Agricultural Advisor - Thailand

Agricultural Advisor Thailand

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangkok, Thailand

 

General Information

  • Position: Agricultural Advisor 
  • Embassy: Bangkok, Thailand 
  • Level of education: Academic working and thinking level, preferably with a degree in agriculture or other relevant area
  • Level of experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the agricultural sectors: livestock; crops; fisheries; food science (safety & security); nature conservation sector; agricultural economics is required
  • Language skills: Excellent verbal and written skills in both Thai and English 
  • Salary Scale: 8 
  • Working Hours: 40
  • Contract duration: 1 year, with a possibility to extension 


Position for a full time Agricultural Advisor (AA) at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangkok starting November 1st, 2024


The Netherlands Agricultural Network

The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) represents the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food security and Nature (LVVN) at Dutch embassies around the world. The LAN Network exists of 60 offices and is active in 77 countries. For a century the LAN has been connecting products, services and knowledge of agricultural companies from the Netherlands (NL) and knowledge institutions to partners and projects worldwide. In this way, LVVN and LAN contribute to a strong agricultural sector in the Netherlands and sustainable development goals in the agricultural and nature domain far beyond our borders. The LAN makes an essential contribution to strengthening the international position of NL agribusiness and supports agricultural development, dialogue and (bilateral and multilateral) cooperation in the field of sustainable agriculture, nature/biodiversity, food safety, food security and fisheries. Trade promotion, stimulating NL investments abroad, and promoting market access for NL agri-food products and knowledge and technology in the country of representation are also belonging to its core tasks.
The LAN adopts a proactive approach, searching for opportunities for Dutch agribusiness, knowledge institutes and other stakeholders and establishing direct contact with the relevant players and by communication via reports, newsletters, www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl, social media and other online channels.


LAN-team in Bangkok

The LAN team in Bangkok (LAN-BAN) maintains intensive contacts with e.g., Thai, and Dutch authorities, businesses, research institutes and civil-society organisations. We have the goal to strengthen the relations between Thai and Dutch stakeholders in the areas of sustainable Agriculture and Nature conservation.
We focus our activities on the transition to future-proof agriculture and fisheries production in which the use of raw materials is minimized (circular) and the pressure on the environment (nature) is as low as possible. The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations are leading for our work. In particular the contribution to food security and the fight against climate change. The Netherlands has to offer excellent knowledge, innovation, and technology to make this happen and to make Food Systems more sustainable. The Agricultural Counsellor is the overall manager of the LAN-BAN team. This team consists of one Agricultural Advisor (1 fte) and a Management Assistant (0,5 fte). At the embassy the LAN-BAN works closely together with the colleagues at the Economic Department. 

General features of the job
 

The Agricultural Advisor:

  • Advises and supports the Agricultural Counsellor.
  • Translates the policy and interests of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food security and Nature (LVVN) into the Thai context, with a focus on improving the sustainability of food systems and protecting biodiversity.
  • Knows how to navigate the Thai political, administrative, and business environment. 
  • Provides advisory support on diplomatic contacts with relevant authorities.
  • Stimulates and supports bilateral and multilateral cooperation (e.g. FAO, USAID).
  • Sets up and maintains a good and relevant Thai-Dutch network. 
  • Identifies bottlenecks in trade transactions and contributes to solutions.
  • Monitors local veterinary and phytosanitary legislation and regulations, advising on how to deal with changes in legislation relevant to Dutch exports.
  • Communicates about the activities and focus themes of the LAN-BAN team and the LVVN policy by writing articles for various platforms. (e.g. the Dutch Agroberichtenbuitenland.nl and other Thai and Dutch media channels. 
  • Reports directly to the Agricultural Counsellor.


The responsibilities of the Agricultural Advisor are:

  • To identify and analyse the political and economic Thai policy developments which are relevant for LVVN and the Netherlands.
  • To provide business services to the Dutch agribusiness, knowledge, and technology community sector and to identify new opportunities for them.
  • To identify, establish, and maintain a relevant professional network within Thai governmental organizations, the Thai and Dutch business and knowledge communities, and civil society interest groups independently and proactively.
  • To be responsible for the organization, preparation, planning, support, and guidance of promotional activities (e.g., Dutch-Thai seminars/events, exhibitions, Dutch-Thai trade missions, and field visits).  
  • To act as the contact point/coordinator and information provider for Dutch agribusiness on business opportunities (matchmaking) and market access procedures (exporting agri-food from the Netherlands to Thailand).
  • To identify and take initiative to resolve complex bottlenecks in Thai-Dutch cooperation, market access, and import/export through contact, discussion, and negotiation on appropriate measures with the relevant stakeholders.
  • To enter the LAN team activities in the database of the Netherlands international trade network; key user on Achilles for LAN-BAN.
  • To contribute to the annual Year Plan and reporting of the LAN-BAN team to the head office in the Netherlands.


Requirements


Knowledge

  • Deep knowledge and understanding of the Thai (and Dutch) agriculture, forestry, nature, and fisheries policy, legislation and regulations, government structure, and agribusiness, proven by at least 5 years' experience in these fields.
  • Knowledge and understanding of current developments in agricultural and nature policy, society, and the trading position of Thailand.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills in Thai and English.
  • Familiarity with, and ability to adapt to, Dutch culture and customs is an advantage.

Skills

  • Capacity to build, maintain, and expand a relevant Thai-Dutch network in the agricultural/nature field.
  • Good oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, proficient and creative in the use of (social) media.
  • Able to translate insights and information into recommendations, plans, and reports.
  • Computer savvy (Windows, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Email, Internet, social media).


Competencies

  • Pro-active behaviour
  • Open minded
  • Creative
  • Goal-oriented 
  • Networker
  • Team player
  • Flexibility 
  • Integrity
  • Organizational sensitivity
  • Environmental consciousness

Working environment and contacts


Terms of Employment

The appointment will be effectuated on the basis of a local contract according to the LESC rules and regulations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The contract will be for fixed term for a period of 1 year with the possibility of extension.
The function has been approved for level 8 according to the Dutch Local Staff levels. Levels are dependent upon education and experience of the candidate and will range between gross minimum 7 and maximum 9.

Diversity and inclusivity

The Netherlands Government is an inclusive employer with a focus on diversity. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organizational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other category protected by law. We promote flexible, family-friendly working conditions, where operational and security needs allow.

Applications


Interested candidates can apply by sending a motivation letter and a recent CV to email address: BAN-LNV@minbuza.nl by August 12nd, 2024. Personal interview(s) and a writing test (English) will be part of the selection procedure.