Legal Adviser (Engels)

As a Legal Adviser, you will support the Executive Council and the wider civil service organisation on policy-related, legal and administrative matters, including providing advice in consultation processes. This is a broad role in which you develop, maintain and amend legal policy, protocols, regulations and island ordinances. You are also responsible for delivering and safeguarding legal quality in the development and establishment of policy across all departments within OLE. In addition, you identify risks relating to relevant legislation and regulations and oversee compliance.

As a Legal Adviser, you will provide legal support and advice to the various departments within the Public Entity of Sint Eustatius. You will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and interpreting legal documents, advising on the application of laws and regulations, and supporting the development and implementation of policies. You will also represent the organization in legal proceedings and negotiations, liaise with external legal partners as needed, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Drafting and amending island decisions, general measures, ordinances, contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Advising and supporting across the full breadth of legal practice, including providing legal advice to management and departments on a wide range of issues.
• Reviewing and, where necessary, revising regulations, implementing decisions, administrative and legal matters, and ordinances in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Preparing legal advice at the request of the Executive Council or other directorates, or on your own initiative.
• Monitoring changes in relevant legislation and ensuring compliance within the organization.
• Supporting the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Representing OLE in legal proceedings, negotiations, committees, and meetings with various external bodies and institutions.
• Collaborating with external legal partners and stakeholders.
• Sharing legal expertise with other units and departments.
• Managing, organising and archiving case files and dossiers.

Employment conditions

• Temporary employment for a trial period of one year, with the prospect of permanent employment.
• Allowances: Holiday allowance of 8.33% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33% of the annual salary.
• Benefits: Inclusion in the pension fund.
• A supportive and professional working environment.
• A relocation scheme for candidates who respond from outside the island.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on the governance and development of Sint Eustatius.

Job requirements

• Completed Master's degree (WO) in Law or a degree in law (LLB or equivalent).
• At least 5 years' experience as a legal adviser, preferably within the public sector.
• Experience working in a political-administrative environment.
• Knowledge of relevant BES legislation and regulations relating to civil servants.
• Knowledge of administrative-legal matters and governance processes.
• Understanding of the administrative-legal structure of the public entities and the hierarchical relationship with the national government.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken; clear communication skills in both Dutch and English (spoken and written).
• Knowledge of Dutch law is an advantage.

Required Skills and competencies

• Strong planning, organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Structured and diligent working style; able to handle sensitive information with discretion and accuracy.
• Ability to navigate political, administrative and societal sensitivities effectively.
• Results-driven and solution-oriented approach.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills; able to translate challenges into concrete actions and follow-up points.
• Strong team-working capability; ability to work independently and as part of a team.

About The Public Entity of Sint Eustatius (OLE)

The Public Entity of Sint Eustatius (OLE) carries out both municipal and provincial tasks on this special municipality of the Netherlands. Together with our 180 colleagues, we work towards good governance, sustainable development and a strong community. Working at OLE means helping shape the future of a unique and resilient island. OLE is responsible for the administration and governance of the island, ensuring the effective implementation of laws and regulations, and providing high-quality public services to its residents.

Additional requirements

• An assessment, case, and/or reference check may be part of the procedure. The selected candidate must provide a certificate of good conduct (VOG) and undergo medical evaluation for inclusion in the pension fund.
• The following order of preference will be applied during the selection process:
  • Employees of the Public Entity Sint Eustatius (internal)
  • Residents from or currently living on Sint Eustatius
  • Residents of the Caribbean part of the Netherlands
  • All other candidates
• A preference will be given to candidates who are locally based.