Programme Manager – Heritage & Action Agenda
The Statia Government carries out both municipal and provincial responsibilities on this special municipality of the Netherlands. Together with approximately 180 colleagues, we work towards good governance, sustainable development and a strong community. Working at Statia Government means contributing to the future of a unique and resilient island.
Tasks and Responsibilities
As Programme Manager, Action Agenda St. Eustatius, you are responsible for the strategic leadership, coordination, and execution of a complex, multi-year program (2025–2029) focused on heritage, identity, and sustainable development.
You translate political commitments and strategic objectives into concrete projects and ensure their successful implementation, governance, and long-term impact on the island.
Programme Leadership & Strategy:
- Lead the overall implementation of the Action Agenda St. Eustatius and its underlying programmes
- Translate strategic objectives into a structured multi-year program with clear milestones, deliverables, and KPIs
- Ensure alignment with national and local policies, including the Region Deal Statia and broader socio-economic development programmes
- Advise senior management and executive Council on program direction, risks, and strategic opportunities
Programme Coordination & Delivery
Coordinate and oversee the execution of multiple interrelated projects, including:
- Development of a Multifunctional Heritage Center
- Construction of a slavery memorial monument
- Realization of an underwater museum and maritime heritage programme
- Renewal and marking of historical monuments
- Digitalization of archives and heritage assets
- Educational and community-based heritage programmes
- Ensure timely delivery, quality, and coherence across all programme components
- Establish and manage program structures, governance models, and working groups
Stakeholder & Partnership Management
- Act as the primary liaison between OLE, ministries (OCW, BZK), and external stakeholders
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with international heritage organizations, NGOs, research institutions, and regional partners (e.g., Saba and Sint Maarten)
- Facilitate collaboration between government, community, and heritage professionals
- Ensure active involvement of the local community and descendants in program development and implementation
Financial & Resource Management
Manage program budgets, funding streams, and resource allocation
Monitor financial performance and ensure responsible and transparent use of funds
Identify funding opportunities and support acquisition of additional resources where relevant
Monitoring, Reporting & Governance
- Monitor program progress, risks, and impact, and adjust where necessary
- Ensure clear reporting structures and accountability towards internal and external stakeholders
- Provide regular progress reports to management, funding bodies, and governance boards
Community & Impact
- Strengthen awareness, knowledge, and visibility of Statia’s heritage and history
- Ensure that heritage initiatives contribute to sustainable economic development, tourism, and social cohesion
- Safeguard that the program delivers long-term value for the island and its community
Employment Conditions
The selected candidate may receive:
- Temporary position for a fixed period of one year.
- Salary: Scale 12, gross monthly between $5,803.54 – $7,263.63 (36-hour workweek)
- Working hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week.
- Allowances: Holiday allowance of 8.33% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33% of the annual salary.
- 182 holiday hours per year pro rata based on a 36-hour working week.
- Benefits: Inclusion in the pension fund.
- A supportive and professional working environment.
- A relocation scheme for candidates who respond from outside the island.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Administration, Heritage Studies, Cultural Studies, or a related field
- Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in program or project management
- Experience in complex stakeholder environments (government/public sector preferred)
- Proven experience managing multidisciplinary programs or initiatives
- Affinity with heritage, identity, and societal development
- Experience with policy implementation and governance processes is a strong plus
Competencies
- Strong strategic and analytical thinking
- Programme and stakeholder management skills
- Political and organizational sensitivity
- Results-oriented with strong execution power
- Excellent planning and organizational skills
- Clear communication skills in both English and Dutch (verbal and written)
- Ability to operate independently and in a complex environment
More information
An assessment, case, and/or reference check may be part of the procedure. The selected candidate must provide a certificate of good conduct (VOG) and undergo medical evaluation for inclusion in the pension fund.
The following order of preference will be applied during the selection process:
- Employees of the Public Entity Sint Eustatius (internal)
- Residents from or currently living on Sint Eustatius
- Residents of the Caribbean part of the Netherlands
- All other candidates
Apply
Apply no later than Monday 1 June 2026 via the application button and upload your CV and motivation letter, addressed to:
The Executive Council of the Public Entity St. Eustatius Attn: Ms. Carol Jack Apply via: https://www.werkenbijstatia.com/vacaturebeschrijving/program-manager-action-agenda
Good to know:
- Interviews will be scheduled on Thurdsay 4 June 2026 in the morning. Please reserve this date.
- Questions about the position? Please contact Ms. Carol Jack, Director Social Domain at carol.jack@statiagov.com
- Questions about the recruitment process? Please contact our Recruitment Specialist - Yvonne van ‘t Oever. Email: vacancies@statiagov.com
