Executive Secretary

Simavi; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks’ leave plus 2 additional holidays

Commuting allowance or NS Business Card

Disability and income insurance

Wellbeing activities and professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization in Amsterdam is seeking an Executive Secretary to support two Co-Managing Directors. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in executive support, understand governance frameworks, and possess excellent communication skills in English and Dutch. This role offers a hybrid work environment, competitive salary, and multiple benefits including generous leave and wellness programs. Applications are due by March 22nd.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in executive or governance support.
• Understanding of governance frameworks and small organisational dynamics.
• Experience supporting senior leadership teams in agenda management.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Dutch (C1).
• Highly organized, structured, and discreet with confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Manage agendas and schedules for the Co-Managing Directors.
• Organise meetings from start to finish, including documentation and logistics.
• Draft and manage correspondence and documents for the Co-Managing Directors.

Skills

Organisational skills

Written communication in English

Verbal communication in Dutch (C1)

Minute-taking

Proactive and solution-oriented

Dutch proficiency

Microsoft 365

Discretion & confidentiality

Education

HBO-level education or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

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

Simavi - soon becoming WaterAid Nederland - is seeking an Executive Secretary (Dutch required) 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.

Interested? Read on to see how you can make a difference.

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.
• 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, a competitive salary depending on your experience.

Other benefits include:

• 5 weeks’ leave plus 2 additional holidays
• Commuting allowance or NS Business Card
• 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 of 2 interviews, a reference check, and a certificate of good conduct (VOG).