Made up of more than 50 aid agencies across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to national NGOs, Start Network is a brave, creative and influential network seeking to transform humanitarian action, through innovation, fast funding, early action, and localisation. Our programmatic work addresses the key challenges to humanitarian action: slow and reactive funding, centralised decision-making, and an aversion to change.
Start Network itself is at a critical and exciting point in its journey. Following the rapid growth and diversification of its membership over the past ten years, it is on a path to become a decentralised and locally-led “network of networks” – devolving its leadership, membership, programmes and decision making to national and regional hubs around the world. We are now looking for an independent Chair of the Board to help lead Start Network in this next stage of its development and success.
Our next Chair will bring ambition and a strong, visible passion for our mission of change in the humanitarian system. They will have experience at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation or social movement, ideally from the Global South – this could be a humanitarian organisation, a wider social impact organisation, international public sector, or social enterprise. They will preferably bring experience of relatable international governance and external representation, and be skilled in managing multiple stakeholders and their interests.
The Chair is a voluntary position and will be expected to serve a three-year term, extendable to a maximum of two terms. There are four Board meetings per year, one of which will be face-to-face in London, the rest being virtual. The Chair will also be expected to attend the annual Start Network Assembly meeting and AGM, which normally takes place virtually, and in person every three years. The Chair cannot be employed by, or on the Board of, an organisation that is a Start Network member.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Start Network on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference XAOATA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by 5pm (British Summer Time) on Thursday 15th April 2021.