Chair and Members of the Advisory Committee on the Transatlantic History of Slavery

The Grant Program for Community Initiatives on the History of Slavery in the European Netherlands 

On July 1, 2023, the King delivered a powerful speech in Oosterpark, in which he apologized on behalf of the Dutch state for the country’s history of slavery and asked for forgiveness. The King’s apology followed Prime Minister Rutte’s apology on December 19, 2022. In response, the cabinet stated that the acknowledgment of and apology for historical suffering form the basis for contemporary social healing. In line with this, 33.3 million euros has been made available for initiatives from the affected communities in the European Netherlands. 

The grant program for community initiatives addressing the history of slavery (2025–2028) aims to support initiatives that focus on:

• gaining a better understanding of the legacy of slavery and addressing its consequences in the present; 
• coming to terms with the history of slavery; 
• promoting knowledge and awareness of the history of slavery; or
• the acknowledgment and commemoration of the history of slavery. 

This program will run for four years. 

Here’s what you’ll be doing as a member of the Advisory Committee  

The Advisory Committee issues an independent, impartial, and unbiased written opinion regarding applications under subsidy categories 3 and 4 [1] that do not appear to be eligible for a subsidy because (according to the program administrator) the substance of the plans does not sufficiently align with the objectives set forth in the program. The Advisory Committee assesses whether the project is (nevertheless) sufficiently related to the history of slavery and the objectives of the scheme and issues a written opinion on this within six weeks. Taking that opinion into account, the final decision is then made by the State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK). This means that the Advisory Committee meets on a case-by-case basis—depending on the number of proposed rejections submitted to it. Reporting is part of the committee’s duties. The Advisory Committee’s opinion will be made public. It is unknown how many opinions will be issued. 

You'll recognize yourself in this

You have knowledge of and an affinity for the history of slavery. You are sensitive and attuned to the diversity of needs and viewpoints surrounding this issue. In addition, you have well-developed intercultural communication skills and are aware of the sensitivities surrounding the history of slavery. The final composition of the committee must reflect the following aspects:  

• knowledge of projects and grant procedures;
• expertise in the relevant social sector of educational, cultural, and social projects; 
• knowledge of the communities of descendants of enslaved people; 
• understanding of the legacy of slavery; 
• demonstrable experience in acting independently of the person you are advising; 
• demonstrable experience in acting impartially and avoiding any appearance of a conflict of interest; 
• A commitment to human rights and social justice is a plus, particularly in relation to the history of slavery.

Furthermore, it is important that no member of the committee be involved in any potential (future) application under the program. This is to ensure the independence and impartiality of the Advisory Committee. 

Terms of Employment

You are committing to a two-year term. The amount of compensation is determined by the legal status as set forth in the establishment decree of the advisory board or committee and in the appointment decree. The position begins on March 1, 2026.

You will receive an attendance fee for each meeting you attend. The fee is capped at 3% of the maximum amount for pay scale 18. As of July 1, 2024, the maximum fee is therefore €360.63. 

Your application

Are you interested in this position? If so, please apply by January 5, 2026. Please indicate in your application whether you are applying for the role of chair or the role of member. You will receive a response within 14 days. Interviews will be scheduled in January and February 2026. Do you have any questions about the position or the application process? 

Please contact Natascha Tjikoeri at 06 52 87 25 69 or by email at natascha.tjikoeri@minbzk.nl

[1]Category 3: Medium-sized social initiatives in

the European part of the Netherlands with a maximum duration of 4 years and which

contribute to the objectives specified in the regulation. In this category, for each

Applications are eligible for grants ranging from a minimum of €25,000 to a maximum of €125,000.

Booking periods: April 1 – May 1, 2026

and April 1 – May 3, 2027.

Category 4: Large-scale social initiatives in the

the European part of the Netherlands with a maximum term of 4 years and which

contribute to the objectives specified in the regulation. In this category, for each

Apply for a grant ranging from a minimum of €125,000 to a maximum of €500,000

provided.

Booking periods: April 1 – May 1, 2026

and April 1 – May 3, 2027.