Executive Committee Chair (Part-time, Remote)

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a global partnership to make palm oil sustainable. Today, the RSPO is a global, non-profit organisation with over 6,000 voluntary members across 104 countries and territories, representing every link in the supply chain: oil palm producers, palm oil processors and traders, consumer good manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs), social or developmental NGOs.

At RSPO, we believe that our success is built by the passion, dedication, skills, and expertise of our people. They are the ones who drive our organisation to new heights and guide us through the next of our development.

RSPO is seeking a visionary and experienced leader to serve as Chair of its Executive Committee (ExCo). The ExCo provides operational oversight and drives strategic execution within RSPO's governance framework, operating under delegated authority from the Board of Governors (BoG). It supports the BoG in implementing decisions from the General Assembly and advancing RSPO's mission and objectives. As an Independent Chairperson of the ExCo, the ExCo Chair plays a pivotal role in providing operational leadership, ensuring strategic alignment, and strengthening governance oversight. The role is responsible for enabling the effective delivery of RSPO's vision and strategic priorities, while ensuring compliance with the ExCo Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The scope of the ExCo Chair includes the following responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate closely with the Co-Chairs of the Board of Governors (BoG) and the CEO to ensure alignment of RSPO's strategic priorities and operational plans.
• Governance Oversight: Lead the ExCo in overseeing the implementation of BoG-approved policies, resolutions, and strategic directives across RSPO's operational units.
• Operational Alignment: Conduct monthly meetings with the CEO and Secretariat to ensure effective communication, consultation, and joint planning.
• Succession Planning: Oversee the succession planning process for ExCo members and ensure continuity in leadership.
• Performance Evaluation: Provide input on the performance and competencies of ExCo members and oversee the evaluation process.
• Meeting Leadership: Preside over ExCo meetings, ensuring effective governance and decision-making processes, convening no fewer than four (4) meetings per calendar year.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster positive relationships with the BoG, ExCo members, Secretariat staff, RSPO members, and external stakeholders.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The ExCo Chair reports to the Board of Governors (BoG), working closely with the BoG Co-Chairs and the CEO to ensure strategic alignment, effective communication, and coordinated oversight between the BoG, ExCo, and the Secretariat.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The ExCo Chair should ideally have strong demonstrated experience in the skills areas of:

• Proven leadership experience at a senior level, preferably in governance, sustainability, or non-profit organizations.
• Strong expertise in strategy development, financial management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, foster collaboration, and build consensus.
• Experience in sustainability practices and decision-making that promotes environmental, social, and economic well-being.
• Strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to RSPO's mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to act independently, without conflicts of interest, as per RSPO's Conflict of Interest Declaration.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Objective decision-making
• Open mindedness & respect
• Inquisitive mindset
• Succinct contributions
• Analytical ability

INDEPENDENCE REQUIREMENT

The ExCo Chair must serve as an Independent Chairperson, defined as an individual who is not actively employed by any RSPO member organization and who has no actual or potential conflicts of interest.

TIME COMMITMENT

• At least one (1) monthly meeting with the CEO/Secretariat
• A minimum of four (4) ExCo meetings per year
• Preparation sessions and additional meetings with the ExCo, Secretariat, and BoG as required, in consultation with the Co-Chairs
• Approximately 20% time commitment

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified applicants are invited to send in their updated CV giving comprehensive details of educational background, experience, and related achievements to [Confidential Information]. Please state Application - Executive Committee Chair in your email subject line.

**RSPO is an equal opportunity employer. Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be notified.