Chief Representative NBSO HoustonThe Netherlands Business Support Office (NBSO) in Houston is seeking a Chief Representative (CR) to lead its operations and further strengthen the presence and impact of the Dutch economic network in the United States.NBSO Houston is part of the Netherlands’ broader economic diplomatic network in the U.S., which includes the Dutch Embassy in Washington D.C., Consulates General in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Francisco, and fellow NBSO offices in Los Angeles and Phoenix.As Chief Representative, you will be responsible for the strategy, operations and team of NBSO Houston. You will be the primary point of contact for Dutch companies seeking opportunities in the state of Texas, and you will develop and maintain a strong network of relationships with local and regional stakeholders.

The NBSO in Houston focuses on supporting Dutch companies—particularly SMEs—in gaining market access and doing business in Texas and the surrounding regions. Special emphasis is placed on opportunities in the sectors of Life Sciences & Health (LSH), Sports & Sports Tech, Water & Resilience, Energy Transition, and High Tech (semiconductors, AI, cybersecurity, and data centers).

The Chief Representative provides direction for the office’s strategic course, identifies opportunities for Dutch companies, and translates these into concrete activities and measurable results.

In short, you will:

• Lead and manage the Houston NBSO office and its Deputy Representative;
• Coordinate activities with the Dutch Embassy in Washington and collaborate closely with the Consulate General in Miami and the wider economic network.
• Ensure Dutch entrepreneurs get adequate and high-quality guidance and support;
• Organize and host promotional events, delegations, and trade missions;
• Monitor market developments and report insights to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and partners;

You will report to the NBSO Homebase at RVO in The Hague and align with the Head of Economic Affairs at the Dutch Embassy in Washington.

Profile

We are looking for a visionary leader with the drive to take full responsibility for running the entire office. This includes successfully leading the Deputy Representative, setting strategic direction, and delivering sustainable growth and impact for Dutch companies.

You have an entrepreneurial spirit, have an eye for opportunities and can transform these into tangible results. You have extensive and practical experience as a business developer, preferably for companies in different industries. You communicate easily with directors, business developers, owners, founders and CEO’s and you are familiar with the Netherlands’ industrial policy. You are a (proven) good networker, have a positive attitude and enjoy a challenging (business) environment. You are a good self-starter and a pleasant team player. You have strong analytical skills and good writing skills.

Required competencies are: networking, results-oriented, flexibility, initiative, planning and organizing, collaboration, management and organizational sensitivity and integrity.

Job requirements

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (economic/business discipline preferred), or equivalent professional experience at higher education level;

· At least 5 years of relevant work experience, including managerial responsibilities;

· Fluent in Dutch and English (minimum C1 level, spoken and written);

· An extensive economic network in both the United States and the Netherlands, with a strong understanding of the organizational structure of the Dutch government.

· Knowledge of and experience in the specified sectors and themes: Life Sciences & Health (LSH), Sports & Sports Tech, Water & Resilience, Energy Transition, and High Tech.

· Experience with international business development for Dutch SMEs;

· Sound understanding of U.S. business culture and international marketing;

· Skilled in organizing business events, digital promotion, and using CRM tools and social media;

· Available from 1st October 2026

Scope of work

Supporting Individual Dutch Companies

• Promote trade and investment in key sectors;
• Respond to trade requests and identify local business partners;
• Organize matchmaking and trade mission programs;
• Share insights and opportunities with RVO and the Dutch business community.

Export Promotion & Collective Activities

• Independently host promotional events, seminars, and information sessions;
• Coordinate visit programs for Dutch delegations, trade associations, and public officials;
• Represent the Netherlands in outreach to local companies, institutions, and governments.

Office Management & Coordination

• Ensure efficient day-to-day operations, including budgeting, planning, and administration;
• Draft the annual work plan for inclusion in the Embassy’s economic strategy;
• Maintain accurate activity records in the CRM system (Achilles).

About the NBSO Network

NBSOs are Dutch government trade offices supporting Dutch companies internationally. The network currently consists of offices in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. NBSO’s work in close cooperation with their colleagues at the Dutch embassies and consulates. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is responsible for oversight and coordination.

About the Houston Region

The Houston region is one of the most important economic hubs in the United States, with a strong position in energy, logistics, ports, and innovation. The region plays a key role in the energy transition and offers significant opportunities for Dutch companies, particularly in the fields of water management, sustainable energy, healthcare, and high-tech sports applications.

NBSO Houston plays a central role in positioning and supporting Dutch companies in this dynamic and rapidly evolving market.

Job offer*We offer a full-time appointment for an initial period of two years. You will be contracted by the Netherlands embassy in Washington. The employment conditions that apply to local employees are set out in the Legal Status (Local Employees) Regulations 2020 (LSR 2020) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and are worked out in the mission version for the US.

Before the two year period expires, it will be determined whether the contract will be terminated or continued after that period, taking into account the applicable American labor law** at that time, the employee's performance and the options for continuing the office.

The position of Chief Representative NBSO Houston is job scale 9 (LSR 2020), with a minimum gross salary of USD 9.396,00 per month based on a workweek of 40 hours. Salary and grading depend on your knowledge and relevant work experience.

A background check may be part of the selection procedure.

* This vacancy is open to internal (local employees and partners of officials posted to a Mission in the US) and external candidates. If a local employee and a partner of an official posted to a Mission are equally qualified, the local employee shall be given priority. Furthermore, if an internal candidate and an external candidate are equally qualified, the internal candidate shall be given priority.

** As per US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), employers in the US are required to ensure that all employees have the legal right to work in the US. Under US State Department requirements, the embassy and our consulates may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or “A” visa holders. There is a max term for A2 visa holders of 5 years, the Netherlands Embassy / Consulate General cannot sponsor any work permits for family members.

Contact

· Els Steiger, Coördinator NBSO-netwerk, Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland +31 6 2910 1994 | els.steiger@rvo.nl

· Danielle van Mulukom, Hoofd Economische Afdeling, Washington

+1 202 439 6839 | Danielle-van.mulukom@minbuza.nl

Job applicants

Applicants are invited to send a cover letter and CV to nbso@rvo.nl no later than July 13th 2026. Incomplete applications will not be taken into account.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $9,396.00 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching

Work Location: In person