RRI is seeking nominations for the Chair of the Board of Directors, who will guide its coalition of more than 200 partners, collaborators, and fellows in implementing its Fourth Strategic Program, which runs through 2027.
We are looking for individuals committed to RRI’s core issues: The land, resources, and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendent Peoples, and local communities. Strong nominees are seasoned leaders who have played key roles in non-profit organizations or civil society movements, and who are familiar with international development, conservation, climate, or human rights spaces. Candidates from Indigenous, Afro-descendent, and traditional communities are particularly encouraged to apply.
Submission: Please submit your nominations here.
Term: 1 year, renewable annually up to 5 consecutive years
Deadline to apply: October 10, 2025
Location: Global (with the ability to participate remotely in meetings in multiple time zones)
About RRI’s Board of Directors
The RRI Board is currently composed of 11 people, including the RRI President, independent Board members, and coalition-elected Board members. Board members are primarily people from RRI’s three focus regions (Asia, Africa, and Latin America), with representatives of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Half of the Board members are also representatives of RRI’s partner organizations, with one from Latin America, two from Africa, and one from Asia. We also have independent Board members with expertise in governance, government relations, finance, private sector relations, law, and philanthropy.
Time commitment
The RRI Board meets twice a year, usually after the RRI annual governance and strategic planning meetings in January and October. Additional meetings can be added on an as-needed basis, either virtual or in-person. Board members are also expected to join one of the standing committees (Executive, Audit or Governance), and any ad hoc committees that may be struck for a limited period. Committee members meet online once prior to each Board meeting. In addition to the meetings, Board members are expected to dedicate time to reviewing documents prior to Committee and Board meetings.
The role is voluntary. Board members are not compensated for their participation in regular Board activities, although compensation may be approved if Board members are called upon to carry out tasks beyond normal Board duties. The Board Chair serves in their personal capacity and in the best interests of RRI, not on behalf of organizations they may be affiliated with.
RRI is responsible for supporting visa applications and travel logistics for Board and coalition meetings, and covering travel costs for Board members’ attendance at any RRI functions.
You can read the estimated minimum annual time commitment for the Board Chair in the full Terms of Reference here.
Responsibilities
The Board Chair serves as RRI’s public representative with external stakeholders and at organizational events while also advising the RRI President and Coordinator on an ad hoc basis. The Chair is responsible for authorizing documents on behalf of the Board of Directors, presiding over the Executive Committee, and facilitating effective and productive Board meetings. In addition, the Chair ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, provides financial oversight, manages organizational risk, and leads the performance review of the RRI President and Coordinator.
Qualifications
The qualifications below are not mandatory requirements; candidates may excel in some but not all areas. RRI understands the importance of Indigenous Peoples’, Afro-descendant Peoples’, and local communities’ traditional and local knowledge and lived experience in shaping leadership, and that these skills are not always translated or understood in the same way as listed below, particularly for Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant Peoples, or local communities.
- Leadership skills: Has the ability to preside over Board meetings and proceedings, ensuring full participation and informed debate among Board members, managing discussion between agenda items, and facilitating requisite decisions.
- Spokesperson: In coordination with the RRI President, has the demonstrated ability to undertake a public-facing representational role on behalf of RRI with external stakeholders, prospective and established donors, and media contacts, and in flagship RRI and international events.
- Thematic expertise: Has strong expertise in core RRI themes, such as land rights, conservation, Indigenous, traditional, and local knowledge, collective rights, climate policy and financing, and governance, and is committed to the advancement of these issues.
- Board experience: Has served as a member of a Board (or other high-level organizational governance body) before and understands the functions of Board committees and the fiduciary responsibilities of a Board member.
- Senior leadership experience: Has demonstrated ability to navigate organizational priorities such as programs, fundraising, organizational governance, and management, and/or Indigenous-led funds, and is capable of supporting the President’s role within both the Secretariat and the broader coalition. (Note: Experience may come from civil society, academia, journalism, government, or other relevant sectors.)
Selection Criteria
- Experience working with international organizations, coalitions, and/or networks, with preferred experience working in one of RRI’s focus regions (Latin America, Africa, Asia).
- Organizational leadership skills.
- Proven lived or working experience with Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendent Peoples, or local communities in support of their self-determined priorities, which may include Indigenous Nations in North America (Tribal Nations, Native Hawaiian, or Alaska Native in the U.S., or First Nations, Métis, or Inuit in Canada).
- Deep commitment to RRI’s mission and issues.
- Thought leadership in related issues, and experience with high-level organizational representation and public speaking.
How to Apply or Nominate a Candidate
Nominations may be submitted online here. Please include:
- Basic information: name and country of residence (for time zone and travel considerations)
- Short biography or personal background information
- Relationship to Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendent Peoples, and/or local communities
- Prior Board experience (if applicable)
- Availability to fulfill the responsibilities effectively
- A statement of how the candidate can contribute to RRI’s goals and strategy
- Résumé / CV / LinkedIn profile
Thank you for helping us strengthen our organization by identifying exceptional candidates who will contribute to our mission. You can reach us any time at [email protected] if you’d like to hear more about this position or other opportunities on how to become a Board Member.
