Student Affairs Officer - Center for European Studies (CES) …, Maastricht

Welcome to Maastricht University

The world is changing rapidly—and so are we. At Maastricht University, your work makes a difference. Whether you support students, coordinate international programmes, or help create meaningful learning experiences, you contribute to an environment where people can grow, connect, and thrive.

Student Affairs Officer– Center for European Studies (CES)

Our goal:

Deliver high-quality, academically enriching study abroad programmes for international students.

Your colleagues:

A small, dynamic and international team within the Student Services Centre of Maastricht University.

The Center for European Studies (CES) designs and delivers study abroad programmes for students from universities around the world. These programmes combine academic depth with real-world European experiences. We are looking for a Student Affairs Officer who can combine coordination, advising and organisation into one seamless student experience.

In this role, you are a key point of contact for students throughout their entire study abroad journey. From the moment they apply to the day they leave, you guide them academically, help them navigate challenges, and make sure everything runs smoothly– from academics and questions about Maastricht to day‑to‑day logistics. You manage programme budgets and work to ensure every student gets a high-quality, well‑organised study abroad experience.

This is a role for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complexity. You coordinate multiple processes simultaneously, keep track of details, and ensure that students, colleagues, and partners have the information and support they need. At the same time, you are comfortable working directly with students, advising them on academic matters and helping them make the most of their time in Maastricht.

You work closely with colleagues across the university, international partner institutions, and external organisations. Together, you create programmes that are academically strong, operationally smooth, and personally meaningful for students.

What you will do As a Student Affairs Officer, you prepare, coordinate and support the day‑to‑day delivery of CES programmes. Your responsibilities include:

Preparing and coordinating

the day‑to‑day running of study abroad programmes, including reviewing and processing applications for various study abroad semester programmes, as well as liaising with colleagues, internal departments and external partners to ensure seamless programme delivery.

Delivering end‑to‑end academic advising

for students from international partner universities, guiding them from initial course selection to successful completion of their CES programme.

Supporting students

as the first point of contact for questions, concerns and emergency situations throughout the semester. This includes being available outside working hours as emergency contact.

Assisting students

with their visa and residence permit application process, and liaising with the UM Visa Office to ensure timely and accurate handling of all immigration‑related queries.

Handling daily and seasonal administrative tasks , such as course registration, invoicing and releasing of transcripts.

Regularly maintaining and updating

student records and programme overviews to ensure accurate, up‑to‑date information for academic advising and coordination.

Accompanying students

on single‑ and multi‑day academic study trips across Europe, as well as attending cultural activities and events outside of regular working hours a few times a year.

Taking responsibility

for programme budgetary planning and expense tracking, ensuring alignment with financial expectations.

Promoting CES programmes

to prospective students and partner universities through online and in‑person information sessions, and maintaining and enhancing partnerships abroad, including travel to partner institutions 1–2 times per year (mainly to the USA).

Regularly evaluating programmes

and, based on outcomes and your own experience, proposing concrete improvements to enhance coordination, effectiveness and student experience.

Are you ready to take responsibility for programmes that truly shape students’ study abroad experiences? Then we would love to meet you.

What you bring It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about who you are and what you contribute. Do you recognise yourself in the following?

Organised and result‑driven

– You plan methodically, set clear priorities and keep a strong overview of tasks, schedules and deadlines. You divide your work efficiently in terms of action, time and resources.

Independent and responsible

– You take ownership of your programmes and feel comfortable managing complex processes end to end.

Forward‑thinking and solution‑oriented

– You anticipate challenges, identify the consequences of problems or developments, and offer realistic alternatives with a flexible outlook and approach.

Collaborative and hands‑on

– You contribute to shared goals and step in where needed, even beyond your core tasks.

Service‑oriented communicator

– You advise and support students with clarity, empathy and professionalism, and are confident speaking to and managing large, culturally diverse groups in academic, logistical and support‑related contexts.

Adaptable

– You stay calm and effective when circumstances change or unexpected challenges arise.

Interpersonally strong

– You build and maintain meaningful relationships with students, colleagues and international partners.

Culturally sensitive and internationally minded

– You understand cultural diversity and know how to navigate differences professionally and respectfully. Ideally, you bring your own experience from studying and/or living abroad.

Financially aware

– You bring a working knowledge of budgeting, financial tracking and reporting, and feel comfortable taking responsibility for programme finances.

Travel and availability

– You are available outside regular working hours as emergency contact for students throughout your programmes, and are willing and able to travel abroad – mainly to the USA – for partner relationship management.

You have an excellent command of English (written and spoken), a working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, and are already eligible to work in the Netherlands– no sponsorship is available for this position. Familiarity with different international higher education systems is a plus, as is prior experience with SAP. A valid driver’s licence is required.

What we offer At Maastricht University, you will work in an international, open and engaged environment. We offer:

A 12-month contract (0.8 FTE) with the prospect of a permanent contract upon proven suitability.

A gross monthly salary between€3,057 and €3,985 (scale 7, based on full‑time employment of 38 hours per week), excluding 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year‑end bonus.

29 vacation days (based on full‑time), 4 additional public holidays and the possibility to accrue 12 extra days through compensation hours.

Flexible working hours and– where the role allows – the possibility to work partly from home, including a monthly commuting and internet allowance.

Freedom and responsibility to shape your programmes and further develop your professional expertise.

A close‑knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with. A solid pension scheme via ABP, company fitness arrangements and access to extensive university sports facilities.

An inspiring working environment in the heart of Europe.

Employment conditions are largely governed by the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU), supplemented by local UM provisions.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students.

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