Members and Chair of the Advisory Committee (unpaid)

We in the Netherlands have lived in a society free of war for more than 75 years. However, the achievements we have gained since then—the ability to live in peace and freedom and the protection afforded by democratic values and institutions—cannot be taken for granted. Each year, Vfonds supports more than 250 projects that increase knowledge about war and conflict, emphasize the importance of and appreciation for the democratic rule of law, and teach people the skills to make an active contribution themselves. This also includes promoting appreciation for veterans and police officers who work at home and abroad to protect and uphold peace and freedom.

Procedure

The Advisory Committee is independent and provides advice to the Executive Director of vfonds on the evaluation of project applications and the awarding of project grants. Diligence and integrity are paramount in this regard. A committee member reviews applications in writing against established criteria that elaborate on vfonds’s mission to contribute to a strong democratic rule of law and a peaceful society, drawing on lessons learned from war and conflict.

The project advisors at vfonds prepare the review. This is followed by one or more (online) meetings of the Advisory Committee. The Executive Director of vfonds makes the decisions regarding the awarding of grants based on the committee’s recommendation.

The Advisory Committee is objective and impartial. Committee members are expected to set aside their own preferences and interests when forming their judgments. In addition to assessing applications against the established criteria, the Advisory Committee considers a number of factors, such as the context in which each application is submitted and how the applications relate to one another. It also considers whether the totality of supported projects collectively optimally fulfills vfonds’s mission, reaches key target groups, and contributes to a nationwide offering for the end user. The Advisory Committee also ensures sufficient diversity in the types of projects and disciplines supported.

Composition

All committee members have a demonstrable affinity with Vfonds’s mission, identity, and target groups. In forming the Advisory Committee, the primary considerations are that it be expert, ethical, independent, and diverse. When appointing committee members, attention is paid to ensuring an inclusive composition through a balanced mix of expertise, age, gender, and cultural background, among other factors. The Advisory Committee possesses a broad range of expertise and insights. Young people are strongly encouraged to apply. The Advisory Committee consists of a chairperson and at least five voting members.

Profiles

Committee members

Members of the Advisory Committee:

• Have expertise in one or more of the following areas, based on their professional background and experience:
• knowledge of war and conflict;
• commitment to the democratic rule of law;
• appreciation for veterans and police;
• developing skills to contribute to a peaceful society.

• Are demonstrably removed from the field and the interests of the various applicants and target groups;
• Be able to evaluate activity plans, review budgets, and contribute to discussions on these topics within a committee;
• Are able to clearly explain the reasoning behind their quality assessment, both in writing and orally;
• Must be available at least four times a year to provide written advice and subsequently participate in the online meeting;
• Sign a protocol that sets forth the standards of due diligence and integrity governing the advisory process.

Chairperson

The Chair

• Holds an independent position, with no vested interests in sectors or target groups within the field;
• Has a broad interest in social issues;
• Is open to the perspectives of project creators from diverse backgrounds and with diverse target audiences;
• Is someone with strong personal authority, a critical mindset, and analytical skills;
• Someone who can effectively put themselves in the shoes of applicants and committee members, with empathy and cultural and social sensitivity;
• Has the ability to keep discussions on track, ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak within the allotted time, distinguishing between main issues and side issues, and demonstrating an understanding of group dynamics;
• Must be able to serve as chair at least four times a year, with multiple meetings per session;
• Signs a protocol that sets forth the standards of due diligence and integrity governing the advisory process.

The appointment is for two years, with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term. Upon initial appointment, the future retirement schedule is taken into account, so the terms of appointment may vary. There are at least four meetings per year.

The committee members and the chair serve in an unpaid capacity. They receive an honorarium in accordance with standard industry rates and reimbursement for expenses incurred. A protocol to ensure compliance with integrity and confidentiality rules is included in the appointment agreement.

Information and Application

Are you interested in joining the vfonds Advisory Committee as a member or chairperson, and would you like to learn more about the role or the application process? Please contact Miranda Rovers at the vfonds main number, 030 – 200 68 33, or by email at m.rovers@vfonds.nl.

Do you fit the profile described above? If so, please send your cover letter and resume to sollicitatie@vfonds.nl by August 27, 2023, with the subject line “Application for the Advisory Committee.”

Please answer the following questions in your cover letter:

• Why do you want to become chair or a member of the vfonds Advisory Committee?
• In what ways do you think you can add value to the Advisory Committee?

The interviews will take place during the week of August 28 and the week of September 4, 2023.