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Independent governance review – Call for Expressions of Interest

What we are seeking

The Center for Economic and Social Rights seeks an independent expert review of the governance structure and practices of the organization. The work is time-sensitive. The expert must have a solid track record in governance relevant to NGOs in the non-profit sector. 

Context

We are an international non-governmental organization that aims to transform the dominant economic system. Our vision is of a world in which a just distribution of resources and power enables current and future generations to live with dignity, in full enjoyment of their economic and social rights. In pursuit of that vision, our mission is to harness the power of human rights to inspire fairer and more sustainable economies.

We work to improve the lives of everyone affected by the unequal distribution of resources and power around the world. Using an innovative research approach, grounded in the lived realities of different communities, we build compelling evidence to decode the economic structures that harm people’s rights, cultivate alliances to push for their transformation, and advocate to reform the policies that sustain them.

In recent years CESR has gone through an evolution due to transitions in leadership, staff, and board members, the pandemic, and resulting financial shifts including an adjustment to a fully remote work setting for this international organization.

Scope of the independent review

Reviewing current governance practices and understanding strengths and weaknesses, to be able to create plans for improvement while also integrating new board members who must learn about CESR’s history and mission. The review of CESR’s governance practices is meant to provide this analysis while also providing recommendations for CESR’s board and leadership.

The review should include the following:

  1. Strengths and needs against best practice, with the intent of ensuring a healthy functioning board in both its rules and its practice
  2. The mandate and functions of its board and all board officers; whether these have been effectively carried out in the last five years;
  3. The boundaries between the Board as an oversight and governance body and CESR’s Executive Director. 
  4. How does the Board supervise and guide the Executive Director? How does the ED report to and is accountable to the Board? 
  5. The current and potential role of CESR’s Advisory Council 
  6. Recommendations to CESR’s board and leadership, which should consider current board members’ mandates.

Application Process 

Please submit your expression of interest to jobs@cesr.org, including:

·   A cover letter detailing your approach to achieving the deliverables.

·   A CV highlighting relevant experience.

·   Links or attachments to recent work or evidence of similar projects.

Budget

Please include your daily rates in your application.

Timeline 

We seek an immediate start, and early applications are strongly encouraged as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.