Program Coordinator Nature & Environment

The context

The Island Government of Saba is known for its stability and aim in maintaining good relations with the Netherlands while striving to achieve widespread and sustainable results in the various domains. Within the organization, people work together on the further development of the island. Our colleagues work on infrastructure (airport, harbor, water management), public works, planning, solid waste collection and processing, tourism, community development, health care, agriculture, HRM, ICT, finance, communication, civil affairs, legal advice, and various other policy areas. In total, there are about 240 employees.

The Saba Island Government works on more self-reliance and economic development, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, poverty eradication and improving the quality of life. In the past few years, an increasing focus has been placed on nature conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem services via the implementation of the Nature and Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP). Via the NEPP, the Public Entity aims to preserve the unique nature on and around the island for current and future generations. Projects within the NEPP include, among others, invasive species control, food security, biosecurity and erosion control/rainwater management.

The position

As we will enter phase 2 of the NEPP program, which is slated for five-years from 2027 to 2031, we are looking for a Program Coordinator Nature & Environment who will play a crucial role in the program implementation and management of related policy portfolios, like Climate, Food Security and Fisheries. The position requires an understanding of political and policy landscapes, regulatory frameworks, financial monitoring and reporting, the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders and to liaise with relevant ministries at the national government as well as the local governments of islands in the region. A Program Coordinator is hands-on, understands the local context in which the policy plan is implemented, can easily switch between the policy level and the operational level and has a good understanding of the processes in The Hague. The Program Coordinator and the NEPP team are part of the Domain Physical Environment.

Tasks

• Coordinate the implementation of the NEPP through the execution of a variety of projects and activities;
• Coordinate, oversee and link with multiple interrelated projects within the policy plan;
• Coordinate the implementation of the Saba Climate Adaptation and Action Plan;
• Manage other policy portfolios within the NEPP department, such as food security, fisheries and nature park management;
• Advise on prioritization and execution of projects and activities to the Executive Council and the national government;
• Monitor progress and ensure adherence to budgets and timelines;
• Prepare and present regular progress reports to both local and national government, among other things via regular steering group meetings;
• Align the policy plan with organizational policies and standards;
• Manage core and project teams and ensure clear role definitions;
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to project managers and team members;
• Foster a collaborative and productive work environment within the team;
• Liaise with relevant advisors in The Hague to strengthen support for the implementation of the NEPP on Saba;
• Engage in broader networking in relation to the portfolios of the NEPP department;
• Identify opportunities for policy plan expansion or improvement and actively search for funding opportunities for longer term continuation of NEPP ambitions;
• Ensure alignment with and prioritization in relation to broader ambitions of the Public Entity;
• Prepare and assist in the preparation and execution of contracts;
• Represent Saba's interests on various policy aspects;
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely problem resolution where needed;
• Coordinate training initiatives focused on nature and sustainability for employees involved in NEPP projects.

What you offer

• You have a master’s degree (WO) with a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience, preferably in public administration, public policy or political science or you can supply proof of adequate work and thinking level;
• Proven experience managing complex programs or projects.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Budget management, financial forecasting and risk management and mitigation expertise;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Good understanding of government processes, regulatory frameworks, and possibly legislative procedures, both in The Hague and in the Caribbean Netherlands;
• You have the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities and contribute to a team dynamic, but are also able to work independently and take the lead on the coordination of policy or programs;
• You are able to easily gain insight into a community’s needs, into ongoing developments within the Netherlands and into the interests and needs of stakeholders. You know how to use that knowledge to connect, align and create policy or manage projects;
• You speak and write English fluently, and preferably can also speak and write Dutch;
• You are familiar with nature conservation and environmental projects.
• All employees of Public Entity Saba are required to submit a valid and recent Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG, or the legal equivalent) prior to the start of employment. Please note obtaining this certificate can take up to six weeks.

What we offer

Salary according to government salary scales and depending on skills and competences of the ideal candidate. This position is evaluated at scale 12 with a basic salary ranging from $5,065 through $6,794 based on a 36-hour workweek excluding 15.5% allowances, vacation allowance 8,33% and a 13th month.

Apply

If you are interested in this position, you are kindly invited to submit your application letter and CV no later than November 15, 2026 to [email protected]. For more information about the position please contact the Domain Manager Nicole Johnson at [email protected].