Supervisory Board - open call for nominations

Sustainability reporting enables transparency and helps markets function more efficiently, supporting decisions that create sustainable benefits for everyone. For over 25 years, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has been a pioneer and architect of a global common language for organizations to be transparent and take responsibility for their impacts on people and the planet.

GRI has a two-tier board structure comprising a Supervisory Board and a Management Board. Its governance structure also includes the Global Sustainability Standards Board (‘GSSB’), Due Process Oversight Committee (‘DPOC’) and the Stakeholder Council. The Supervisory Board provides oversight of the Management Board. The Management Board is responsible for the conduct and management of the business and affairs of GRI as well as support the governance bodies.

The GSSB and DPOC oversee the development of the GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards. The Stakeholder Council serves as a sounding board for the Supervisory Board, the Management Board and GSSB regarding important key strategic issues facing GRI. All members of the Supervisory Board, GSSB, DPOC, and Stakeholder Council contribute their time and expertise on a voluntary basis. GRI is the operational entity that enacts work programs to deliver on our agreed priorities.

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The Supervisory Board supervises the work of the Management Board and assists the Management Board with advice. In addition, the Supervisory Board, provides oversight of at least the following:

  1. The governance bodies of GRI—the Management Board, Stakeholder Council, GSSB, and DPOC,
  2. The awareness of statutory objectives as well as other objectives of GRI,
  3. The strategy and risks associated with the activities of GRI,
  4. The design and operation of the internal risk management and control systems,
  5. Sustainability and financial reporting,
  6. Compliance with laws, the GRI Articles of Association and bylaws, and
  7. The relationship with GRI stakeholders.

The GRI Supervisory Board is seeking qualified applicants to fill upcoming vacancies on the Supervisory Board starting on 1 January 2026. We welcome nominations from all GRI stakeholder constituencies. A definition of GRI’s constituencies can be found here. Supervisory Board members are appointed for a term of up to three years and are eligible to serve two consecutive terms. 

Interested applicants are requested to review the information below regarding responsibilities and specifications, prior to submitting a nomination. Applicants may be asked to provide references on request.

Supervisory Board Member Qualifications

Ideal Supervisory Board members will have most of the following experience, skills and qualities:

  • A track record of board-level experience in an organization(s) operating in a relevant, complex, multidisciplinary and multistakeholder setting.
  • Proven leadership accomplishments and expertise in fields, or across constituents, relevant to GRI.
  • A strong understanding of governance, and the role of a Supervisory Board.
  • A deep passion for GRI’s mission, vision and programmes.
  • Exceptional people and communication skills.
  • Personal qualities of integrity, objectivity, credibility and excellent intellectual and analytical skills.

Time commitment

Approximately 10-12 days a year (including travel where Supervisory Board meetings are held in-person, as well as reading and preparation time). The Supervisory Board meets four times per year, of which typically consists of three virtual meetings and one in-person meeting with the Management Board to carry out its responsibilities towards the organization. Supervisory Board members may also serve on the different board committees. Committees include the 1) Finance, Audit, Risk & Remuneration committee, 2) Governance & Strategy committee, and 3) Nomination committee. Each committee generally meets virtually four times per year and on an as needed basis. Committee meetings also require preparation time and attendance.

Reimbursement

Participation as a member of the Supervisory Board is voluntary. GRI reimburses reasonable travel-related expenses and provides a daily per-diem related to in-person meetings, according to its Travel Policy.

Nominations and appointment process:

If you are interested in submitting a nomination for the role of a Supervisory Board member, please complete the nomination form and submit the below documents by Sunday 6 July 23:59 (CEST). You are also invited to submit names and contact details of suitable candidates, or forward this information to interested parties within your networks.

Nominations received after the deadline cannot be considered. The Supervisory Board will shortlist candidates and conduct interviews shortly thereafter. The Supervisory Board is committed to consider both regional and gender balance on the Supervisory Board in making appointments.

All questions and expressions of interest in this role can be directed to GRI Governance Relations at, [email protected].