Netherlands: Senior External Relations Officer (The Netherlands)

Senior External Relations Officer (The Netherlands)
Professional Staff, Locally recruited, based in the Hague, The Netherlands.

ABOUT IDLO

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments and empowers people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity. We contribute to creating stable and inclusive societies where every person can live free from fear and want, in dignity and under the rule of law.
To learn more about IDLO, please visit our website www.idlo.int or follow us on Twitter @IDLO.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Director, External Relations, and working closely with the IDLO Representative in the Netherlands, the Senior External Relations Officer (The Netherlands) will develop and support a strategic government and stakeholder relations program that advances IDLO’s objectives and reputation in the Netherlands. The Senior External Relations Officer will be responsible for planning and coordinating related activities, fostering mutually beneficial working relationships with stakeholders, and supporting IDLO senior leadership in their dealings with the government and other key partners so that the interactions are strategic, coordinated and consistent. Key to this role is excellent knowledge of and contact with Dutch governmental and non-governmental institutions, and the ability to represent IDLO’s interests effectively and thoughtfully. Of equal importance is the ability to collaboratively work with internal stakeholders and keep them well informed so that IDLO’s positions are clear, consistent and well integrated across the organization.
The incumbent will:

• Coordinate IDLO’s government and stakeholder relations function in the Netherlands and serve as a key point of contact for government officials;

• Support and advise the IDLO Representative in the Netherlands in carrying out her representational functions with the government and the diplomatic community;

• Work closely with various parts of IDLO to identify, understand and manage Dutch government related issues and stakeholder matters in alignment with strategic priorities;

• Identify audience(s) in the Netherlands including key decision makers/influencers, and produces targeted supporting materials such as correspondence, briefing notes, submissions and presentations;

• Identify opportunities for working with officials and key stakeholders in the Netherlands to support IDLO’s strategic goals;

• Support the management of critical incidents impacting Dutch government relations as they arise;

• Establish an effective system for anticipating and managing government relations issues in the Netherlands;

• Monitor and conduct research on relevant public policy, legislative, regulatory and political issues in the Netherlands;

• Plan and/or coordinate meetings/briefings with key stakeholders, including logistical details for meetings, pre- and post-meeting strategy sessions, debriefs with participating officials and drafts summaries for internal use;

• Draft, and coordinate the approval of, correspondence, presentations and formal policy submissions to elected and non-elected government officials in the Netherlands;

• Develop, strengthen and maintain positive relationships with key decision makers and influencers in and outside of government in the Netherlands;

• Oversee the development and implementation of government and stakeholder relation strategies for the Netherlands;

• Work with key stakeholders in the Netherlands to encourage them to support the mandate and goals of IDLO;

• Promote organizational positions with senior government officials and other external audiences in person and in writing;

• Take on special projects, such as events, research projects and correspondence, as requested;

• Other similar responsibilities as requested by the Supervisor.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education

• Graduate degree in social sciences, development, diplomacy, political sciences, international relations or related field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experiences working relevant and increasingly responsible professional and managerial experience in development and multilateral institutions or government at the national and international levels; direct experience in a Government Relations / External Relations position is essential.

• Demonstrated experience in working with government bodies /senior government officials in the Netherlands is required.

• Experience analyzing complex governmental and /or intergovernmental issues and opportunities; presenting and making recommendations to senior management and third party partners.

Languages

• Full professional competence of written and verbal communication skills in English and Dutch is required. Knowledge of other languages, in particular French or Spanish, are an advantage.

Specific knowledge, skills and competencies

• Proven inter-personal skills, strong public speaking skills; excellent writing skills.

• Solid understanding and knowledge of political system, government organizations, and legislative processes in the Netherlands.

• High level of diplomacy, confidentiality, management, initiative, and strategic thinking.

• Interest in and capacity to interpret political and policy developments and to relate them to IDLO’s mandate and activities.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work constructively with several internal and external stakeholders. Confident in any surrounding and at working at all levels within a management structure.

• Excellent writing, public speaking and presentation skills. Strong editing and drafting skills with attention to detail including when under pressure.

• Focus on quality: Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail in a busy environment.

• Ability to provide training and guidance to colleagues, advising them on protocol and procedures to be followed in relation to interactions with and government representatives.

• Good negotiating skills in external relations.

• Flexible approach, able to work in complex situations.

• Good team player, positive attitude, and comfortable in working in multi-cultural settings.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office package and other ICT and internet software. Experience in using CRM software is an advantage.

• Keen sense of ethics, integrity and commitment to IDLO’s mandate.

• Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to the field, including post-conflict countries.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The annual salary level for this fixed-term professional staff, locally recruited, position is in the range of € 61,000 as per IDLO’s salary scale and according to qualifications and experience.

The compensation is net of tax. IDLO offers subsidized health insurance coverage including life insurance, medical and dental through Cigna International to the staff member and eligible dependents. Eligible staff member is also entitled to IDLO Provident Fund where IDLO contributes 14% of the staff member’s base salary.

DISCLAIMER AND CLOSING DATE

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the staff member assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Application deadline is: 27 March 2016.