The organisation

The role of the Cabinet of the Special Envoy for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba is to promote the international interests and long-term development of the Caribbean Netherlands. From a strategic position, the Cabinet’s work focuses on strengthening relations with the European Union and increasing access to EU funding, knowledge networks and partnerships.

The Cabinet supports the three islands in making the most of opportunities which arise from their special position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the European Union. Their focus includes:

  • Climate adaptation and climate resilience
  • Sustainable energy
  • Water and food security
  • Connectivity and infrastructure
  • Biodiversity and nature conservation
  • Social and economic development
  • Cultural partnerships

The Cabinet

The Cabinet falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties, BZK).
The team consists of the Special Envoy, a strategic adviser, a management assistant and a Senior EU Funding Project Manager. The office is located on Bonaire.

Job description

  • As the Senior EU Funding Project Manager you will be responsible for identifying, developing, coordinating and implementing projects and programmes financed by European funds that contribute to the social, economic and sustainable development of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.
  • You will play a key role in improving access to European funding opportunities for Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. In doing so you will work closely with the European Commission, Dutch ministries, public bodies, knowledge institutions, civil society organisations and international partners.
  • You will identify relevant European grant schemes and programmes, translate these into concrete project opportunities, and provide support with the development of high-quality grant applications. You will also oversee the implementation of assigned projects, monitor progress, finances and results, and provide support in relation to compliance with European regulations and reporting obligations.
  • You will be involved in strategic discussions with administrators and stakeholders and will contribute to the further strengthening of the position of the Caribbean Netherlands within European cooperation networks. In the process you will make a significant contribution to the development of a long-term project and funding strategy for the three islands within the Caribbean Netherlands.

Duties

  • Identifying and analysing opportunities within European funds, programmes and funding instruments.
  • Initiating, developing and overseeing grant applications submitted to European institutions.
  • Building and maintaining strategic relationships with the European Commission, ministries, local authorities, civil society, regional partners and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Coordinating European projects and programmes throughout the entire project cycle.
  • Monitoring project schedules, budgets, risks, quality and results.
  • Advising the Special Envoy and other relevant parties on European policy developments and funding opportunities.
  • Supporting the public bodies of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba in improving their access to European funds.
  • Representing the Cabinet of the Special Envoy in relevant European and international networks, meetings and conferences.
  • Contributing to knowledge development and professionalisation in the fields of fundraising, project development and programme management.

Job requirements

  • You work and think at university level. .

  • You have a degree at the level of university or higher vocational education (HBO), preferably in Public Administration, Business Administration, International Relations, Economics, Political Science, or a similar field.

  • You have at least 7 years of demonstrable experience with EU project and programme management.

  • You have experience within a political-administrative environment.

  • You have experience with international cooperation projects, fundraising or grant schemes.

  • You have demonstrable experience with stakeholder management and working in complex environments.

  • You have an excellent command of written and spoken Dutch and English.

  • Knowledge of Papiamento and/or Spanish would be a definite asset.

  • You are prepared to work flexible hours and travel internationally.

  • You are, or will become, a resident of the Caribbean Netherlands.

Competencies

  • The ability to think strategically
  • Situational awareness
  • Good powers of persuasion
  • A focus on results
  • Good planning and organisational skills
  • A team player

What do we offer?

  • An appointment in conformity with the Rechstpositiebesluit Ambtenaren BES (BES Legal Status of Civil Servants Decree);
  • A salary in line with the market, in job salary scale 12 from a minimum of $5.066,- and a maximum of $6.340,- based on a work week of 36 hours. A pay grade based on knowledge and experience;
  • A holiday pay (8.33% of the annual income);
  • A13th month (8.33% of the annual income);
  • Vitality allowance;
  • A pension plan administered by Pensioenfonds Caribisch Nederland (PCN);
  • 182 holiday hours based on a work week of 36 hours;
  • A temporary appointment of one year with the prospect of a permanent appointment in case of good performance and a positive appraisal;
  • A relocation scheme for applicants not living in the island.

Procedure

An assessment, case and/or reference check may be part of the procedure.
This vacancy is being advertised internally and externally, and the following order will be considered in the selection process:

  • Official RCN staff on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (internal);
  • Residents of the Caribbean part of the Netherlands (external);
  • Other candidates (external);

Terms of appointment

  • A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG);
  • Medical examination regarding mandatory registration for the pension fund (with a personal contribution);
  • Dutch citizenship.

Important information for interested applicants living outside the Caribbean Netherlands

  • The salary is paid in American dollars, the official currency in the Caribbean Netherlands;

  • The Caribbean Netherlands has its own tax regulations. Income above the tax-free allowance $21,956 in 2026 is taxed at 29.4% in the first bracket (up to an income of $53,198). A tax rate of 38.4% applies to the second bracket;

  • You are or will become a resident of the Caribbean Netherlands.

More information?

For information about the job vacancy, please contact Edison Rijna, Special Envoy, telephone +599 795 5332.

Digital applications

You may send your curriculum vitae with cover letter to vacature@rijksdienstCN.com.