Local and national government jobs in the North

Explore the ins and outs of government jobs in Groningen, Friesland & Drenthe. Learn about the Dutch language requirements, job types, and general tips for internationals seeking roles within the local or national government.

Article

While there are several opportunities for working for the government in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe these are typically not the first choice for internationals who’ve just moved to the Netherlands.

The main reason for this is that practically all government positions require at least a B1 level of Dutch proficiency. Although exceptions exist, they’re rare. So if you’re serious about pursuing a career in this sector, investing in your Dutch language skills is the way to go. For opportunities in other sectors which are open to internationals who don’t speak Dutch yet, have a look at our job board.

Local VS national government

First things first: let’s clear up the difference between local and national government jobs. The two differ significantly in requirements and roles. Local governments handle community-based services like permits, public spaces, and social projects, whereas national entities such as the Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) or Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) manage broader administrative tasks at the country level.

Types of vacancies in local governments

Local government roles typically fall into two main categories:

Regular vacancies: These positions often require previous experience and usually revolve around administrative tasks, customer service, and operational roles. If you’ve got some work experience under your belt, these could be your entry points.
Overarching vacancies: These roles involve more responsibility and typically require higher education. Think of policy-making, project management, and departmental leadership roles.

A variety of roles

Jobs in the local government vary considerably. Municipalities function similarly to large companies, offering roles across multiple disciplines:

Administrative and customer service: These roles involve processing permits, assisting citizens at front desks, or working in customer contact centres.
Legal positions: From "blackliners" (individuals who anonymise legal documents) to decision-makers issuing rulings, the legal department offers diverse opportunities.
Operational jobs: Municipalities also need people skilled in landscaping, gardening, construction, and waste management.
Project-based work: Municipalities thrive on projects, whether it’s supporting Ukrainian refugees or community-driven initiatives like earthquake response programs in Eemsdelta. If you enjoy dynamic roles, consider project coordination and leadership positions.
Social workshops: Many municipalities run social workshops aimed at integrating individuals who face employment barriers into the workforce. Roles here combine social work with practical workplace guidance.

Did you know? The municipality of Groningen employs 5,400 people in 17 different directorates

High-level policy roles

Interested in policy-making or management? Municipalities often seek highly educated individuals to oversee projects or entire departments. These roles demand formal qualifications, solid strategic insight, and good Dutch proficiency.

I came to Groningen as an international student in 2012 and started working at the municipality as an intern in 2016, working on internationalisation projects in English only. My Dutch team has been very supportive, proofreading my emails and taking their time to explain Dutch cultural context. It hasn't always been easy - no matter how many lessons you take, there comes a moment when you just have to start speaking Dutch and there will be embarrassing moments... But learning Dutch was definitely worth the effort, unlocking a whole new level of experiences and opportunities, both personal and professional.

Anastasija Zihareva Policy maker & project manager
Municipality of Groningen / Groningen Alliance
Country of origin: Latvia

Key Tips

Leverage any municipality experience

If you’ve ever worked or volunteered with a municipality, emphasise this in your cover letter or interview! Experience in municipal structures significantly boosts your application. Even small experiences matter, demonstrating your understanding of municipal operations.

Highlight your local connection

If you lack direct municipal experience, focus on your personal connection to the municipality or region. Municipalities value candidates who genuinely care about their local community.

Emphasise transferable skills

Don’t just list past roles, highlight your transferable skills. Explain why you excelled previously and connect these skills to the municipal position you're targeting.

Temporary agencies as a gateway

Temporary employment through temp agencies can be an excellent stepping stone into a municipal role. Due to procurement processes, municipalities typically collaborate exclusively with specific temp agencies. Know which agency covers your desired municipality so that you don’t miss out on any great opportunities.

Working culture in local governments

Municipal workplaces are diverse in their pace. While operational roles tend to stay consistently busy, some administrative departments may experience fluctuations. Understanding this rhythm and adjusting your expectations accordingly will help you integrate smoothly.

National government

Several national government agencies or departments have offices in the Northern Provinces:

DUO

DUO is responsible for providing student finance and collecting tuition fees and student loans, among other tasks. Its main offices are in The Hague and in Groningen. DUO falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW).

Tax office

Another government agency with a physical presence in the North is the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst). The office focuses on levying, collecting and supervising taxes, and national insurance contributions. The Belsatingdienst employs over 20,000 employees across the country who either work from their offices or from home.

Meet our newest sector ambassador!

“By hiring internationals, the government and municipalities reflect our society as a whole: diverse and multicultural.”

Ruben Curré Intermediary at Driessen