Executive Secretary (Dutch speaking)

(32 hours per week)

 We will review applications as they are received and may schedule interviews prior to the closing date. Application from non-Dutch speakers will not be considered. 

Can you keep things organised, meetings on track, and decisions on point?

Simavi  - soon becoming WaterAid Nederland - is seeking an Executive Secretary to support our two Co-Managing Directors.

In this role, you play a key part in supporting effective leadership and strong governance.

You help the Co-Managing Directors (Executive Board), work efficiently by managing their schedules, meetings, and essential information. You provide hands-on executive support, coordinate governance processes, working closely with the Leadership Team, and Supervisory Board. You ensure documents are accurate and complete, and monitor follow-up on decisions.  

By keeping everything organised and confidential, you enable the Co-Managing Directors to focus on priorities and ensure the organisation runs smoothly

Simavi - WaterAid Netherlands

No one can live without water. As a result of climate change, vulnerable communities worldwide are increasingly affected by droughts, floods, and contaminated drinking water. At Simavi, we place women at the centre of solving the water crisis, because they are disproportionately affected — and are key to driving sustainable change.

As of 22 March 2026, we will continue this work as WaterAid Netherlands, part of the global WaterAid federation. Together, we are working towards one clear ambition: a world in which everyone, everywhere, has access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030.

Our values — Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation — form the foundation of everything we do.

In return, you’ll be encouraged and empowered to be yourself, at your very best. 

Join our team of change-makers doing amazing things around the world !

The Team

Simavi has a Co-Managing Directors structure. You report to one of the Co-Managing Directors but support both of them. You also work closely with the Leadership Team and Supervisory Board.

Your role at Simavi

Executive Support & Governance

• Manage agendas and schedules for the Co-Managing Directors (Executive Board)
• Support planning of meetings with the Leadership Team and Supervisory Board.
• Organise meetings from start to finish, including preparation, documentation, logistics, communication, and follow-up.
• Take accurate minutes and track action points.
• Maintain confidential records and archives.
• Coordinate interactions with governance bodies within the WaterAid Federation.
  

Strategic Coordination & Organisational Planning

• Support annual planning, mid-term reviews, and Executive Board processes.
• Organise organisation-wide meetings and events (plenaries, etc) to foster alignment and engagement.
• Keep leadership informed of priorities, deadlines, and scheduling conflicts.
  

Information Management & Communication

• Draft and manage correspondence and documents for the Co-Managing Directors.
• Prioritise incoming information and route for action as needed.
• Liaise professionally with internal and external stakeholders. 

Process Improvement & Administrative Support

• Advise colleagues on administrative procedures when relevant.
• Provide ad hoc support to other administrative staff.
• Suggest improvements to executive support and governance processes.

What you bring

• HBO-level education or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in executive or governance support, preferably in a complex global organisation or federation.
• Understanding of governance frameworks and small organisational dynamics.
• Experience supporting senior leadership teams in agenda management, planning, meeting coordination, documentation, and decision follow-up.

Skills & Competencies

• Highly organised, structured, and reliable.
• Proactive and solution-oriented.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Dutch (minimum C1 level).
• Skilled in minute-taking, agenda preparation, and meeting facilitation.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365.
• Discreet and trustworthy in handling confidential matters.
• Affinity with the mission and values of WaterAid.

What do we offer?

Join an exciting and challenging role in an international, inclusive, and healthy organisation.

You will receive a 1-year contract for 32 hours per week with possible extension, with a salary depending on your experience within a range of € 2.912,33 – €4.077,95gross/month (based on full-time 36 hours).

Other benefits include:

• 5 weeks’ leave plus 2 additional holidays
• 8% holiday allowance
• Commuting allowance or NS Business Card
• Pension scheme
• Disability and income insurance
• Attention to wellbeing: weekly bootcamp sessions, team activities, and opportunities for professional development.
  

Our office is at Naritaweg 135, Amsterdam, five minutes from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station. We work hybrid, with two days in the office and the rest from home.

Ready to make a difference ?

Upload your motivation letter and resume (in English, max. 4 pages) before March 22nd  via the application button.

Is this not your challenge? Support us by sharing this vacancy with your network!

Procedure

We will review applications as they are received and may schedule interviews prior to the closing date.

The recruitment process consists in 2 interviews, a reference check, and a certificate of good conduct (VOG).

Safeguarding is a priority: the safety of our partners, employees, and communities is fundamental. Safeguarding is integrated into our policies, and checks are part of the recruitment process

We are an equal opportunity employer and actively welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Do you have questions about this position? Please contact Camille Grasset, HR Manager camille.grasset@simavi.nl

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We welcome applications from all backgrounds and especially encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.

The safety of children, staff, partners, and the communities we work with is a top priority. Any form of abuse is not tolerated, and safeguarding is part of our recruitment process.

By applying, you confirm your information is accurate and that you have no history of criminal offenses, misconduct, or Code of Conduct violations. If selected, the process includes financial crime screening, reference checks (including standardized misconduct checks), and a recent Criminal Records statement (VOG, Netherlands).