Member of the General Appeals Committee

What will you be doing?

The General Appeals Committee is tasked with advising municipal administrative bodies on decisions to be made regarding appeals filed under the General Administrative Law Act that challenge decisions in all areas of municipal administrative law, with the exception of personnel matters and tax matters. In connection with this advisory role, the committee hears from appellants, other interested parties, and a representative of the municipal administration.

Hearings are held on Tuesday mornings one week and Friday mornings the next. Hearings take place in two rooms, presided over by a chair or vice-chair, in the presence of two members. In total, there are approximately 40 hearings per year. Members must be willing to be scheduled for hearings on both Tuesday and Friday mornings. The time commitment averages about 4 hours per week.

Who are we?

The committee consists of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and six (independently) appointed members who conduct the hearings in varying compositions. These legal experts are not employed by the municipality and perform this additional role alongside their work elsewhere. The composition of the current committee members is diverse: ranging from attorneys to municipal lawyers, self-employed professionals, and legal staff at a judicial organization. All of them have deep roots in the community. The committee is supported by secretaries, who serve as legal advisors, and administrative-legal staff employed by the municipality of Arnhem.

What do we offer you?

We are offering you an interesting and varied part-time position that makes a difference in the municipality of Arnhem. You will serve on a general appeals committee that places a high priority on independence and the quality of its work. We offer a fixed stipend of €235 per meeting attended. Travel expenses are also reimbursed. Members are appointed for a three-year term, which may be extended for a maximum of one additional three-year term.

Who are we looking for?

We strive to foster a diverse range of knowledge, backgrounds, and experiences within our team. We embrace differences and believe in diversity. We look for knowledge, skills, and motivation. That is why we ask that you:

• A completed bachelor’s or master’s degree in Dutch Law;
• Demonstrable work experience in the field of general and special administrative law;
• An interest in legal protection and social issues;
• Strong communication and analytical skills, as well as the ability to empathize with stakeholders;
• Preferably, an understanding of and experience with how local government operates.

Finally, we require the ability to form an independent judgment. For this reason, among others, you may not be a member of or work under the authority of any governing body of the municipality of Arnhem (including council or committee work).

Where will you be working?

The General Appeals Committee is dedicated to serving the city and its residents. We do this for the beautiful municipality of Arnhem, which, with over 164,000 residents, is the 12th largest municipality in the country. There are many innovative companies in the fields of energy, fashion, design, and culture. Arnhem is the capital of the province of Gelderland. It is home to a number of national and international attractions and has a rich history that remains relevant to this day. Arnhem is a municipality where urban dynamism, a natural living environment, and economic strength reinforce one another.

How do you apply?

You can apply for this position through the application button until January 15, 2023. Please submit your resume and cover letter. The cover letter can be in any format, such as a letter, image, or video. In your cover letter, we’d like you to answer the question described below. By January 23, 2023, at the latest, you’ll hear about the next steps, such as an invitation to an interview. The first interviews will take place on Friday, January 27, 2023. There may be a second round of interviews. Please keep this in mind when planning your schedule.

Motivational questions:

1) Experience in administrative law: in what (professional) context do you have experience in this area?

2) Interest in legal protection and social issues: what experience do you bring to this area?

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Mr. K. van de Loosdrecht, Head of the Legal Affairs Department, at 06-14767884, or Ms. B.C. Evers, Secretary of the Appeals Committee, at 06-31108115. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Lars van Boxel, recruiter, at 06-31114802.

We want to provide a place where everyone matters and where people feel welcome. We believe it’s important to have a diverse team that includes people of all ages, skills, and backgrounds. With all these different perspectives, we can do our work better and stay in step with developments in society. If you recognize yourself in the profile above and are enthusiastic about this part-time role, please feel free to apply.