Fairfood International is a non-profit global advocacy and campaign Organisation with its head office based in Amsterdam and hubs located in several parts of the world e.g. Johannesburg, London, San Francisco, and Berlin. Fairfood encourages food and beverage companies worldwide to address socio-economic and environmental sustainability issues within their products’ supply chains. Fairfood International envisions a future with a fair and sustainable food system, which is able to feed the world in a way that preserves the environment for generations, respects human rights and secures a thriving economy for all.
Fairfood’s Supervisory Board is currently seeking two new members:
Supervisory Board Member Volunteer position | Based in the Netherlands | 1st term appointment 3 years
Purpose of the position
The purpose of the Supervisory Board is to ensure that the Executive Director sets out a solid and sound general strategy, and that this strategy is implemented consistently. In addition, the Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the Executive Board in its role in managing all aspects of Fairfood International.
Board and Composition
This board consists of at least five non-executive members who bring different backgrounds and professional expertise required in relation to the Fairfood’s objectives and needs. Members of the board receive no payment, material or otherwise in their capacity. However Fairfood International will reimburse costs incurred during the execution of their responsibilities as board members. The power of the Supervisory Board rests with the Supervisory Board as a collective body and is exercised in joint responsibility. However board members elect and appoint a Chair (Vice Chair, Treasurer), who acts summarily on their behalf and is also the first point of contact for the Executive Board. The members of the Supervisory Board are appointed for a period of 3 years. After this first term, they may be reappointed twice.
Responsibilities and Requirements:
Approvals & Control
Besides managing the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board is responsible for the approval of Fairfood’s annual or multi-year strategic plans, annual reports, annual or multi-year budgets, policies and employment conditions that affect considerable amount of employees, financial and legal dealings including lawsuits and filing for bankruptcy, the amendment of articles of association and standing rules.
Representation & Involvement
The Executive Board is the main representative of Fairfood International; however from time to time, the Executive Board may call on members of the Supervisory Board to also represent the Organisation externally in certain areas and platforms in relation to the realizing Fairfood’s objectives and needs. The Supervisory Board members altogether meet at least 4 times a year with the Executive Board and once a year with the Employees Representative Body (ERB). Members of the Supervisory Board are required to maintain a perfect balance between being closely involved with respect to the content and implementation of the Fairfood’s policies and plans and keeping a distance in a supervisory role.
Competence requirements
As a Supervisory Board member you possess a relevant network on a strategic level, in the private and/or public sector. You have broad international experience especially in management at an executive level. You have knowledge and experience in managerial decision-making and processes involving strategic assessments. You also possess excellent verbal and written skills in English. Obviously, you have affinity with sustainability issues, the non-profit sector and food and beverage industry. Candidates with demonstrable background and professional experiences in Campaigning /Advocacy, Finance or Legal will be given preference in the selection process. Fairfood aims at establishing a Supervisory Board that is representative of its international organizational structure, comprising of both men and women from different backgrounds. Candidates must therefore have extensive international experience and exposure but are expected to be resident in the Netherlands.
What do we offer?
We offer an opportunity to be part of the governance team of a dynamic, relevant, fast growing and social Organisation, where you will able to provide strategic contribution to further develop Fairfood International. This is an unpaid position; however, expenses for travelling to and from meetings and other Supervisory Board tasks, are subject to reimbursement.
How to apply:
Interested? If you recognize yourself and your qualities in this description, we would like to meet you. For inquiries related to the position, you can contact Anselm Iwundu, Executive Director: +31 6 27 24 23 73. Please send your motivation letter and CV via email to the Executive Director anselm.iwundu@fairfood.org and cc Uma Banerji, HR Manager uma.banerji@fairfood.org no later than 29-03-2013.
