Supervisory Board Chairperson At SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

Company Description

SNV is a global development partner, working on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance, with a focus on the Agri-Food, Energy, and Water sectors.

Central to the organisation’s new long-term strategy, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals through to 2030, is the mission:

To strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy and water systems which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all.

Founded in the Netherlands in 1965, we have built a long-term, local presence in more than 25 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Our global team of national and international advisors and professionals works with local partners, businesses and stakeholders to equip people with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to increase their incomes and gain access to basic services – empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and guide their own development.

We co-develop know-how for developing contextually relevant solutions to deliver results at scale worldwide, with a commitment to equity directing us to particularly focus on gender and youth.

Our projects directly benefit millions of people. At the same time, we are increasingly focused on enabling systems changes through deeper partnerships and more effective influence, which help many more people work their way out of poverty, well beyond the scope of projects. We are proud to be a not-for-profit organization, committed to efficiencies and operational excellence, which enable us to reach the greatest numbers of people.

Entering into its next strategic chapter, with a strong reputation for technical rigour, impactful projects, robust operations and financial health, SNV is ideally placed to increasing the contribution we make to accelerating and scaling impacts at this time of widespread global need and complexity.

Job Description

Due to the ending of the term period of the current Supervisory Board Chair of SNV in June 2023, we are looking for a next Chairperson as the organisation embarks on its new strategic chapter. The role of the Chairperson is to Chair the Supervisory Board, which currently comprises of seven members with diverse, in-depth skills in a range of areas, ensuring that it operates effectively, and to supervise the Managing Board in their statutory roles as the executive leadership of the organisation. In doing so, the Chairperson maintains primary contact with the CEO (Chair of the Managing Board), with regular interaction with the CEO of both a supervisory and advisory nature, and coordinates contacts between the Supervisory Board and the Managing Board.

Qualifications

We are looking for a next Chairperson who:

· Is passionate about SNV’s mission and can propagate it actively in terms of elevating the organisation’s profile and ability to influence, and by being eager and equipped to utilize their own network for this purpose, as well as skilled in representing the Supervisory Board internally and externally;

· Given the nature of the activities and focus areas of SNV, the new strategic chapter for the organisation, and the current composition of the Supervisory Board, we are looking for our next Chairperson to have a comprehensive understanding of the international development sector, a wide network which expands on and complements that of the organisation’s leadership, and the knowledge and familiarity of the current international development debates to help steer the organisation’s CEO and Managing Board effectively;

· Is enthusiastic about development cooperation and convinced of its value in enabling a more equitable and sustainable society in a changing social, societal and economic context;

· Has subject knowledge on at least one of SNV’s three thematic core areas: gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, or strong institutions and effective governance and/or on the organisation’s three technical areas of focus; agri-food, energy or water

· Has outstanding leadership skills, with seasoned experience in non-executive board and executive leadership roles and therefore sound ability to build bonds across different stakeholder groups and within the Supervisory Board, and able to strike a balance between involvement and keeping distance as a supervisor;

· Is able to translate complex supervision situations into manageable challenges with corresponding solutions;

· High social and ethical standards that correspond with SNV’s mission, values and policies, and thorough understanding of governance best practice;

· Is able to critically reflect on their own contribution as a supervisor;

. Can assess, connect and bridge the various interests within the Supervisory Board and the organisation

Additional Information

· SNV is a global organisation committed to bringing different people, ideas and perspectives together. We aim to have a diverse and inclusive Board and welcome diverse backgrounds and lived experience.

· Whilst we require the Chairperson to be based within Europe to facilitate in-person interaction with other Supervisory Board members and the CEO and attend in-person meetings without incurring excessive costs, we very much welcome and encourage candidates that will increase the cultural diversity of our Supervisory Board.

· The complete Supervisory Board meets four times per year (in-person, online or hybrid). Occasional visits to SNV’s country programmes around the world are highly encouraged. Appointment will be for a first-term period of four years, with one additional term possible.

· This is a non-remunerated role, with a stipend provided to cover travel and incidental costs.

Desired start date: June 2023, with opportunity to join as a spectator in April 2023

How to express your interest

If you believe in the SNV mission and that your credentials meet the profile, we invite you to express your interest by clicking on the “I’m interested” button and uploading your CV and cover letter.

Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to send an email to mobility@snv.org, or reach out to Mascha de Wildt, SNV’s Global Head of People.