The Agricultural Attaché Network (LAN) at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dublin is looking for a Agricultural Policy Advisor and Industry Engagement specialist for 35 hours per week.
The Agricultural Attaché Network (LAN)
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs (BZ), Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) and Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) are represented by Economic Departments at Netherlands Embassies and Consulate Generals around the world. These Economic Departments (sometimes supported by regional Netherlands Business Support Offices “NBSO”) promote trade, market access, and policy cooperation, including in the fields of Agriculture (Agricultural Attaché Network “LAN”), Innovation (Innovation Attaché Network “IAN”) and attracting foreign investment (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency “NFIA”).
The LAN consists of 58 offices in 79 countries. It is established in regions that can offer viable chances for Dutch agri & food companies, and where there are important International Organisations like the European Union (EU) in Brussels, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris.
The LAN represents the Ministry of LNV, and to this end maintains intensive contacts with local authorities, Dutch and local businesses and civil society organisations. It makes an essential contribution to strengthening the international position of the Netherlands in the areas of agriculture, food, fisheries and nature by means of:
supporting Dutch agri & food businesses in their international endeavours through services and advice;
supporting policy development of the Ministry of LNV;
bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The LAN applies a proactive approach, seeking out opportunities for Dutch agribusiness and establishing direct contact with relevant players. For external communication purposes, it uses newsletters, social media, www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl, and the Embassy websites.
The LAN team and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dublin
The Agricultural Advisor at the Netherlands Embassy in Dublin is part of the LAN team that spans the Netherlands Embassies of London and Dublin. The Agricultural Counsellor based at the Embassy in London is the overall manager of this team, which also includes an Agricultural Advisor and an Agricultural Officer based in London. The Agricultural Advisor reports directly to the Agricultural Counsellor. The Agricultural Advisor in Dublin and the Agricultural Counsellor are an integral part of the organisational structure of the Embassy in Dublin and operate in close cooperation with that Embassy’s other sections.
The Embassy in Ireland is responsible for the promotion of the interests of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ireland in all its aspects. It has a small team of 12 staff, which is primarily responsible for the political, economic/commercial and consular activities. Policywise, our focus is on EU affairs and on bilateral economic relations and trade possibilities. The team consists of 2 expat staff members (Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission) and 10 local staff members. The Embassy has a ‘can do’ mentality and an excellent team spirit based on the principle of ‘one team’.
The Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands and agri & food
The Republic of Ireland is a valued partner for the Netherlands in agricultural policy, trade (which has steadily increased over the past years, innovation and knowledge exchange. The Ministry of LNV wishes to intensify that relationship in a changed, post-Brexit world. The Agricultural Advisor will be required to focus on
Policy development and implementation in the context of the EU’s Green Deal, Farm 2 For Fork Strategy and Common Agricultural Policy;
Possible shared solutions and trade and investment opportunities with regard to sustainable, climate-smart and circular agriculture;
Trade barriers and opportunities resulting from Brexit;
Consequences of Brexit for, and cooperation in, fisheries management.
Role of the Senior Agricultural Advisor
Contributes to the Ministry of LNV’s policy development by collecting, identifying, analysing, interpreting and reporting on relevant information, data and developments;
Actively contributes to the development of policy with regard to bilateral and international cooperation and, e.g. through market analysis, promotion of trade with the Republic of Ireland;
Is responsible for the preparation and support of Dutch trade and other promotional activities, takes part in fairs and exhibitions and (re)presents Dutch (LNV) interests and policy;
Identifies and helps resolve bottlenecks in everyday trade, taking a proactive, independent approach and taking the appropriate measures while taking into account possible differences in regulations and culture;
Designs, plans, organises and evaluates bilateral partnership projects in relation to nature, water, environment and sustainable development, in consultation with local authorities and other organisations;
In order to create an understanding of relevant political/administrative environments and to help carry out the above tasks, establishes and maintains a network of contacts, including with the LAN Homebase at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) in The Hague and with other Agricultural Networks worldwide, with the Ministry of LNV and where relevant with other ministries in The Hague, with the authorities, the business community and civil society interest groups (such as ngo’s) in the Republic of Ireland, and with news media (for public information, PR and press releases);
Registers activities in RVO’s Achilles database;
Writes articles for the LAN’s Agroberichtenbuitenland.nl website.
Required skills and competences
University level qualifications, as well as at least 5 years of relevant experience.
General knowledge and understanding of (Irish / EU) agriculture and fisheries policy, legislation and regulations, government structure and agribusiness and trade;
A relevant (local) network of contacts in the field of agriculture and food is a plus;
Good verbal and written command of the English language;
(Some) command of the Dutch language is a plus;
Good communication skills;
Good computer skills and experience;
Situational awareness;
Networking skills and ability to establish and maintain higher-level diplomatic and other contacts;
Ability to translate insights and information into recommendations, plans and reports and to assess policy and financial consequences;
A proactive approach and ability to work independently, showing initiative within a broadly defined framework;
Ability to deal with increasingly complex issues within a broad range of topics.
Terms of employment
We are looking for a suitable candidate that can ultimately fulfill this position on a permanent contract. However, 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, which means that the contract will initially be for a fixed period of one year, followed by an extension of another year and subsequently a permanent contract (subject to performance). This function has been approved for Local Staff job level 9, with a monthly gross starting wage between €4,696 and €5,322 (with a 13th month), depending on education and experience levels.
Diversity and inclusivity
The Netherlands Government is an inclusive employer with a focus on diversity. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or any other category protected by law. We promote flexible, family-friendly working conditions, where operational and security needs allow.
Hybrid work
The Netherlands Embassy in Dublin fully supports the concept of hybrid work and has policies in place to accommodate this within the limits of each job description. This particular position will require regular presence at the Embassy.