A.          BASIC   DETAILS OF THE JOB

Job title:  Advisor Economic Diplomacy
Mission: Consulate-general of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mumbai, India
Job level: 08
Number of working hours per week: 38
 

B.          GENERAL FEATURES OF THE JOB

The position is based in the Economic Cluster of the Consulate-general in Mumbai. The position is for a maximum of 3 years.

This role offers an opportunity to engage in the evolving and strategically important area of Indo-Dutch maritime cooperation. As an Advisor Economic Diplomacy, you will play a key role in strengthening and deepening the growing ties between the Netherlands and India in the maritime sector.

As a result of India’s growing geopolitical stature and geo-economic significance, the Netherlands aims to further strengthen the key area of maritime cooperation. With recent developments, and an increased focus on (1) sustainable ports & logistics, (2) Decarbonization of shipping and (3) Supply chain optimization, there are expanding opportunities for Dutch businesses to collaborate with Indian counterparts. In this position, you will help leverage the strong foundation of Indo-Dutch maritime relations, driving new business ventures and fostering meaningful connections. Working closely with both Indian and Dutch stakeholders, you will help unlock new avenues for collaboration, while contributing to the broader goals of the Economic Department. The job offers a unique platform to make a tangible impact on the future of Indo-Dutch maritime trade and innovation, within a diverse, dynamic, sustainable and culturally enriching environment.

The Advisor Economic Diplomacy will:

  • Work in close cooperation with the current Policy Advisor & Sector Lead to broaden and deepen trade and investment activities in the maritime sector, ensuring that efforts are aligned with the overarching goals of the Economic Cluster and our strategic objectives for India;
  • Establish strong linkages between Dutch companies and Indian businesses, port authorities, and academic institutions to identify and create business opportunities in the Indian maritime industry;
  • Utilize various trade promotion instruments based on the needs of the companies and institutes. This includes organizing fact-finding missions, conducting market studies, forming consortia, and identifying potential funding sources both from the Netherlands and international organizations;
  • Facilitate the development of strong, strategic relationships with key Indian stakeholders including companies, knowledge institutes, and port authorities that are relevant to Dutch maritime businesses, including SMEs and large corporations;
  • Provide insights and expert advice to Dutch stakeholders on market trends, opportunities, regulatory landscape, and potential risks in the Indian maritime sector;
  • Work closely with internal teams, stakeholders in the Netherlands, and government agencies to deliver impactful business development outcomes;
  • Support and manage various projects aimed at fostering collaboration, such as maritime forums, trade missions, and funding opportunities, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of the Economic Cluster;
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by the management team to support the broader goals and mission of the Economic Cluster.
  • Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and objectivity, handling all work-related matters in an impartial and transparent manner, without being influenced by personal interests or external parties.

C.1        DUTIES AND RESULT AREAS

‘Opportunities track’ developed in sustainable maritime initiatives and smart logistics

  • Conduct comprehensive market studies  on key areas of maritime sector including  green ports development, decarbonization of shipping lines, smart logistics;
  • Identify business opportunities in supply chain diversification and optimization, particularly in renewable hydrogen, critical raw materials, agrifood, pharma and electric vehicles;
  • Based on the outcomes of these market studies, conduct feasibility studies, support and manage organizing  of maritime forums, seminars, business dialogues, major trade exhibition to promote  Dutch expertise in the Indian maritime sector;
  • Coordinate and manage incoming & outgoing trade missions, building consortia, in close consultation with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO);
  • The outcome of our discussions with Indian government through Joint Working Group meetings, Climate and Energy Response Facility (CERF) track will further our focus on specific niches creating new business opportunities for Dutch maritime cluster;
  • Actively contribute to and collaborate on initiatives aimed at greening of Indian ports, utilizing the ‘CERF track’ and any other relevant funding.

C.2        CONTACTS

  • Efficient network of contacts in Indian government, business sector, civil society, knowledge institutes specifically in the maritime sector, and the ability to strengthen and expand the network;
  • With (senior) policy officers in maritime development and water in CG Mumbai, the maritime hub in the network, and the embassy in New Delhi, the Economic Network India (ENI) colleagues in Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, the Honorary Consuls in Chennai, Lucknow and Kolkata;
  • With the wider Consulate team in Mumbai;
  • With Indian and Dutch government representatives and other authorities, business organizations and business community, both in India and the Netherlands.

C.3        KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Level of education: at least higher education at a graduate level or beyond in Economics/business administration/commerce/maritime development;
Level of experience: At least 5 years.
 
Knowledge and Experience:
  • Proven experience in business development, trade promotion, or project management, ideally within the maritime or related sectors;
  • Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies and developments related to the maritime sector;
  • A strong network in the Indian maritime sector or the ability to quickly build one is highly desirable;
  • Familiar with roles and functions of Diplomatic Missions in the area of economic diplomacy. Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the nuances of working across international borders is a plus.

Skills:

  • Ability to identify and analyse developments and problems;
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both Dutch and Indian stakeholders at all levels;
  • Strong analytical skills and strategic thinking;
  • Skilled in preparing/coordinating meetings/incoming and outgoing missions/products;
  • Skilled in drawing up advisory reports and memos and developing products with a process-based approach;
  • Skilled in translating insights and information into recommendations, plans and reports, and in assessing the policy-related and financial consequences arising from them;
  • Skilled in developing, promoting and defending policy, new ideas and concepts;
  • Skilled in creating (policy) products and overseeing their implementation;
  • Knowledge of ICT systems.

Competencies:

  • The advisor is customer-oriented;
  • The advisor can plan and organise;
  • The advisor shows external awareness;
  • The advisor is sensitive to the needs of management;
  • The advisor is able to network, work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment;
  • The advisor is creative.                                 

D. WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Brief description of the Mission and the physical work environment

The diplomatic, consular and business support network in the Republic of India of the Kingdom of the Netherlands comprises the Embassy in New Delhi, Consulates-general in Bangalore and Mumbai, the Netherlands Business Support Offices (NBSOs) in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad and Honorary Consuls in Chennai, Kolkata and Lucknow.

The Consulate-general in Mumbai has 17 staff members and is led by the Consul General where work is conducted in accordance with the One Team concept as advocated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The team consists of the CG, the deputy CG, the Operational Affairs Group (= General and Consular Affairs, 8 fte), the Economic Cluster (7 fte). The location of the Consulate-general is 20th Floor, Express Towers, Nariman Point, 400021, Mumbai. 

Brief description of the Economic Cluster:

The Economic Cluster comprises the Economic Affairs team (3 fte), the Netherlands Foreign Investment team (2 fte), the Innovation advisor and the agricultural advisor. The advisor will be part of the Economic Affairs team and report to the Deputy Consul General.

 

E. TYPE OF EMPLOYEE REQUIRED

An energetic, enthusiastic, committed, self-driven and proactive team player with excellent organizational, coordination, and analytical skills, who can also work independently and has a relevant network.

F. EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

The selected candidate will be offered an employment contract for one year. Upon expiry of this contract, another two year employment contract will be offered in case of excellent job performance. As financing for this position is for only three years, no more employment will be offered thereafter.

Upon employment, the employee will be ranked in salary scale 8, the same as the job level. All ten salary scales at the Embassy comprise 16 pay numbers. The pay number assigned to the employee upon employment depends on the number of years of relevant experience. After every 12 months, the employee may be awarded one additional pay number depending on their job performance in the preceding 12 months. For 2024, salary scale 8 starts with a gross monthly salary of INR 137,714 for pay number 0 and ends with a gross monthly salary of INR 206,570 for pay number 15. Salaries are adjusted every year as per the 1st of January based upon the outcome of a salary survey among five markers. Every December a 13th month salary is paid, whereas, within certain restrictions, 95% of medical cost are reimbursed. Employees are encouraged and supported to seek further training and education to improve their skills and broaden their employability. This is paid for by the employer.

Income tax and social security premiums are to be paid by the employee in accordance with Indian Law and regulations.

APPLICATION

Applicants who are interested in the position and wish to apply for it can send their application by email to BOM@minbuza.nl no later than Monday, 17 February 2025

For more information regarding the position, the deputy Consul General, Mr. Thierry van Helden may be contacted at Thierry-van.helden@minbuza.nl. More information on the employment conditions may be obtained from the Senior Officer for HR at BOM-AZ@minbuza.nl