Vacancy announcement :Secretary for rent tribunal St. Eustatius

Following a decision by the Island Council, a rent tribunal will be established in Statia in the spring of 2024. The tribunal is an impartial entity that adjudicates disputes between tenants and landlords. It will provide information to prevent disputes and, if an agreement cannot be reached, issues binding rulings. 

The secretariat of the rent tribunal, led by the secretary, will support the tribunal in its statutory tasks. The tribunal will comprise a chairperson and two members—one with a tenant background and the other with a landlord background. The secretary will provide impartial information to both tenants and landlords and will facilitate the formal proceedings of the tribunal, if necessary. 

Supported by an adviser, the secretary will manage the tribunal's administrative operations, including initial assessment of inquiries, case progression, and record-keeping. The secretary will  work regular office hour, and responsibilities will include disseminating impartial information, managing the secretariat, and supporting the tribunal. Additionally, the secretary will be the point of contact for the tribunal, and will contribute to the annual report, maintain the website, update the committee on legal changes, and may conduct research upon request. The secretary will also organise the tribunal's meetings and hearings, take minutes, ensure consistency in rulings, and be responsible for the public register where decisions are published. 

Candidate Profile

Academic level of working and thinking (law degree preferred), or a completed bachelor's degree (HBO) in law. 

At least five years of experience as a legal (policy) officer or clerk, preferably within government or a semi-government entity. 

Knowledge or experience in rent law is preferred. 

Strong interpersonal, listening, and conversational skills. 

Proficiency in Dutch and English, both spoken and written. 

Service oriented with the ability to clearly explain legal issues. 

Excellent writing skills and the ability to draft decisions in Dutch. 

Independent, accurate, with good planning and organisational skills, and no direct ties to tenant or landlord organisations. 

Capable of building and maintaining a relevant network for the rent tribunal. 

Time Commitment

The secretary is expected to dedicate about 2 to 3 half days per week to the rent tribunal during the start-up phase. Compensation will be determined based on knowledge, experience, and qualification. 

Selection and Appointment: 

For more information on this role, contact Eveline Jacquemijns, adviser to the Sint Eustatius Rent Tribunal, at jacquemijnshuurcommissie@ziggo.nl. For procedural inquiries, contact personnel.affairs@statiagov.com. Applications, accompanied by a CV should be sent by 19 February 2024 to personnel.affairs@statiagov.com

After the closing date, a review of applications will take place, and interviews are expected to be held in February.