Legal Advisor

Restitution Commission

A key component (24 hours) of this position is our client, the “Restitution Committee.” The Advisory Committee on Restitution Claims for Cultural Property and World War II advises, at the request of the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW), on restitution claims regarding Nazi-looted art. The Restitution Committee is seeking a secretary to support the committee.  

The restitution claims relate not only to works of art, such as paintings, drawings, and sculptures, but also to objects of applied art, antiques, Jewish ritual objects, and other items of cultural value. These works of art are either held by the Dutch State (national collection) or belong to provinces, municipalities, a foundation, or a private individual (non-national collection). Different procedures apply to these works of art in the event of a restitution claim. In the former case, the Restitution Committee issues an advisory opinion to the minister; in the latter case, the Restitution Committee issues a binding opinion to two parties (the current possessor and the legal successor(s) of the former owner).  

Given the independent status of the Restitution Committee, the secretariat falls under the substantive responsibility of the Restitution Committee and operates under the authority of the Chair.  

As a secretary, you will work alongside one or more other secretaries and the Restitution Committee’s support team to serve as the external point of contact for restitution requests, and you will play a service-oriented and advisory role on behalf of the Restitution Committee. Your main tasks include preparing and drafting draft recommendations or binding recommendations for the Restitution Committee, either in collaboration with one of the other secretaries or independently.

You will also perform other preparatory tasks related to the Restitution Committee’s duties, such as drafting preparatory memos and providing support during meetings and oral hearings. 

You can find information about the work of the Restitution Committee at https://www.restitutiecommissie.nl/.  

CAOP Legal Department

If you are available for more than 24 hours, you can also work as a legal advisor. In this role, you will be assigned to team activities focused on providing advice on labor law issues and supporting the handling of disputes, objections, and complaints. You will work closely with the CAOP’s internal and external clients. This means you may work for the national government, provinces, municipalities, autonomous administrative bodies, the police, the Department of Defense, universities, the House of Representatives, housing associations, the cultural sector, and the private security industry. 

What are you bringing?

• You have a bachelor’s degree in law.
• You have at least 5 years of relevant work experience.
• You have a demonstrable interest in and knowledge of art history, preferably with a focus on World War II.
• You have a keen awareness of the political, administrative, and social sensitivities surrounding the issue.
• You have experience with legal proceedings.
• You have excellent written and spoken proficiency in both Dutch and English.
• You have a passive command of the German language.
• You have the ability to work under pressure and as part of a team.
• You have strong analytical skills and are flexible. 

What do we offer you?

• A challenging position in an interesting and complex field, in an inspiring work environment in the heart of The Hague. Working from home is an option.
• Depending on your knowledge and experience, the salary ranges from a minimum of €4,429 to a maximum of €6,330 (scale 11 of the CAO-CAOP) gross per month, based on a 38-hour workweek.
• A one-year contract with the possibility of a permanent position.
• An annual vacation allowance of 8%.
• An Individual Choice Budget of 9.56% on an annual basis.
• A good pension plan with ABP.
• An NS Business Card for trains, subways, buses, and trams that you can also use for personal travel.
• A net internet allowance and a contribution toward health insurance costs.
• A mentor who will help you get settled in our organization during your first year.
• A wide range of training and development opportunities, including an online learning platform. 

Who are we?

Addressing societal challenges and complex labor issues. That is what we do at CAOP. Every day, we passionately tackle current issues such as the teacher shortage, workload in healthcare and education, the impact of technology on the workplace, the sustainable development of workers and job seekers, collective bargaining negotiations, and much more. We do this by providing advice, research, training, and support. But also by taking over fund, project, and program management for our clients. Together, we work toward a better society, ensure impact, and truly make a difference. 

Want to know more?

For more information about the position of secretary, please contact Noëlle Bynoe (secretary) at 06 2694 3687 or Toon van Mierlo (chair) at 070 376 59 92. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Frank Korendijk at hrm@caop.nl.   

Interested in applying?

Are you excited about this position and do you think you meet the profile and requirements? Then we’re looking for you! Please send us a cover letter and your resume by March 24, 2024, via our application page.  

The application process consists of two rounds of interviews, which will take place at a date and time to be determined. An aptitude and personality test and an integrity assessment are part of the application process.  

The CAOP is at the heart of society and works every day to address social challenges. This is only possible if our organization truly reflects society. We strive to build diverse and inclusive teams where respect is central. Only then can we gain a better understanding of our society and ensure that our advice is valuable. 

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.