SSO CN Communications Advisor

The organisation

Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland (RCN) acts as the link between the ministries and their executive agencies on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. Each ministry is responsible for the development and implementation of its own policies, but RCN ensures that everything runs smoothly at a local level.

SSO CN (Shared Service Organisation Caribbean Netherlands) plays a crucial role in this regard. As a supporting force behind the scenes, SSO CN provides professional services in the area of HRM, procurement, facilities management, ICT, finances and communications – for all government departments active in the Caribbean Netherlands. With one goal: Working together to continue building the future of the Caribbean Netherlands.

The department

The Communications Department provides sound advice and professional support to services and departments. Through our strong network – locally, regionally and in The Hague – we ensure that everyone knows exactly what is going on in society in the Caribbean Netherlands.

Our goal? Communication that moves, connects and delivers results. We are committed to an approach that genuinely reaches target audiences, strengthens the dialogue and clearly communicates policy. In doing so, we provide both solicited and unsolicited advice and create effective communication products that resonate with the perceived reality of the people concerned.

We believe in the power of committed communications professionals – people who feel a connection to the islands and the community. Because that is the only way we can strike the right chord and really make a difference.

Job responsibilities

• You make communication clear, powerful and recognisable. You ensure that the message comes across clearly – both internally and externally.
• You are the point of contact for your components of the organisation. As an account manager and sparring partner, you work closely with colleagues and oversee a wide range of projects.
• You advise managers and heads of department on communication at both a tactical and operational level, and help them to present their message more effectively.
• You think along and participate. In your communications role, you play an active part in projects, meetings and working groups.
• You have a sense of political and administrative relationships and know exactly when an issue is sensitive – and how to deal with it strategically.
• You develop and organise campaigns and events that inform, inspire and connect – both within and outside the organisation.
• You write clear, engaging texts and ensure that communication statements – from press releases to posters – look professional and are published at the right time.
• You liaise with the press and run public awareness campaigns that have a real impact.

Job requirements

• You have affinity with the islands and feel at home within the local community, culture and languages.
• You completed a training in communications or marketing at the level of higher professional education (HBO), and you have at least three years of all-round experience in the communications sector.
• You are a strong debater who is not afraid to offer solicited and unsolicited advice – tactfully yet decisively.
• You work in a structured manner and are familiar with project-based working.
• You write clearly and engagingly for a wide range of target audiences and media and are able to convey complex information in an accessible way.
• You have excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing – in Dutch and English. Proficiency in Papiamento is strongly preferred.
• You have a keen understanding of political and administrative relationships and know how to navigate them effectively.
• You are independent, honest, sociable and creative – and you like to bring a healthy sense of humour to the table.
• You find it easy to build relationships and maintain a relevant network.

Competencies

• Flexibility;
• Resistance to stress;
• Customer focus;
• Collaboration skills
• Situational awareness;
• Planning and organisation.

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 initial salary scale 10 and job salary scale 11 from a minimum of $3.775,- and a maximum of $5.612,- based on a work week of 36 hours. A pay grade based on knowledge and experience;
• A holiday pay (8.33% of the gross monthly income);
• A13^th 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. The following order of priority is applied during 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 in connection with mandatory registration with 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?

Would you like to know if your education and experience are a good fit for this position? Do you have questions about the role? Please contact Carol-Ann Soliano, Communication Manager, at +599 795 4980 (call/WhatsApp) or via email at Caroll-Ann.Soliano@rijksdienstCN.com.

Digital applications

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