SZW Executive Secretary

The organisation

The Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) Unit implements the social security for the Caribbean Netherlands. In addition, SZW is responsible for the Labour Inspection CN, work permits, employment affairs, and Plenchi di Trabou. A total of approximately 85 employees work at the SZW Unit, of which 8 work on Saba and St. Eustatius. There are many developments in the social domain, and the remit of the Unit is expanding. Among others, a childcare scheme, an Unemployment Scheme CN, and adjustments to the labour legislation are implementation schemes that, depending on political decision-making, will soon be implemented by the Unit. The SZW Unit works towards a dignified existence for everyone in the Caribbean Netherlands.

Job description

As an Executive Secretary, you are a key link between the management team and the rest of the organisation. You support the Head of Department and the management team in various management meetings, and you are responsible for the preparation of decision-making, you monitor processes and track progress. Within the organisation, you report hierarchically to the Business Operations Manager and functionally to the Head of Department. You work closely with the Office Manager.

You assist with the preparation of annual plans, half-yearly and annual reports, and policy papers, as well as the preparation of management meetings. You ensure the necessary structure and communication within an organisation that is evolving. You identify in a timely manner when processes are moving too quickly or too slowly. You proactively come up with initiatives to improve processes.

A challenging position within a dynamic organisation that is facing important (further) development challenges.

Job responsibilities

• You ensure that the various management meetings run effectively by preparing the agenda, gathering and/or drafting relevant documents, taking minutes, monitoring action points and handling incoming and outgoing correspondence with care;
• You assist the Head of Department with agenda management, preparation of meetings with the Participation Council, and coordination and monitoring of progress with the Ministry of SZW. Where appropriate, you also support the other managers;
• You assist with the coordination, planning and progress of annual plans, half-yearly reports and annual reports;
• You support the Head of Department and the management team in the preparation, coordination and follow-up of decision-making, and you ensure that all necessary information is available in good time;
• You keep the Head of Department and the management team informed of relevant developments within the organisation, within the RCN and the ministry of SZW;
• You act as the point of contact for internal and external stakeholders;
• You take initiatives for internal communication, coordinate these with the Head of Service and the management team, and you arrange for their publication in collaboration with the Communications Adviser;
• You provide support for organisation-wide projects and developments, you monitor the progress, and you keep track of ongoing actions and arrangements.

Job requirements

• You must at least have completed a Higher Professional Education (HBO) training, preferably in an administrative, organisational or managerial discipline (e.g. Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication or another relevant discipline);
• You have extensive relevant experience, preferably within an implementing organisation;
• You have excellent skills in the management of multiple processes simultaneously;
• You set priorities and ensure tasks are carried out effectively, without losing sight of the bigger picture;
• You have proven experience in writing reports and policy papers, and in communicating information to various target groups;
• You have experience in a position where you work independently, pro-actively identify problems and take a solution-oriented approach;
• You can work in a rapidly evolving environment and have the drive to optimise processes;
• You work with care and attention to detail, whilst at the same time being able to see the bigger picture and set priorities;
• You demonstrate a high degree of discretion and integrity, particularly in a position that involves handling confidential and strategic information;
• You have affinity with the region and experience working within the Caribbean context;
• You are fluent in Dutch, knowledge of Papiamento, English and/or Spanish is preferred.

Competencies

• Communicative skills
• Proactive attitude
• Independence
• Accuracy
• Structure
• Discretion
• Integrity

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 9  / job salary scale 10 from a minimum of $3.293,- and a maximum of $4.900,- 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);
• 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.
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 Mischa Prinsenberg, Head of Department SZW, telephone+599 795 2030 or email mischa.prinsenberg@rijksdienstcn.com.

Digital applications:

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