Solidaridad Europe is looking for a new Chair of the Continental Supervisory Board (CSB). The CSB supervises Solidaridad Europe’s management and development and evaluates the policies pursued by the Managing Director (MD). The CSB currently consists of seven members. They share the vision of Solidaridad Europe and have recognised expertise in their field of work. The CSB normally meets four times per year, twice in the office in Utrecht and twice for a shorter meeting online. An Audit Committee composed of three CSB members reviews and prepares decision making on financial matters. 

Candidate’s profile:

The Chair of the CSB acts as the primary link between the CSB and the MD, ensuring effective governance, strategic oversight and alignment with stakeholder interests. The Chair is responsible for leading board meetings, fostering constructive debate, and managing the performance and evaluation of the MD and the organization as a whole. Externally, the Chair may be required to support high-level engagement with strategic partners. Since a fair selection of those partners are Netherlands-based, we are looking for a candidate residing in the Netherlands and preferably Dutch-speaking.

The Chair of the CSB also represents the European region in the Solidaridad network-level International Supervisory Board (ISB). The ISB is the highest level of supervision of the Solidaridad Network and monitors policies, the quality of programmes, financial control and the performance of the Executive Board of Directors. The ISB meets twice a year. The appointment of this position in the ISB is subject to nomination by the CSB and ISB approval.

We are seeking a candidate with the following profile:

CSB main tasks and responsibilities:

  • Strong and inclusive leadership profile with experience in managerial and board roles;
  • Supportive of Solidaridad’s mission, with an affinity for sustainable development;
  • Strategic vision with the capacity to both look at day-to-day operations and guide long-term impact; 
  • Smart thinker who understands the complexities of a supervisory role in our global network of seven Regional Expertise Centres and coordinating Network Foundation, and the context in which we operate;
  • Experience navigating the legal, financial, and regulatory frameworks in the non-profit sector;
  • Ability and passion to represent the organization to external stakeholders;
  • Ability to objectively support, evaluate and hold the MD accountable;
  • Sufficient time availability to fulfill this role;
  • In principle, ready for a commitment of at least four years;
  • Independent, with strong integrity and enthusiasm for the role; and
  • Fluency in Dutch is an asset and proficiency in English is required.

The European CSB supervises Solidaridad Europe’s MD. The MD must obtain the prior consent of the CSB before determining the Annual Plan, Budget, the Annual Report and Accounts of the Foundation, strategic partnerships, entering into agreements to obtain property and substantial expenses. Additionally, the CSB is responsible for putting forward nominations for the post of MD when there is a vacancy. 

An onboarding programme is in place to ensure new participants in the CSB can contribute their ideas effectively and are welcomed into our organization. In Solidaridad, diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our collective mission, vision and values.

NB. Members of the CSB receive no remuneration for their work but expenses will be reimbursed. Such payments will be made transparent and further explained in the annual accounts.

Application process

Do you recognize yourself in this candidate profile? Then please submit your motivation letter and resume in English to hr-europe@solidaridadnetwork.org by close Sunday 13th September, and state “Application: Supervisory Board Chair Europe” in the subject header.

Questions can be addressed to: antonia.kerridge@solidaridadnetwork.org.

The selection process will involve at least one round of interviews. Submitting a recent Statement of Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent Gedrag) and signing our Code of Conduct are entry requirements.

About Solidaridad

Solidaridad envisions a world in which all we produce and all we consume can sustain us while respecting the planet, each other and the next generations. Our mission is to enable farmers and workers in agricultural supply chains to earn a decent income, shape their own future, and produce in balance with nature by working throughout the whole supply chain to make sustainability the norm.

Solidaridad is an international network organization consisting of seven Regional Expertise Centres located around the world (Asia, Latin America, Southern Africa, East and Central Africa, West Africa, North America and Europe), each with their own specific expertise and focus. Solidaridad works in over 40 countries worldwide.

Solidaridad Europe focuses on development of a fair market, inclusive regulations, donor engagement and societal support. We seek to inspire the private sector, governments, civil society organizations and consumers in Europe to contribute to sustainable economic development. Our strategic plan for the 2026-2030 period can be found here. 

For more information please refer to http://www.solidaridadnetwork.org