Agricultural Advisor

**Basic details**

Network: Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN)

Job title: Agricultural Advisor

Unit/mission: LAN in Singapore

Job grade: 8

Number of hours: 30 hours per week

**General features of the Agricultural Network**

The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) represents the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food quality (LNV) in the areas of Agriculture and Nature in the operational district and to this end maintains intensive contacts with the local authorities, Dutch and local businesses and civil-society organizations. They form an integral part of the diplomatic network in the countries of representation. They make an essential contribution to strengthening the international position of the Netherlands in the areas of Agriculture and Nature by means of:

- supporting the policy of the main department of LNV;
- providing business services to the Dutch agribusiness sector;
- bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The LAN makes a contribution to strengthening of the goals as set in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), in particular contributing to food security and to fighting climate change, as well as contributing on the international implementation of the Netherlands (LNV) strategy towards a more sustainable and circular agriculture. The Netherlands can contribute to these Goals and this strategy by the use of its excellent knowledge and technology (including starting materials) base. This is intertwined with promoting trade, attracting investments and negotiating market access for Dutch agriproducts with the authorities in the country of representation, a prominent aspect of the job.

**General features of the job**
- Posted at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Singapore with primary working area in Singapore and Brunei.
- Is responsible for the implementation of a subset/special theme of the LNV policy under the direction of the Agricultural Counsellor;
- Is responsible for information gathering and provision in case of preparation of trade missions and import/export related activities. Collects, identifies, analyses, interprets and reports on information and developments in one or more LNV domains that are of importance for the development of LNV policy;
- Identifies bottlenecks in trade transactions and contributes to solutions;
- Has an understanding of the local political/administrative environment, establishes and maintains network contacts for carrying out the above tasks;
- Enters activities into Achilles (the trade and investments leads database of the Netherlands international trade network);
- Makes up draft news articles for Agroberichtenbuitenland.nl and posts for other media channels;
- Reports directly to the Agricultural Counsellor.

**Actual Duties**
- Is responsible for the translation of the LNV policy in the local context in Singapore and to develop a local implementation course of action under the direction of the Agricultural Counsellor
- Is responsible for the development of policy implementation plans for their area(s)/theme(s) and ensures timely execution thereof via the LAN annual plan;
- Contributes to the planning, organization and evaluation of bilateral partnership projects in relation to nature, water, environment and sustainable development;
- Is responsible for the preparation, planning, support and guidance of Dutch trade missions and other promotional activities, such as participation in fairs and exhibitions, representing LNV interests and policy. Identifies bottlenecks and makes a contribution to solutions, but also is able to identify new opportunities for the Dutch business, knowledge and technology community;
- Establishes and maintains contacts with relevant parties and holds discussions with organizations for the preparation and carrying out of missions and enabling trade transactions to proceed effectively.
- Is responsible for gathering information on the relevant area of operation by studying literature and reports, contributing to research and advising on the relevant policy, including the independent interpretation and analysis of the data collected.

**Knowledge and skills**

**Level of education**:At least educated to a higher professional graduate level

**Level of experience**:A minimum of 5 years of work experience required

**Knowledge**
- General knowledge and understanding of agriculture, forestry, nature and fisheries policy, legislation and regulations, government structure and agribusiness: general knowledge and understanding of current developments in policy domains, society and trading position of the country of representation;
- Excellent verbal and written command of the local language(s) and of English.
- A command of the Dutch language is desirable. Familiarity with and ability to adapt to Dutch culture and customs.

**Skills**
- Good communication and contact skills, enjoying to use social media and exploring new ways of communication;
- Capacity to build, maintain and expand a network of contacts