Application Guide

How to Apply for Legislative advisor on climate & energy

at Netherlands Government, Council of State

🏢 About Netherlands Government, Council of State

The Council of State is the highest independent advisory body to the Dutch government and parliament, uniquely positioned at the intersection of legislation, policy, and judicial review. Working here means contributing directly to the quality of Dutch democracy and rule of law, with your advice potentially shaping national climate and energy legislation before it's enacted. This role offers unparalleled access to high-level government processes while maintaining academic and analytical independence.

About This Role

As a legislative advisor on climate & energy, you'll analyze proposed legislation, provide both solicited and unsolicited advice on policy coherence, and contribute to annual evaluations of the government's climate progress. Your work directly influences how the Netherlands implements its climate ambitions within legal and administrative frameworks, ensuring policies are both effective and constitutionally sound.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your morning might involve analyzing a new climate bill from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, identifying potential conflicts with existing environmental laws. Afternoon could include a meeting with the climate team to coordinate advice on an upcoming energy infrastructure proposal, followed by drafting sections of the annual climate progress evaluation. You'll frequently consult with legal colleagues to ensure your policy analysis aligns with constitutional principles.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Netherlands Government, Council of State Is Looking For

  • Has a deep understanding of Dutch and EU climate/energy policy frameworks (like the Climate Act, Fit for 55, or National Climate Agreement) and can analyze their legislative implications
  • Possesses strong analytical skills to assess policy coherence, legal feasibility, and administrative practicality of climate measures
  • Can navigate complex stakeholder landscapes, building relationships with ministries (EZK, I&W, LNV) while maintaining independent critical perspective
  • Demonstrates ability to translate technical climate/energy concepts into clear legislative advice accessible to policymakers and parliament

📝 Tips for Applying to Netherlands Government, Council of State

1

Highlight specific experience analyzing legislation or policy documents, not just implementing programs—the Council advises on law-making, not execution

2

Reference the Council's recent climate-related advice (like their input on nitrogen policy or energy transition laws) to show you understand their advisory role

3

Emphasize your ability to work within Dutch administrative law traditions—familiarity with concepts like 'evenredigheid' (proportionality) in policy analysis

4

Demonstrate how you balance technical climate expertise with broader democratic/rule-of-law considerations in your previous work

5

Tailor your examples to the Council's unique position—they advise both government and parliament, so show understanding of this dual audience

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of the Council's constitutional role as independent advisor versus implementing agency", "Specific examples where you've analyzed policy-legislation gaps in climate/energy domains", 'How you maintain objective analysis while engaging with stakeholders who may have conflicting interests', 'Your approach to translating complex climate science/economic data into actionable legislative recommendations']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read recent Council advice on climate/energy topics (available on raadvanstate.nl) to understand their analytical framework and tone
  • → Study the Council's annual report on government climate policy progress to understand their evaluation methodology
  • → Review how the Council operates within the Dutch constitutional framework—its relationship with ministries, parliament, and the courts
  • → Understand current Dutch climate policy debates where legislative quality is contested (e.g., nitrogen crisis approach, renewable energy siting laws)

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you assess the legislative quality of a proposed climate law amendment? What criteria would you use?
2 Describe a situation where you had to provide critical advice to stakeholders who were invested in a particular policy outcome
3 How do you stay current on both climate science developments and evolving administrative law jurisprudence?
4 What challenges do you foresee in advising on climate policies that intersect with other policy areas (agriculture, housing, economy)?
5 How would you approach providing 'unsolicited advice' on a climate policy issue where the government hasn't requested input?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing solely on climate activism or advocacy rather than objective legislative analysis—the Council values neutrality
  • Treating this as a standard policy role rather than understanding its unique position in the legislative process
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of Dutch/EU legislative procedures and administrative law principles

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

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Good luck with your application to Netherlands Government, Council of State!

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