Executive Officer / Board Secretary

About Terre des Hommes 

Terre des Hommes Netherlands aims to protect children by preventing and stopping child exploitation. And by empowering children to make their voices count. the work of Terre des Hommes Netherlands focuses on (Online) Sexual Exploitation of Children, Child Labour and Humanitarian Action. For each of these forms of child exploitation, Terre des Hommes Netherlands is developing and implementing projects and programmes through local partners, mainly in Asia, Africa and Europe. Join us!

Purpose of the role

The Executive Team (ET) Secretary plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of the governance framework, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and the effective operation of the ET. This position is responsible for facilitating communication between the Supervisory Board, ET, International Management Team (IMT), and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and best governance practices in an international non-profit organization.

Position in the organisation

Reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and supports the Executive Team, which consists of the CEO and the Executive Director.

Result areas and core activities

The role combines high-level governance with executive assistant responsibilities as outlined below.

Governance and Support

• Serve as a key advisor to the ET and senior leadership on governance matters.


• Organize, schedule, and prepare agendas and materials for ET, SB and committee meetings.


• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of ET, IMT and SB decisions, minutes, and resolutions.


• Maintain statutory and governance records, including bylaws, policies, and Board member records.


• Monitor and ensure compliance with the organization's governing documents and legal requirements.


• Manages scheduling, travel, and document preparation for the Executive Team members, acting as the main contact for internal and external communications.

Regulatory and Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.


• Keep the ET informed of governance and regulatory changes affecting the organization.


• Liaise with external legal advisors, auditors, and regulatory bodies as needed.


• Oversee the filing of statutory documents and reports required by government authorities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a liaison between the SB, ET, IMT and external stakeholders.


• Support the induction and ongoing training of SB members on governance and compliance issues.


• Maintain transparent and effective communication between internal and external parties.


• Assist in organizing SB and other official meetings.

Risk Management and Ethics Oversight

• Assist in identifying and mitigating governance and compliance risks.


• Ensure the organization upholds ethical and integrity standards in its operations.


• Support the development and enforcement of conflict of interest policies.

Knowledge and experience

• Higher professional education (HBO) level, or equivalent work experience


• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in governance, compliance, or legal advisory roles, preferably in the non-profit or international development sector.


• Strong knowledge of non-profit governance frameworks, legal compliance, and best practices.


• Experience in working with international boards and cross-cultural teams.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational and administrative skills.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English


• High level of integrity, discretion, and ethical judgment.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Flexible working hours may be needed to accommodate different time zones.

• Proactive, reliable, and responsible


• Cultural sensitivity

What we offer: 

Terre des Hommes is a growing organisation on the move. This means a lot of room for your own initiative and ideas. As we manage and execute our own programmes and projects, the difference we make and therefore you make is tangible on a daily basis.

• A 1-year contract, with the possibility of extension.


• The salary scale for this job is scale 9 and depending on experience and seniority the salary ranges between €3,750.30 and €4,777.20 per month based on a full time (36 hrs) contract


• We offer a 36 hour contract which in our organisation equals a full time workweek. The positive of this is that one can work 4 x 9 and have one day per week off while still having a full time contract. You may spread the hours over the week matching your preference, in agreement with your manager;

• We work hybrid, so 50% office and 50% from home. Very flexible and with a positive effect on your work life balance;


• An office in the thriving heart of The Hague, city of international human rights and political capital.


• 25 days of paid leave per year on a full time employment basis, if part time, days pro rata;


• We are a firm supporter of the environment and offer a commuting allowance for the kilometres you’d make by bike or get you a Dutch Railways NS Card;


• Our pension scheme is with ASR, and Terre des Hommes Netherlands bears the main part of the pension contribution.


• Our new hires receive a one-off financial compensation for the purchase or the design of an ergonomic home working environment. We’re happy to tell you more about this when applicable. 

How to apply

We are eager to get to know you! 

You can apply via the apply button.  

The deadline for applications is 26 March 2025, at the end of the day.

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy please send them to [email protected]

Other information

Terre des Hommes is committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation. Therefore, people of all gender identities, sexes, sexual orientations, races, colours, religions, cultures, abilities, etc. are encouraged to apply for this position. 

Terre des Hommes aims to attract great talent that not only fits the job but also our high standard of values and principles, who shares and demonstrates Terre des Hommes commitment to prevent and eradicate any type of misconduct including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, any other type of misuse of power or lack of integrity and financial misconduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. We require a Declaration of Good Behaviour and Signature of our Child Safeguarding policy and our Code of Conduct.

Terre des Hommes is unfortunately not able to provide a work / residence visa for applicants outside the EU.