Open call for the Chair of the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB)
The GSSB Chair’s role
Position Summary
The role of GSSB Chair requires a collaborative, principled, and prudent leader who embodies integrity, a global perspective, and a deep commitment to sustainability and public accountability.
The Chair of the GSSB provides leadership, governance oversight, and representation for the development of globally accepted standards for sustainability reporting. The Chair ensures that the GSSB operates with integrity, technical rigor, transparency, responsiveness to stakeholders, and in accordance with due process.
Appointed by: The GRI Supervisory Board
Term: A three-year term, with a possible renewal for a second term.
Time Commitment
Between a total of 320 – 360 hours (approximately 40 – 45 days) per year. Actual hours could be more, based on mutual agreement.
· Between 160 – 180 hours (approximately 20 – 22,5 days) per year to attend one (potentially two) in-person meetings (2 days each) and approximately 10 virtual meetings, including meeting preparation, document review and submitting comments. This excludes time to travel to and from the in-person meeting location(s).
· Between 160 – 180 hours (approximately 20 – 22,5 days) for meeting preparation, interaction with GSSB members, representation at key events, engagement of key stakeholders critical to the standard setting agenda, and to attend meetings with the Supervisory Board and other GRI governance bodies (in-person or virtual). This excludes time to travel to and from an in-person meeting location.
Reimbursement
Participation as the Chair (and member of the GSSB) is voluntary. GRI reimburses reasonable travel-related expenses and provides a daily per-diem related to in-person meetings, according to its Travel Policy.
Key relationships
· All members of the GSSB, and in particular the Vice Chair(s);
· GRI’s Chief Standards Officer;
· Chair and Vice Chair of the GRI Supervisory Board;
· GRI’s CEO and Management Board;
· Chair and Vice Chair of the GRI Stakeholder Council;
· Chair and Vice Chair of the GRI Due Process Oversight Committee;
· Standard-setters and other external stakeholders with an interest in sustainability reporting
Key Responsibilities
· Ensuring the proper and efficient functioning of the GSSB in accordance with the GRI Articles of Association and relevant bylaws;
· Ensuring due process is followed in accordance with the Due Process Protocol;
· Overseeing the orderly conduct by its members;
· Setting the agenda for GSSB meetings;
· Leading GSSB meetings;
· Serving as the main point of contact in the GSSB for the Supervisory Board, Management Board, Stakeholder Council, and Due Process Oversight Committee;
· Consulting and updating the Supervisory Board and Management Board on its Work Program and matters relating to the GSSB;
· Representing the GSSB in external relationships such as standard-setters and other official bodies with an interest in sustainability reporting, as needed and coordinated with relevant internal stakeholders;
· Attending the meetings of the Supervisory Board to provide updates on the GSSB's work and share insights to inform GRI's strategic direction;
· Attending regular meetings with the Chief Standards Officer and GRI Standards Team directors; and
· Attending ad hoc GRI-related internal meetings.
Ideal Experience
· Effective leadership skills;
· Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills;
· Demonstrable experience of working constructively with a wide range of international and national bodies;
· Judicious decision-making;
· Ability to work in a collegial atmosphere;
· Demonstrated commitment to the public interest and ethical leadership; and
· Commitment to GRI’s mission and vision.
Competencies
· Deep expertise in sustainability and standards
o Strong knowledge of sustainability reporting frameworks (especially GRI Standards), key concepts and practices.
o Understanding of global reporting trends and what drives them across the sustainability agenda.
· Strategic leadership
o Ability to set long-term goals and align the GSSB’s activities with the organizational mission, vision, and strategy.
o Facilitates development and adoption of standards that reflect global best practices.
o Balances diverse viewpoints while maintaining focus on strategic outcomes.
· Neutrality and integrity
o Demonstrates impartiality—acts independently and free from conflicts of interest.
o Ensures transparency and fairness in decision-making processes.
· Governance and oversight skills
o Ensures the GSSB adheres to the Due Process Protocol and the bylaws.
o Oversees the development, revision, and approval of standards.
o Familiarity with governance structures of multi-stakeholder organizations.
· Stakeholder engagement ability
o Committed to multistakeholder governance and stakeholder inclusiveness.
o Builds consensus among GSSB members from different constituencies, regions, and interests.
o Engages constructively with external stakeholders to advance GRI's mission.
· Communication and facilitation skills
o Leads meetings effectively and ensures productive discussions.
o Communicates clearly with internal and external audiences about GSSB decisions and their implications.
· Global perspective
o Experience in international contexts or with multinational organizations.
o Cultural sensitivity and ability to incorporate diverse regional viewpoints into standards development.
· Commitment to the public interest
o Focused on enhancing transparency and accountability of organizations for their impacts on others
o Advocates for standards that serve both preparers and users of sustainability information.
Other personal characteristics
· Demonstrably independent of personal, institutional, or sectoral bias.
· Confident in guiding complex discussions while remaining open to diverse viewpoints.
· Demonstrates curiosity and humility, recognizing that leadership involves listening, facilitating, and empowering others.
· Skilled in leading collaborative decision-making and navigating differing opinions constructively.
How to submit a nomination
If you are interested in submitting a nomination for the role of GSSB Chair, please complete the nomination form and submit the below documents by Sunday 26 October 2025 23:59 (CEST). You are also invited to submit names and contact details of suitable applicants, or forward this information to interested parties within your network.
- Completed Nomination Form
- Cover letter
- A recent CV
- The Employer's Statement if the nominee is employed (not self-employed)
Nominations received after the deadline cannot be considered. The Supervisory Board will shortlist applicants and conduct interviews shortly thereafter. The Supervisory Board is committed to consider both regional and gender balance on the GSSB in making appointments.
All questions and expressions of interest in this role can be directed to GRI Governance Relations at, [email protected].