The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is seeking an Honorary Consul.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Oslo is seeking an Honorary Consul for the regions of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark special focus on Tromsø. Starting date will be November 2026.

Responsibilities

The work of the Honorary Consul 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 Norway to create economic opportunities. The HC is the eyes and ears of the Embassy in the region. In line with the embassy’s economic priorities, the HC will pro-actively identify business opportunities, including trade and investment. The HC will assist the embassy with visits and incoming delegations. 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 region.

The HC will carry out the following tasks, in coordination with of and supported by the embassy staff in Oslo:

• Acting as a 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.

• Facilitating official visits and trade missions.

• Identifying and monitoring local economic, political, and social developments relevant to the Netherlands, particularly the energy sector, green industries, and ocean technologies.

• Supporting crisis management by providing local insight, assisting during emergencies, crises, or evacuations. 

• Assisting with naval visits.

Minimum requirements

• Strong local and regional business network, particularly in the energy 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 and availability of own office space in Tromsø.

• Impeccable conduct and reputation with a minimal risk of conflicts of interest.

• Preferably a connection with the Netherlands as well as with Dutch social norms and values.

• Fluency in Norwegian, proficiency in English. Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage, but not a requirement.

• Strong social and communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work well in teams with an understanding of relationships and context.

Other information

• 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 workload is limited to appr. one hour a week (identifying economic developments and opportunities), with an occasional peak due to e.g. incoming missions from NL or the embassy or a consular case.

• 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.

How to apply

Candidates can express their interest by sending a motivation letter and CV to ambassador Ines Coppoolse by email with subject ‘HC vacancy Tromsø’ to OSL@minbuza.nl before 25 May 2026.  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.

The Embassy is the official representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Norway and Iceland. Its main responsibility is to maintain and intensify the bilateral relations between the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland, as well as to promote the interests of the Netherlands in the broadest sense, including governmental and non-governmental institutions, Dutch citizens, and the private sector. The Embassy seeks a pro-active, versatile, trustworthy, and knowledgeable Honorary Consul with a strong local/regional network, and deep familiarity with Tromsø and surrounding regions (Nordland, Troms and Finnmark). Economic areas the embassy has a particular interest in are energy, green industry, circular economy, maritime and oceans.