Executive Assistant At SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

Company Description

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is one of the largest Dutch, development organisations with operations in more than 25 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. SNV aims to lift up incomes and access to basic services. We make a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty, helping them raise incomes and access basic services. Driven by the Sustainable Development Goals, we are dedicated to a society in which all people are free to pursue their own sustainable development, and no one is left behind. This commitment to equity directs us to focus on gender and youth.

We apply our know-how to realise effective solutions and deliver results at scale worldwide. We do this through our local presence and our specialised expertise in agri-food, energy, and water. Our projects directly benefit millions of people. At the same time, our projects drive systems change, which helps many more people work their way out of poverty, well beyond the scope of the projects themselves. We are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation, implementing our mission exclusively through project financing. This requires us to work efficiently and to invest in operational excellence every day.

For more information on SNV, visit our website*:* https://snv.org/

Job Description

SNV is currently seeking for:

Executive Assistant
Full-time – The Hague, Netherlands, Reporting into the CEO

SNV is seeking a dynamic professional to become the right-hand of the CEO. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is crucial in supporting the CEO and engaging with the wider Executive Team. The Executive Assistant will ensure optimal executive coordination, timely information flow, effective communication, and efficient internal processes. You will advise the CEO on key strategic matters and contribute to advancing SNV’s influence and partnerships.

Because of your commitment and precise planning, our CEO knows they can rely on you. You are the overall responsible for the CEO’s meetings, travel, and external engagements. You line-manage the Management Assistant to ensure the administrative planning is smooth.

You have an excellent eye for detail, are well-organized, and quick to pick things up. You have excellent written and spoken English skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as a thought partner to the CEO, translating operational and strategic opportunities into clear actions and plans.
• Write key external and internal communications on behalf of the CEO.
• Prepare briefing notes and talking points for meetings and travels.
• Plan, track, and minute bi-weekly Executive Team meetings and quarterly Supervisory Board meetings.
• Maintain action list and coordinate efforts to ensure timely completion.
• Line manage and coordinate with the Management Assistant on CEO meetings, travel arrangements, and other administrative tasks.
• Coordinate select, time-bound strategic initiatives, acting as an interface between the CEO and internal/external stakeholders.
• Provide strategic input and prepare content for planning and reporting processes.
• Serve as the CEO’s coordination point for interactions with key partnerships.
• Track and manage budgets of the CEO office.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Strategic mind with the ability to ensure mission alignment.
• Ability to liaise, steer, and influence across an organization diplomatically.
• Excellent people, coordination, and communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of the international development sector.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adjust priorities as context changes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (Dutch and French are an advantage).
• Integrity and commitment to handling confidential information discreetly.
• Affinity with MS products (Teams, SharePoint, etc.) and sound IT skills.

Additional Information

Working at SNV
We are a global organization representing 57 cultures across 22 countries, with approximately 95% of our team members holding the nationality of the countries where we operate. We actively promote international career development and offer a diverse workforce that combines longstanding institutional knowledge with fresh perspectives and experiences. United under the vision of “ONE SNV,” we share a commitment to achieving our purpose with curiosity and collaboration.

Our commitment to impactful and sustainable change is built on effective resource stewardship, robust expertise, and a culture of evidence and learning. By strengthening capacities, fostering partnerships, and building trust with those we work alongside, we maximize positive and lasting impacts in the communities we serve.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package in a stimulating work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling international working environment.

• Contract Type: Full time (40 hours per week)
• Contract Duration: 1 year with potential for indefinite contract
• Expected Start Date: As soon as possible
• Information Duty Station: The Hague, The Netherlands

How to apply
If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation (in English) before/on the 25th of February 2025. Please submit your application only via Smart Recruiters. All information will be processed in the strictest confidence.

Reference & vetting check
At SNV, we conduct thorough background and reference checks for all candidates applying for internationally determined positions, with a strong focus on safeguarding. You will be asked to provide contact details for two individuals who can serve as references. Please note, we will only contact your referees with your explicit permission.

As a participant in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, our reference checks also include a request to your previous employers to complete a “Statement of Conduct” questionnaire. This questionnaire addresses any instances of misconduct, including sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment, in line with the Scheme’s definitions.

*We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement