What is an Honorary Consul 

An Honorary Consul, under the guidance of the Embassy in Helsinki, represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands in his/her place of residence and the surrounding district. An Honorary Consul is a local resident with an extensive local network and thorough knowledge of the local context. An Honorary Consul is not a diplomat, does not enjoy diplomatic immunity and does not hold a Dutch diplomatic passport. 

Tasks and Responsibilities 

The Honorary Consul is requested to perform tasks in the field of consular services, promoting trade and economic interests, supervising visits, as well as tasks in the field of culture and public diplomacy. The Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands provides consular services to Dutch nationals in need. The Honorary Consul works in close coordination with and upon instruction of the Embassy. 

I    Consular services 

Consular services are always upon request of the Embassy. The Honorary Consul primarily provides occasional assistance to Dutch citizens (mostly travellers) in case of need: 

• Assistance to Dutch nationals in his/her district in emergency situations, calamities such as missing persons, hospitalization or even death; 
• Issue of temporary travel documents (laissez-passers) after obtaining Embassy approval;
• possible visits to Dutch detainees in the area; 
• The Honorary Consul does not issue passports or consular certificates (such as a 'certificate of life'). 

II    Policy support for economy, culture and science 

 
Upon request and under the guidance of the Embassy, the Honorary Consul promotes the interests of the Netherlands in the commercial, economic and cultural domains in his/her district. 
Possible services of the Honorary Consul include: 
•    Company contacts: opening doors, troubleshooting, referring them to the Embassy; 
•    Maintaining contacts with relevant local economic actors (local government, Chamber of Commerce, economic agencies, knowledge networks); 
•    Facilitating company visits and incoming trade missions; 
•    Signalling local economic developments of special relevance. 

III    Other tasks at the request of the Embassy 

• Maintaining an active local network in different domains, including local government.
• Local representation of the Kingdom on official occasions; 
• Following relevant local developments and signalling these to the Embassy;
• Preparation of visitor programs for Embassy officials or incoming delegations, as well as guidance of these visitors; 
• Point of contact for the local Dutch community;
• In case of need: crisis management related tasks (‘eyes and ears of the Embassy’). 

Requirements 

• Excellent active local network, easy access to local authorities;
• Thorough knowledge of local context; 
• Good, unblemished reputation; 
• Minimal risk of conflict of interest; 
• Own source of income (financially independent) and own office space;
• Preferably some kind of previous or existing connection to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 

Expense Allowance 

 The Honorary Consul will receive an expense allowance which amply covers the work done. Tasks are carried out on the basis of a volunteer agreement rather than an employment contract. 

How to Apply 

Please submit a short cover letter and resume via e-mail. Expressions of interest will be accepted until 5 December 2024. Further information may be obtained through the same email address. 

Diversity 

The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs pursues an active diversity policy and is committed to an inclusive approach organization. We do this by making optimal use of people's differences and by creating a work culture where everyone can be themselves and feel valued. We strive for diversity in the composition of teams; when hiring new talent, we strive for diversity in age, gender, culture, background, orientation, (dis)abilities, knowledge and competences. We invite you to indicate in your motivation how you will commit yourself to this.