The North American maritime sector is undergoing significant transformation driven by geopolitical developments, supply chain resilience, energy transition, and renewed focus on national and economic security. Across the United States and Canada, major investments are being made in maritime infrastructure, shipbuilding, port modernization, offshore industry, maritime security, and energy efficiency. In parallel, the growing convergence between civil maritime industries and naval/defense/dual-use technologies, and critical infrastructure protection is reshaping the sector. 

Position: Commerical Maritime and Defense Advisor
Starting date: As soon as possible
Location: Embassy of Denmark, 3200 Whitehaven St. N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, USA
Deadline for application: June 5, 2026

Do you have a strong maritime background combined with an interest in defense, security policy, and transatlantic cooperation? Do you thrive at the intersection of commercial development, public/government affairs, and strategic partnerships? Then maybe you are our new Commercial Maritime and Defense Advisor for North America.

About the job:

With strong bipartisan political support, the United States is actively seeking to rebuild its maritime industrial base and strengthen maritime capabilities within shipbuilding, while Canada is investing heavily in ports, Arctic capabilities, and green maritime transition. As a proud maritime nation with deep industrial competencies and strong traditions for innovation, Denmark and Danish companies are uniquely positioned to contribute across both commercial and defense-related maritime markets in North America.

Based at the Danish Embassy in Washington DC, you will join our Defense and Maritime team and work in one of the most dynamic environments for developing political and commercial partnerships across the maritime ecosystem. You will directly support Danish companies and organizations in building partnerships with U.S. and Canadian maritime stakeholders across government, industry, ports, shipbuilding, offshore industries, military, and maritime organizations.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

As Commercial Maritime and Defense Advisor, your tasks will include, but are not limited to:

• Expand and strengthen our network across the maritime industry, ports, shipyards, maritime authorities, naval stakeholders, offshore industries, and key opinion leaders
• Support Danish maritime companies in identifying commercial opportunities, partnerships, and collaboration projects in North America
• Deliver on commercial targets, including value creation and activity targets
• Follow policy, regulatory, industrial, and security developments within the maritime sectors in North America
• Organize and execute events, workshops, industry delegations, and strategic visits to and from Denmark
• Research, develop, and present North American market entry strategies, business development opportunities, policy analysis, and market intelligence to Danish companies and institutions
• Support strategic initiatives related to maritime, industrial resilience, dual-use technologies, shipbuilding, critical infrastructure, and transatlantic cooperation

Required Qualifications:

• Relevant education and work experiences – preferably from the US and/or Canadian market – from the maritime and/or Defense Industry sectors. This could be from a political organization, consulting, or working for a relevant organization/company
• Strong interest in commercial maritime industries and transatlantic maritime and security cooperation
• Ambitious, outgoing, and able to handle multiple tasks while working under time pressure
• Strong drive and self-motivation and want to make a difference for Denmark in North America
• High sense of responsibility and the ability to work independently as well as in teams
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken
• The ideal candidate combines commercial understanding with curiosity and creativity to build deep knowledge of the North American maritime and defense ecosystem
• Experience working with government stakeholders, defense-related industries, or public-private collaboration is considered an advantage

Employment Conditions

• You will locally be a part of the Department for Economic Diplomacy at the Embassy in Washington DC, and will report to our North American Head of Defense and Maritime.
• The advisor will have activity and value targets that should be achieved through direct collaborations with Danish maritime companies  
• Full time employment for 3 years with the possibility of extension on a local contract based on the local Embassy Staff Rules.
•  You will be employed with an average workweek of 37 hours, but you are employed without an upper working hours’ limit. This implies that you must work more than 37 hours a week if your work so requires without receiving compensation for overtime. Compensation for no upper working hours is 12% of your basic salary.
• You will be entitled to 25 days of paid vacation per year.
• Your salary will reflect your qualifications, relevant experience and proven work-related results.
• You will be offered a local health insurance with insurance premium partly covered with 20% coverage of premium for the employee. Coverage of family members depends on children’s age and spouse income.
• You are offered 8% of your salary for a pension scheme of your own choice.
• Benefits and other conditions will be based on the Embassy’s Staff Rules.
• The basic gross monthly salary for the position and a candidate with relevant qualifications and relevant work experience – for an employee subject to US income taxation – is USD 5849. For a tax-exempt employee (tax exemption depending on US visa status and citizenship) the monthly net salary will be USD 4854. Basic salary is subject to change if the candidate does not have the needed qualifications for the position. On top of the basic salary, there will be an additional allowance of 12% for the no upper working hours’ limit. Depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience an additional individual allowance may be added.

Application and Recruitment Process

To apply for the position, please send your application (cover letter, CV, proof of relevant education, recommendations, and 2-3 references) in English to [email protected] marked “Commercial Maritime Advisor” no later than June 5, 2026.

The Embassy embraces equal opportunities for all and therefore welcomes applications from all qualified persons regardless of race, sex, religion, age or disability.

We will invite selected candidates for an interview.

The chosen candidate must be able to present a “No Criminal Record” and pass security clearance by the Danish authorities prior to appointment.

Questions

Information about the Danish Embassy in Washington can be found on www.usa.um.dk. In case of additional questions, you are welcome to contact Head of Defense and Maritime, Mathias Nielsen, [email protected].

About Us

The Embassy of Denmark is part of the Danish Foreign Service. The Embassy covers the United States of America. The Embassy is an ambitious, high-paced and dynamic workplace with approximately 55 employees, 17 of whom are posted from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries in Copenhagen.