Governance and Board Lead

Position description

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the architect of a system of global sustainability standards that provides a common global language to assess and report on environmental, social and economic impacts. Beyond standards, GRI creates tools and training that empower organizations of all sizes to create sustainable, long-term value – benefiting people and planet.

For almost 30 years, GRI has engaged in a global multi-stakeholder process to define and refine the global best practice for sustainability reporting. Today, the GRI Standards are the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting standards.

GRI is an international nonprofit organization, headquartered in the Netherlands, with staff in more than 20 countries. Working at GRI, you will be part of a team – One GRI – that is committed to unlocking positive change in the world. 

The Governance and Board Lead will support the effective functioning of the GRI governance bodies -Supervisory Board, Management Board, Stakeholder Council, Global Sustainability Standards Board, and the Due Process Oversight Committee-acting as a key liaison between the governance bodies and the organization in managing communication and processes across an international and multi-stakeholder environment. This is a unique opportunity to influence the governance of a globally recognized organization advancing sustainability reporting worldwide.

Responsibilities

Delivery

Legal, risk and compliance

• Oversee and monitor compliance with the articles of association, bylaws and other governance policies and guidelines, proactively reporting potential improvements or issues to the management board and supervisory board.
• Assist in the development of risk mitigation strategies that align with our Foundation’s mission and objectives.
• Assist with the preparation of official documents, such as annual reports and governance reports, in compliance with (international) reporting requirements.

Good governance practice

• Conduct regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of governance practices and suggest improvements to strengthen our governance framework.
• Monitor and manage follow-up points decided at board or Committee meetings.

Membership and Appointments

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for identifying and sourcing potential candidates for the GRI governance bodies.
• Coordinate and keep track of the timelines for (re)appointment and (re)election of members of GRI governance bodies.
• Coordinate and facilitate the nomination process, including nominations submissions, collecting required documentation, and communicating updates to all relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate orientation programs for new GRI governance body members, providing them with an in-depth understanding of the organization and its governance structure and practices.

Engagement

• Collaborate with relevant governance bodies to understand the specific skills, backgrounds, and qualifications required for each governance body, ensuring a targeted and tailored approach to nominations.
• Foster positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, partners, and volunteers, by effectively communicating our governance practices and commitments.
• Collaborate with board members and staff to prepare meeting agendas, schedule board meetings, coordinate logistics, as well as prepare and distribute meeting materials.
• Collaborate with the Management Board and risk management officers to identify and address governance-related risks unique to Foundations.
• Facilitate communication between the GRI governance bodies and the Management Board.
• Work closely with the communications department on governance-related communications.
• Attend board and Committee meetings and accurately record minutes, capturing essential discussions, decisions, and action items.
 

Qualifications

Work Experience

• 5 or more years working in governance, including dealing with legal aspects of governance
• Proven experience as a Liaison or Secretary to the Board, or a similar governance role
• Strong understanding of governance principles and best practices
• Familiarity with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks governing nonprofit organizations

Knowledge and abilities

• A degree in law or a relevant field
• Excellent command of spoken and written English and a demonstrated grasp of precision in the use of the English language
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including minute-taking during board and Committee meetings
• Proficiency in using technology and software tools to streamline governance processes
• Ability to work collaboratively with board members, executive staff, and other stakeholders
• Crisis management, agility and resilience
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with keen attention to detail
• Strong ethical values and integrity in handling governance matters
• Able to work in an international and multi-cultural setting
• Affinity with the mission GRI
• In order to support your overall well-being should have an existing ergonomic desk set-up when working remotely
 

Application instructions

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