(Senior) Policy Officer

Here's what you'll be doing as a (senior) policy officer

In the role of (senior) policy officer, you will help build a memorial committee from the ground up, one that will play a significant social role throughout the kingdom. You will be involved across the full scope of the Committee’s mission. This means you will work on establishing, structuring, and developing the organization; play a key role in facilitating commemorations; help build a network; and prepare decision-making for the committee board and the founding director. Additionally, you will be responsible for:

• maintain contact with relevant communities and organizations throughout the kingdom;
  
• supporting and, where necessary, coordinating the activities of local memorial committees;
  
• contributing ideas on the Committee’s strategic direction;
  
• drafting and developing schedules, policy and vision documents, and multi-year plans;
  
• preparing and accounting for funding, both incoming and outgoing;
  
• maintaining relationships with similar organizations, the national government, and local (European, Dutch, and Caribbean) authorities.
  

Commemoration Committee on the History of Slavery

“We share not only the past, but also the future. So today we are putting a comma, not a period.” These words are part of the speech in which the Dutch government, on December 19, 2022, offers an apology for the Netherlands’ role in the history of slavery. An important part of that “comma” is the establishment of the Committee for the Commemoration of the History of Slavery. The Committee ensures dignified commemorations of the history of slavery throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands. At its inception, the Committee consists of seven members and reflects the diverse communities within the Kingdom. In consultation with descendants and experts, the Committee has been entrusted with various tasks. These include organizing the National Commemoration on July 1 and raising public awareness about the history of slavery and its impact on the present.

Work Organization

The Commemoration Committee is supported by a working group of approximately 10 staff members, with offices on both sides of the ocean. The operational organization is currently being established. In addition to the position of (senior) policy officer, there are also roles in areas such as communications and organizational support. You will provide policy support to the chair and the other members of the Committee, as well as to the project manager/director of the operational organization. The latter is your direct supervisor. Despite the geographical distance from some of your colleagues, you all form a close-knit team. Because the operational structure is still being established, we will initially use temporary contracts as much as possible, preferably through secondments. A number of these temporary contracts may be converted to permanent contracts upon satisfactory performance.

You'll recognize yourself in this

You have knowledge of and an affinity for the history of slavery, diversity, equality, inclusion, and possibly other social issues. You can demonstrate sensitivity in your dialogue with descendants and other stakeholders, with an eye for the diversity of needs and perspectives surrounding this issue. You find it challenging to work on building a new organization, where much still needs to be established and thought through. You enjoy switching between practical, hands-on organizing and more theoretical and substantive work. You have a clear understanding of which social stakeholders and communities to involve in your work and when, as well as the appropriate tone to use. You are proactive and independent, and you think from different perspectives. You do this to achieve the Committee’s goals. Furthermore, your intercultural communication skills are well-developed, and you are aware of the sensitivities that may arise regarding the history of slavery. And in addition:

• You have a college-level education and way of thinking;
  
• You have at least 3 years of demonstrable experience in a policy-related position in a cultural, political-administrative, or other social context;
  
• You enjoy achieving results and solving problems in a complex environment where there are multiple conflicting interests;
  
• you understand the complexities, challenges, and dynamics within the communities and other stakeholders connected to the history of slavery;
  
• you are able to build and maintain lasting relationships with relevant stakeholders in the political, administrative, civil service, and civic sectors;
  
• You have strong verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English (knowledge of other languages, particularly Papiamentu and Papiamento, is a plus).
  

We value diversity. Different perspectives, backgrounds, and insights enhance our intellectual capacity and creativity, enabling us to better meet the needs of society. It doesn’t matter where you were born, what you believe in, how old you are, or who you love. Above all, we’re curious about you.

Astrid Elburg, Chair of the Committee for Commemorating the History of Slavery

“You’ll help build the Committee and work on activities that reflect our core values. You help us tell the stories that shed light on the history of slavery and its impact on contemporary societies in the Kingdom. Together, we ensure that the Committee’s mission and vision are widely supported within society. You contribute to an inspiring work environment with dedicated professionals, where there is plenty of room for your creativity, initiative, and professional and personal development.”

Caring for one another

The history of slavery is not an easy topic to address. As a team, we realize that we are dealing with a painful and difficult history, the repercussions of which many people (including some of our team members) still experience on a daily basis. This history can evoke strong emotions and sometimes requires emotional labor. Although we primarily approach this history in a professional manner in our work, we are attentive to each person and any feelings that this may evoke while working. It’s okay to feel this way, and you’re welcome to take the space you need. We look out for one another.

Terms of Employment

Contract:

A one-year contract for at least 32 hours per week, with the possibility of extension. Secondments are preferred.

Salary: Depending on your experience and the duties involved, we can offer you a salary ranging from €4,024.11 to €7,747.70 based on a 36-hour workweek. This corresponds to the pay range for scales 11/12/13 of the Central Government Collective Labor Agreement (CAO Rijk).

Other terms and conditions of employment: In the case of secondments, the terms and conditions of the sending party remain in effect for the duration of the secondment. In other cases, further arrangements will be made.

Your application

Are you interested in this position? If so, please apply by February 24 by sending a cover letter and your resume to herdenkingscomiteslavernijverleden@minbzk.nl*.

Do you have any questions about the job opening or the application process? Please contact Erik den Hoedt, project manager/director of the work organization. Erik.Hoedt@minbzk.nl; tel. 06-15 43 82 24.

(*The Foundation for the Commemoration of the History of Slavery is an independent foundation, but is currently still using email addresses provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.)