The people, ideas and values behind our work

We believe that meaningful impact is created when interests are understood, carefully substantiated and strategically positioned at the right moment. Bringing different interests together is what creates real value.

Our vision

Our vision for strategic advice that enables societal impact.

Image for What we stand for

What we stand for

Strategic partner in the public arena

Van Oort Public Affairs has more than twenty years of experience in strategic advice and policy influence. We support organisations and alliances across civil society in developing shared strategies, building networks and strengthening their role in the public arena. We understand the political landscape in The Hague, know where formal and informal influence lies, and combine this knowledge with a strong commitment to the issues that matter. Because effective policy influence starts with understanding what truly matters and having a clear objective as an organisation.

Image for What we believe in

What we believe in

The power of collaboration

In a strong democracy, interests are heard, the strength of arguments matters and decisions are made with care. Effective advocacy and policy influence contribute to better decision-making. We believe in transparency, collaboration and bringing together knowledge and expertise. Where interests and organisations come together, opportunities arise to help address societal challenges. That is why we work closely with clients and partners who bring knowledge, networks and influence to the table.

Image for How we work

How we work

Transparent and effective

As a strategic partner, we work closely with our clients in a pragmatic and transparent way. We are open about our role, clear about our approach and transparent about the interests we represent. We make the available choices clear, identify the most promising route forward and highlight potential limitations and risks. No promises we cannot keep, but a considered approach that is explainable, responsible and effective. This transparency is essential to maintaining trust and credibility in our profession.

Interaction with our partners in De Public Affairs Groep

Van Oort Public Affairs works closely with the partners within De Public Affairs Groep: the Public Affairs Academie and Fyris. By combining strategic advice with training, research and technology, we help organisations strengthen their strategy, knowledge, skills and digital capabilities in a sustainable way.

The people who make the difference

Meet the people behind Van Oort Public Affairs.

Marielle van Oort

Marielle van Oort

Strategic Public Affairs Consultant / Director

For Marielle, few things are as fascinating as the dynamics of politics. As a highly experienced and sharp strategic thinker, she identifies opportunities for clients. Through creativity, strategic insight, active listening and the right connections, she builds support and brings people together. New projects, complex challenges and a great team, are what energise her.

marielle@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31653770326

Sander Kisteman

Sander Kisteman

Senior Public Affairs Consultant

Sander gets energised when politics, communication and decision-making come together. With enthusiasm, he follows the political landscape and advises organisations in the social and healthcare sectors with pragmatic advice, sharp analysis and a decisive approach to advocacy.

sander@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31611989828

Bente van Oort

Bente van Oort

Senior Public Affairs Consultant

Bente is at best in work contexts where policy, practice and societal impact come together. With a background in political science and Global Health, a clear analytical approach and a warm style, she makes complex issues understandable, connects people and perspectives, and builds support through narratives that are both compelling and well-founded.

bente@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31681222884

Peter van Oort

Peter van Oort

Senior Programme Secretary

With many years of experience in both the Senate and House of Representatives, Peter supports clients with great enthusiasm in the role of programme secretary. Clear communication, strong empathy and a creative perspective are key for him when he connects substance and presentation, helping to formulate messages that are concise and effective.

peter@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31643877529

Gusta Willems

Gusta Willems

Senior Communications Consultant

Gusta brings together marketing, communities, sustainability and results. With a keen sense of nuance, resilience under pressure and strong communication skills, she always seeks connection and growth. A rich career spanning multinationals, government bodies and associations has taught her one thing: alone you may go faster, but together you go further.

gusta@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

Marja Cevaal

Marja Cevaal

Senior Project Manager

Organisation, policy and management are the common thread throughout Marja’s career. With her analytical eye and drive for innovation, she enthusiastically develops projects that make a difference. Marja is down-to-earth, highly organised and thinks outside the box, while always keeping the client’s needs in mind.

marja@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31622396003

Tycho van Oort

Tycho van Oort

Public Affairs Consultant

Tycho studied Political Science at Leiden University, including minors in Rhetoric and Religious Studies. As a keen political observer with a sharp eye, he is at home in public affairs. He is deeply committed to supporting clients across the social and healthcare sectors.

tycho@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31642369820

Tom Lubbers

Tom Lubbers

Public Affairs Consultant

With a background in international public administration and a passion for Europe, Tom brings a sharp perspective to political realities. An enthusiastic adviser with an eye for opportunity, he helps charities, NGOs and social-impact organisations use language and strategy to make sure their voices are truly heard in The Hague and beyond.

tom@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31 6 43237395

Rijk van Vliet

Rijk van Vliet

Public Affairs Consultant

Rijk is interested in the intersection of politics, public administration, media and society. With a background in Political Science and History, a facilitative approach and a driven mindset, he helps organisations navigate a complex landscape and make their story resonate.

rijk@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31634180065

Mark Tichem

Mark Tichem

Public Affairs Consultant

As an enthusiastic, curious starter, Mark supports advisers across a wide range of projects. He closely follows political developments, turning them into clear insights for clients, and helps organisations in the social sector with briefings, position papers and contributions for the House of Representatives.

mark@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31646584012

Joppe Vleer

Joppe Vleer

Public Affairs Consultant

Joppe thrives at the intersection of subject-matter expertise, people and societal challenges. With his analytical mindset, technical background and people-centred approach, he makes complex issues clear and manageable. Driven, curious and precise, he helps teams and organisations move forward.

joppe@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31634179970

Sybrig van Keep

Sybrig van Keep

Strategic Consultant

Sybrig advises organisations on public affairs, stakeholder engagement and issues management in complex social and political contexts. As a highly experienced and driven adviser, she enjoys the challenge: making complexity clear and translating it into well-considered strategies and practical actions with real impact.

sybrig@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31681519431

Supported by specialists

To ensure our advisory work is delivered seamlessly, our advisers are supported by implementation specialists. They strengthen and enrich strategic advice with specialist expertise, information, research and organisational support. Meet the colleagues working behind the scenes.

Evelien Zeijlemaker

Evelien Zeijlemaker

Information Specialist

Evelien is the curious, quietly indispensable force behind our monitoring. She closely tracks political developments, filters out what matters and ensures clients receive the right insights at the right time. With her calm approach and helpful nature, she supports colleagues wherever needed, always punctual and accurate.

evelien@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

Anna Haasnoot

Anna Haasnoot

Information Specialist

With her broad interest in society, precision and curiosity, Anna thrives at the intersection of politics, media and society. As an Information Specialist, she provides advisers and clients with clear analyses, conducts research and helps organise events.

anna@vanoortpublicaffairs.nl

+31703691700

Join our team

At Van Oort Public Affairs, we are regularly looking for professionals interested in the intersection of strategic public affairs and social impact.

Our vacancies