Who We Are:

The British Embassy in The Hague is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. It is also part of the UK’s Netherlands Network. The British Embassy in The Hague is currently looking for an independent, well organised and proactive Ambassador’s Private Secretary and Head of Private Office. 

This is a senior and trusted role at the heart of the Embassy, providing day‑to‑day and strategic support to the UK Ambassador to the Netherlands. The role offers a unique vantage point across the UK Netherlands relations and the opportunity to work closely with the Ambassador and the Embassy’s senior leadership team.

The postholder will play a key role in shaping priorities, managing a busy and high profile agenda, and ensuring the Embassy delivers effectively on UK Government objectives in the Netherlands. The role brings together strategic coordination, political insight, operational oversight and people leadership, and offers excellent exposure to diplomacy, government decision-making and international engagement.

Roles and responsibilities:

Strategic Advice:

• Act as the Ambassador’s and Deputy Head of Mission’s (DHM) trusted representative and adviser;
• Provide strategic governance advice and contribute to effective senior decision-making, acting as the Ambassador’s ‘eyes and ears’ across the Embassy;
• Liaise with Embassy colleagues at all levels to prioritise between competing objectives and ensure the Ambassador’s time is used to maximum effect in support of collective goals;
• Anticipate emerging issues and requirements, commissioning, shaping and quality‑assuring briefings, options and advice for the Ambassador.

External Engagement and Stakeholder Management:

• Coordinate internal and external engagement, overseeing the Ambassador’s stakeholder management to ensure coherence, impact and alignment with Embassy objectives;
• Provide insight and advice, in close collaboration with the Political team and other colleagues, on political developments in the Netherlands, including key players, timing and targeted engagement opportunities; 
• Maintain a wide and effective personal network in The Hague and beyond;
• Accompany the Ambassador to external meetings and visits as required, producing high-quality readouts and coordinating timely follow‑up actions;
• Manage the Ambassador’s participation in senior official and Ministerial visits to the Netherlands, liaising and coordinating with stakeholders in both the UK and the Netherlands.

Private Office Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead the Private Office team, providing clear leadership, direction and support to a close‑knit team of 3 to 4 staff members;
• Work closely with the Residence / Events Manager to ensure the smooth planning and delivery of official Residence events;
• Foster a collaborative, high‑performing and professional Private Office function that supports the Ambassador and wider Embassy effectively.

Diary, Workflow and Information Management:

• Oversee the Ambassador’s diary, retaining overall responsibility for strategic diary oversight, prioritisation of invitations and key contacts;
• Ensure clear and effective communication of diary commitments with the Ambassador, the Residence and Embassy teams;
• Manage inboxes and correspondence to ensure information is handled efficiently, appropriately and within agreed timelines.

Why you should apply?

This role will suit someone who is proactive, flexible and confident, with excellent interpersonal skills and sound judgement. It will require operating at pace, using sound judgement and discretion while managing competing priorities in a high‑profile environment.

Strong Dutch language skills and clear communication are essential, alongside a systematic and structured approach to work. Success in this role depends on the ability to anticipate needs, maintain high standards, and operate effectively under pressure.

You will work closely with the Ambassador and DHM, lead the Private Office team, and collaborate daily with senior Embassy colleagues and a wide range of external stakeholders. The role requires confidence in building trusted relationships, coordinating across teams, and acting as a central point of connection within the Embassy.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Proficiency in English and Dutch, both written and spoken, minimum of C2 level according to the CEFR framework*, or equivalent;
• Previous experience coordinating senior level stakeholders (for example, diary coordination, briefing and submission handling, visit or programme coordination, supporting senior decision‑making processes);
• Strong drafting skills, with experience producing high quality briefings, summaries and meeting readouts;
• High levels of initiative, discretion and sound judgement, with demonstrated people management skills;
• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional out of hours work in line with the Ambassador’s programme;
• Solid knowledge of the Dutch political system;
• Strong organisational skills, with a proven ability to prioritise and manage multiple, competing demands;
• Excellent IT skills, particularly in the use of Copilot, Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel;
• Strong representational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships internally and externally.