Vacancies and internships - Sweden
Vacancies and internships
Are you service-minded, stress-resistant, and looking for a varied job with international contacts? The embassy of the Netherlands in Stockholm is looking for a consular officer to strengthen our team.
As a consular officer, you are often the first point of contact for Dutch nationals in Sweden and visa applicants from around the world. You assist with passport and visa applications, provide information, and offer support in emergency situations. You play a key role in delivering high-quality, friendly service at the consular desk.
Who are you?
You enjoy working with people.
You are organized, reliable, and can work well both independently and as part of a team.
You stay calm under pressure and pay close attention to detail, especially when dealing with important documents and sensitive personal data.
What will you do?
- Handle applications for passports, visas and consular documents.
- Provide clear information at the desk, by phone and by email on travel documents and visas as well as on living and working in the Netherlands and Sweden, which includes referring people to relevant authorities.
- Manage appointments and maintain the consular archive (digital and physical).
- Help keep the information on Sweden on www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl as well as in the travel advice up to date.
- Back-up support a colleague in charge of social-consular services such as guiding Dutch detainees and providing assistance to Dutch people in need.
- Support colleagues with general administrative tasks when needed.
- Be on-call for the consular emergency phone line once every six weeks.
- MBO-level education or equivalent (secondary vocational level).
- Excellent command of Dutch, English, and Swedish (spoken and written).
- Experience in customer contact / front desk work.
- Good communication skills and ability to handle challenging situations professionally.
- Willingness to learn more about consular systems and regulations quickly.
- Experience in an international environment is a plus.
- A diverse, part-time role of 30.4 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
- A friendly and professional team located in the heart of Stockholm (Södermalm).
- A one-year contract with the prospect of permanent employment upon good performance.
- A gross monthly salary between SEK 29,000 and SEK 40,000, depending on experience.
- Starting date: as soon as possible.
Send your CV and motivation letter (in Dutch or English) by 21 April 2025 at the latest to STO-CA@minbuza.nl.
Questions? Feel free to reach out via the same email address.
Responsibilities
The work of the Honorary Consul mainly involves supporting Dutch business interests. In addition, the Embassy may request the HC to assist Dutch citizens in case of consular issues.
The HC is important for Dutch businesses. In coordination with the Embassy, he/she helps open doors and arranges meetings in Sweden to create economic opportunities. The HC will be pro-actively identify business opportunities, including trade and investment. In coordination with the Embassy, the HC can assist Dutch citizens in situations such as hospitalization, missing persons, disasters, emergencies, and issuing emergency travel documents. Additionally, the HC stays connected to the Dutch community in the regions of Skåne and Kronoberg.
Tasks
The HC will carry out the following tasks, in coordination with of and supported by the embassy staff in Stockholm:
- Acting as the first point of contact for Dutch companies, using and growing an extensive network.
- Engaging with local authorities, institutions, and businesses.
- Consular services to Dutch nationals, including in emergency situations.
- Representation of the Netherlands at official events organized by local/regional authorities and the Consular Corps.
- Facilitating official visits and trade missions.
- Identifying and monitoring local economic, political, and social developments relevant to the Netherlands.
- Supporting crisis management by providing local insight, assisting during emergencies, crises or evacuations.
Profile
- Impeccable conduct and reputation.
- Strong local and regional network, particularly in the private sector.
- In-depth knowledge of local/regional political and economic context.
- Access to local administrative and political authorities (without holding a political position).
- Full financial independence.
- Minimal risk of conflicts of interest.
- Availability of own office space.
- Preferably a connection with the Netherlands as well as with Dutch social norms and values.
- Fluency in Swedish, proficiency in English. Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.
- Strong social and communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work well in teams with an understanding of relationships and context.
The HC receives a limited expense allowance covering the work performed. The HC’s role is based on a voluntary agreement, not an employment contract.
The HC is appointed for up to five years, with a possibility of renewal for another five years, but not beyond the retirement age of 70.
The HC is not a diplomat, does not have diplomatic immunities, and does not hold a Dutch diplomatic passport.
Candidates can express their interest by sending a motivation letter and CV to the ambassador via email: STO@minbuza.nl before 10 April 2025. Questions and inquiries concerning the position or the application/selection procedure can also be sent to this email address.
The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively promotes diversity and inclusivity by valuing differences and fostering a workplace where everyone feels respected. We strive for diverse teams and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Please indicate in your motivation letter how you would contribute to this commitment.
Note: A social media investigation is part of the application process, with the full understanding that information found about an applicant may not necessarily be accurate.
Internships
Internship positions are posted on the government-wide job website.