensure that all employees have the legal right to work in the US. Under US State Department requirements, the embassy and our consulates may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders, visa holders with and Employment Authorization Document or “A”visa holders. The Embassy cannot sponsor any work permits for family members.

General features of job

• The senior management assistant  has a pivotal position in ensuring a smeemless functioning of the Economic Affairs Team,  and  the Counselor for Education and Science. The senior management assistant is highly visible as one of several managemen assistants in the overall economic cluster
• Provides organizational, secretarial and administrative support where necessary;
• Provides or coordinates secretarial/administrative support for a varied range of subjects, visits and projects in official and diplomatic setting;
• Acts as a link with the internal organization and external environment, makes connections, assesses interests and weighs up consequences;
• Maintains contacts with a view to following & harmonizing processes and procedures;
• Coordinates information from various sources;
• Handles the financial administration for both teams and (some) projects.

Duties and result areas

You are the spider in the web of our organization. You contribute to the successful and efficient functioning of the Embassy, and to the cooperation according to the One Team philosophy. You work independently, take initiative and cooperate within the economic cluster ,to:

Office management

• manage calendars, mailboxes, meetings with smart tools and follow-up.
• safeguard a tight finance/administration process.
• streamline incoming communication (mailbox & phone).
• organize internal events and onboarding.
• support the team in day-to-day operations. More importantly: you are pro-active in making sure everything is in order.
• provide administrative support to the Head of Department and Education&Science Counselor.
• coordinate organizational aspects of events.
• settle invoices and the financial administration.
• manage budget and related communication to the ministry of foreign affairs, ministry of economic affairs and its executive agency RVO.NL , and the ministry of education, culture and science in the Netherlands.
• keep subscriptions to relevant databases up to date and know how to work with these databases.
• scan relevant articles in business magazines and websites.
• prepare travel arrangements.
• purchase of office  supplies, interact with facility management to ensure continuous well-functioning of office equipment.
• keeping the working place organized.
• advise correctly, effectively and within set time limits about administrative and financial settlements regarding projects, payments, preparing declarations etc.
• interact with HR to ensure a correct process in the onboarding of new colleagues in the economic cluster
• Contributing to goals and team spirit of the economic cluster and broader economic network
• work closely with and when necessary coordinate/lead the other management assistants in the economic cluster to contribute to the goals of the broader network;
• contribute to the one team spirit;
• be willing to help out when needed;
• can communicate and work effectively in a mixed (Dutch-US) team;
• serve as a back-up for the other management assistants in case of their absence (and vice versa);
• help create a soft landing for new colleagues, trainees and interns who are new at the Embassy.

Working environment

Brief description of the mission (tasks, size) and the physical environment in which the successful candidate will be working:

You will be part of the Dutch Embassy in the Washington D.C. , representing the Netherlands in the USA. The United States is an important innovation, science, trading and investment partner for the Netherlands The main task of the Netherlands Embassy’s economic cluster is to further strengthen the ties between the Netherlands and the US. Specifically a in the areas of  trade, Investments, Health, Agriculture, Education, Science and Innovation. You will be working in a diplomatic environment, with friendly, professional and committed colleagues. Your regular workplace is at the office in Washington, in a green area. Our Embassy organizes several events also for personnel during the year. There are also working groups active for personnel, in which you can take part. To contribute to festivity activities or discuss diversity and inclusion for instance. In the embassy is a small store with Dutch products, where volunteering is always welcome. There is room to take your own initiatives and further shape your role

Who you are:

• You are people-oriented and have a high professional standard and client focus
• Have a feeling for service and representation
• Get energy from an environment where a lot is happening at the same time.
• Communicate clearly
• Like to take action.
• Are flexible and can deal with stress
• Like to create a warm atmosphere
• Enjoy setting things up properly; proven track record that organizing is second nature to you.
• Are creative in finding solutions and shape your role further
• Administration and the use of AI do not put you off.
• Work independently and take initiative.
• Contribute to internal communication and team energy.       

Knowledge and skills

Level of education: College degree
Level of experience: at least 5 years of relevant experience required

• Broad knowledge of management assistance methods, organizational/logistic/ administrative and financial procedures;
• Understanding of/having a feel for diplomatic and business contacts, and functional relationships of the Embassy with third parties;
• Skilled in setting priorities regarding the different support tasks and weighing up consequences, interests etc. and being very careful with sharing sensitive information;
• Skilled in organizing events, coordinating programs for visiting delegations, drafting invitations, note’s and reports etc. and performing tasks regarding data storage and archiving;
• Skilled in working under varying conditions and time pressure;
• Advanced computer skills using Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint, as well as working with databases;
• Excellent knowledge of English, both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of the Dutch language is an asset.

Additional Comments

The Netherlands Government celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to foster an inclusive environment within its organization. Individuals interested in advancing these diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply.

If equally qualified, internal candidates will take precedence over external candidates.