Programme Secretary
The Public Entity Sint Eustatius (OLE) carries out both municipal and provincial tasks on this special municipality of the Netherlands. Together with our 180 colleagues, we work towards good governance, sustainable development and a strong community. Working at OLE means helping shape the future of a unique and resilient island. The Programme and Project Management Office (PPMO) was established in July 2021. The office is responsible for preparing and implementing a broad portfolio of programmes and projects aligned with the shared priorities of the Public Entity Sint Eustatius and the national government.
PPMO currently manages approximately 35 projects with a total value exceeding USD 140 million. These projects cover multiple sectors, including the construction and extension of school buildings, road repairs and replacement, anti-erosion measures, cliff stabilisation, port renovation and development, social housing, and implementation of the Nature and Environment Policy Plan.
Tasks and Responsibilities
As Programme Secretary, you play a key role in safeguarding the quality and coherence of the multidisciplinary programmes and projects carried out by PPMO. You ensure structured oversight of cost control, capacity, planning, communication, quality assurance, risk management and evaluation.
You work closely with the Programme Manager and contribute to the effective management of the department and its external partners, including consultants and contractors. In the absence of the Programme Manager, you act as their representative. Through your work, you make a direct and meaningful contribution to the development of our beautiful island.
Your main responsibilities are:
- Planning and coordinating complex projects in a diligent, proactive, practical and hands-on manner.
- Working closely with the Programme Manager and Project Managers to prepare proposals and decisions for the Executive Council, while coordinating the decision-making process from preparation and consultation through to approval.
- Supporting budgeting and financial planning, helping PPMO and its projects remain on schedule and within budget, and acting as the operational link between PPMO and the Finance Department.
- Acting as the linking pin between PPMO and the Procurement Department, from the initiation of projects and new contracts through to invoicing and ensuring that payments are processed on time.
- Coordinating and preparing financial and other reports for the Executive Council and the national government.
- Acting as the primary liaison between PPMO and the Office of the Island Secretary, taking account of the political and administrative environment.
- Monitoring project progress and results against quality assurance standards, while identifying opportunities for synergy between PPMO’s various programmes and projects.
- Managing relationships and communicating proactively with internal and external stakeholders, while promoting continuous improvement through knowledge sharing, process enhancements and effective collaboration.
Employment Conditions
The selected candidate may receive:
Temporary employment for a trial period of one year.
Salary: Scale 11, gross monthly between $4,969.21 – $6,429.30 (36-hour workweek). If you do not yet fully meet the experience requirement, you may be appointed in development scale 10. Once you meet the agreed requirements within the specified timeframe, you can progress to the functional scale 11.
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 of 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
Job requirements
- Higher professional or academic working and thinking level (HBO+/WO), preferably in Public Administration, Business Administration and/or Financial Management.
- At least five years of experience within local government or another complex working environment.
- Experience working with and coordinating professionals in a cross-cultural environment.
Required Skills and competencies
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Dutch.
The ability to work effectively within a political and administrative environment.
Knowledge of budgeting, accounting and financial management.
The ability to collaborate effectively, build relationships and establish trust.
A development-oriented approach, with attention to the professional growth of colleagues.
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
We may close this vacancy earlier if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications. We therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Apply no later than 4 October via the application button and upload your CV and motivation letter, addressed to:
The Executive Council of the Public Entity St. Eustatius Attn: Mr. Casper Jorna Apply via: https://www.werkenbijstatia.com/vacaturebeschrijving/programma-secretaris
Good to know:
Interviews will be scheduled in consultation with the candidate
Questions about the position? Please contact Mr. Casper Jorna, Programme Manager PPMO, at casper.jorna@statiagov.com
Questions about the recruitment process? Please contact our Recruitment Specialist - Yvonne van ‘t Oever. Email: vacancies@statiagov.com
Applications submitted by email will not be processed
