Leiden International Centre is looking for a part-time Helpdesk Employee (20 hours, 0,5 FTE). Are you a people-person who wants to welcome internationals to the Leiden region? Then apply now!
Leiden International Centre (LIC) is a non-profit organisation that supports international newcomers and their employers in the Leiden region. Leiden International Centre is a business unit of Leiden&Partners, the city marketing organisation for the Leiden region.
Leiden&Partners consists of several business units that promote and enhance the Leiden region for current and future residents, business and tourist visitors, businesses and (international) talent. These units include the Leiden Convention Bureau, Citybranding, Regional Marketing, the Tourist Information Centre and the Leiden International Centre.
The purpose of the LIC is to make life easier for internationals and their employers in the region, which in turn benefits the local economic climate. LIC's services include BSN registration appointments, information sessions, social events, and sharing information via our website, newsletters and social media. We offer assistance to internationals and their employers throughout the relocation process, and we continue this support throughout their stay in the region.
What does your role look like?
Our helpdesk is the first point of contact for internationals who are new to the Leiden region. Internationals can contact our helpdesk for free (via email, our weekly walk-in hours, or by booking a video call appointment) to discuss any aspect of their move to the region. The questions that we receive can range from immigration procedures, the 30% ruling, where to buy a bike, education, and the BSN registration process. For specific cases in which we cannot offer direct assistance, we have a network of service providers that we can refer people to for expert help.
An important part of working at the helpdesk is being present at Leiden International Centre's Welcome appointments. These are appointments during which new arrivals register for their BSN and then spend up to 30 minutes with our helpdesk employee, who answers questions and ensures that the new arrival is aware of important practical information. This information includes how the healthcare system works, how to use public transport, and how to open a bank account. For many, the appointment with our helpdesk is their first interaction with someone in their new home city.
The helpdesk is open on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 09:00 – 17:00. On these days you must be present at our helpdesk in Leiden (situated in the LEVEL building, Bargelaan 190). The other 4 hours (time allocated for video calls and responding to emails) can be done remotely or at our Leiden office.
Your tasks:
- Be the friendly and welcoming face of Leiden International Centre;
- Answer a range of questions from internationals via email, video call, and in-person;
- Research the latest developments affecting internationals;
- Refer people to our trusted service partners when relevant;
- Record information from appointments so we can track the demand for our services;
- Manage our BSN welcome appointments (bookings, cancellations, and rescheduling);
- Support the Leiden International Centre team with other tasks when required (e.g. writing articles about latest developments or checking our website is up to date).
Who are we looking for?
- You have excellent customer service and intra-cultural communication skills;se
- You have strong problem-solving skills. You can research and find the answers to complex questions from internationals living in the Netherlands;
- You are fluent in English;
- Dutch is not required, but some basic knowledge is helpful. Any other languages are a bonus!
- Personal experience of living outside your home country is an advantage;
- You are currently based in the Leiden region;
- You are available from 1st August (or earlier, if possible)
What do we offer you?
- A part-time job of 20 hours per week with 12.5 holiday days per year;
- A salary of € 1.103 gross per month based on parttime employment (0,5fte), plus 8% holiday allowance;
- A small, supportive team of international and Dutch colleagues. There are regular outings and events that give you the chance to get to know both the Leiden&Partners team and the Leiden region;
- Fulfilling work where you will make a difference by helping people. You will receive a lot of thank you emails!
How to apply
Update 26-06-2023: Due to receiving a high volume of high-quality applications already, we will only consider applicants who have submitted their CV and motivation letter before Wednesday 28th June.
Leiden&Partners strives to reflect the diversity of society in its personnel policy with a diversity of employees and talents.
Does this position appeal to you and do you (mostly) meet the selection criteria? Then don't hesitate to apply! Send your CV and motivation no later than 9th July 2023 to Jenny Willcock at jenny@leideninternationalcentre.nl, stating: ‘Helpdesk Employee’. The first round of interviews will take place in Leiden in the second or third week of July.
Do you want to find out more about the function? Call Jenny Willcock, Coordinator at LIC, on +31 6 8290 5834.
More information about Leiden&Partners can be found at leidenenpartners.nl (in Dutch). You can learn more about Leiden International Centre at leideninternationalcentre.nl.
