Member of the Supervisory Board

Edukans believes in a world where every child and young person learns with confidence,
grows
, and develops the skills needed to help build a just and sustainable society
. The world is facing major challenges. The next generation is more important than ever in addressing them, and education remains the most powerful driver of change and progress. That is why we work on quality education in East Africa. We do this in partnership with teachers, educational institutions and governments. Together,
we create and test solutions that work in practice and can be implemented  drive sustainable change by improving learning outcomes and strengthening education systems, enabling children and young people to develop the skills they need for both work and life.

We are seeking a member of the Supervisory Board who, over the coming year, will progress into the role of Chair and help guide our development from a traditional NGO into a modern education expertise organisation – locally rooted and globally connected.

We are building a values-driven and knowledge-led organisation in which locally independent entities increasingly take responsibility for developing and promoting our educational approach. We are looking for a Supervisory Board member who can help stimulate and deepen this transition, while further strengthening our growth as a global organisation and enhancing our international positioning.

The Supervisory Board works closely with local Boards and governance structures to ensure that Edukans remains firmly rooted in the regions where we operate while expanding its impact globally. The Supervisory Board is committed to diversity in gender, cultural background, age, experience and perspective.

As the term of office of our current Chair comes to an end in June 2027, an opportunity has arisen for a new Chair. The successful candidate will initially join the Supervisory Board as a member before assuming the Chair position.

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Supervisory Board and foster an open, transparent and collaborative environment in which each member can contribute fully. You will also serve as a trusted sounding board to the Managing Director, listening attentively, providing constructive challenge and encouraging reflection without assuming executive responsibilities.

We are looking for a connecting and inspiring individual with a strong understanding of governance, strategy and social impact—someone who is motivated by supporting Edukans through a period of growth and transformation.

• Providing overall supervision of the Managing Director’s policies and the general affairs of the organisation and its affiliated entities.
• Ensuring the effective functioning of the Managing Director.
• Approving strategic and other significant decisions made by the Managing Director.
• Acting as an adviser, sounding board and critical friend to the Managing Director.

The Supervisory Board meets five times per year. The Board has an Audit Committee, a Quality and Safeguarding Committee, and a Remuneration Committee (chaired by the Chair of the Supervisory Board). The Board conducts an annual evaluation of its own performance.

The Chair of the Supervisory Board meets with the Managing Director every three to four weeks and, together with another member of the Remuneration Committee, conducts the annual performance review of the Managing Director.

We are seeking a candidate who recognises themselves in the following profile:

• Experience with in international non-profit organisations and an affinity with education.
• A strong connection to the mission of Edukans and the international education and development sector.
• A confident, independent and constructive sparring partner for the Managing Director.
• An active and relevant network, which can be leveraged to create opportunities, partnerships and visibility.
• The ability to interpret social, geopolitical and educational developments and translate them into strategic choices.
• A collaborative leader who fosters dialogue and cooperation in an accessible, respectful and…