Chairperson of the Supervisory Board

In view of the forthcoming retirement of the Board Chair, we are seeking a new Chair of our Supervisory Board.

This is an exciting and meaningful time to join Child Helpline International. We are midway through our current strategic period (2021-2023), and in the coming years we will begin to develop and implement our future strategic period (2024-2026). Recent global events, including the coronavirus pandemic and crises such as the Russian-Ukrainian war have highlighted the crucial role child helplines play in child protection systems; in particular, our data has shown that children and young people are turning to child helplines when they face mental health issues.

As a global network, we continually strive to enhance the quality of response to children and young people in need of protection, support and guidance, and to advocate for their rights. We are committed to ensuring that the voices of children and young people are heard, that their rights are fulfilled, and that they are protected from violence and other harm.

Position

As a partner to the Executive Director, the Management Board of Child Helpline International and other Supervisory Board members, the Board Chair will provide leadership to Child Helpline International as we transition from the current strategic period (2021-2023) to a new strategic period (2024-2026).

The Board Chair will support and sustain the work of Child Helpline International and provide governance leadership and strategic fundraising support. The Board Chair shall preside over the Supervisory Board, which consists of appointed members with functional roles, including a Vice Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. It also includes five Regional Representatives, who are individuals from Child Helpline International members selected by their peers in each of the geographic regions in which Child Helpline International works. A Supervisory Committee is a sub-section of the Supervisory Board which engages more regularly with the Management Board of Child Helpline International, however the Board Chair acts as the main contact in this respect.

Specific responsibilities include:

Leadership, governance, and oversight

Being a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and the Management Board of Child Helpline International as they develop and implement Child Helpline International’s annual plan(s) and multi-annual strategic plan(s).
Acting as an ambassador for the organisation; the Board Chair promotes Child Helpline International through making use of personal and external networks to advocate for our members and raise awareness about their critical role in giving children and young people a voice in all matters concerning them.
Representing Child Helpline International at events relevant to the work of child helplines, speaking knowledgeably about Child Helpline International’s activities and programmes, and maintaining and increasing its relevance in the fields of children’s rights and child protection.
Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by Child Helpline International for evaluating its impact and holding the Management Board accountable for regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics.

Coordinating an annual performance evaluation of the Executive Director. 
Periodically consulting with Supervisory Board members on their roles and helping them assess their performance.
Planning, presiding over, and facilitating Supervisory Board and Supervisory Committee meetings; the General Assembly of Child Helplines (held every three years); the International Consultation of Child Helplines (held every three years); other Regional Consultations and strategic planning meetings.
Partnering with the Executive Director and Management Board to ensure that Supervisory Board resolutions are carried out.
As a Supervisory Board member, approving Child Helpline International’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities.

Ensuring Child Helpline International’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities Child Helpline International serves.

Fundraising

In collaboration with the Management Board of Child Helpline International, generating substantial annual revenue and fostering Child Helpline International’s overall financial health. 
Identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual donors, corporate, and/or foundation gifts.

Board Terms of Service

Child Helpline International’s Board Chair will serve a three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. Supervisory Board meetings will be held quarterly and Supervisory Committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings.

Qualifications

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the vision, mission and objectives of Child Helpline International, its members and their beneficiaries, and who has a track record of board leadership. The selected Board Chair will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the non–profit sector, and preferably through active involvement in the fields of child rights and child protection. Their accomplishments will allow them to attract other well-qualified, high-performing board members.

Ideal candidates will have the following profile and expertise:

Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the non-profit sector.
A commitment to and understanding of Child Helpline International’s vision, mission and objectives, preferably through active involvement in establishing and/or running a national child helpline, and/or active involvement in another child rights or child protection service or organization. 
Active involvement in, and personal recognition for, the promotion of respect for and implementation of the rights of children at the national and/or international level.
Good diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals. 
A broad network at their disposal and the willingness to make use of this network to the advantage of Child Helpline International and its members.

Excellent written and oral communication skills coupled with an affinity for public speaking. 
Demonstrated success as a non-profit board member or board chair. 
Track record of building credibility in the funding community that has resulted in major gifts to a non-profit.

Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, inclusive approach and a passion for improving the lives of Child Helpline International’s members and their beneficiaries.

Service on Child Helpline International’s Supervisory Board is without remuneration, except for reasonable out-of pocket expenses, including administrative support, travel and accommodation costs in relation to board members’ duties.

Timeline

Closing date: 15 July 2022

Interviews will be held during August 2022.

The incoming Board Chair shall be formally announced and introduced to the Membership of Child Helpline International during the 10th International Consultation of Child Helplines, 27-29 September 2022, to be held in Stockholm, Sweden. The official appointment of the incoming Board Chair shall be 1 October 2022.