Marcel Smits

My role is Head of Standards and Market Intelligence at Finance for Peace. Before joining this fantastic team, I worked in the world of business, finance and peace as a consultant through my own social enterprise, FCS Impact.

On my journey so far, I have had several roles. I contributed to the Institute for Economics and Peace, an organization driven by data and research. At Oxfam, I served as the Policy Specialist on Private Sector and Conflict, where I closely examined the intersection of policy and social change. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of directing several organisations operating in fragile countries and territories and conflict-affected areas across South Asia, Africa, the Balkans and the Caucasus. Among them were the Forum on Early Warning and Early Response, the Institute for International Mediation and Conflict Resolution, and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting-NL .

A highlight in my career was during civil war in Sri Lanka, where I was Country Director for the Nonviolent Peaceforce. I worked alongside an international civilian peacekeeping team, engaging in negotiations with rebel and paramilitary groups to secure the release of child soldiers.

My academic background is in international law and politics, with a focus on finance and business and their influence on peace. I have progressively honed my expertise in conflict sensitivity, analysis, and human security. I live in the Netherlands with my wonderful Sri Lankan wife and our delightful daughter.