ABOUT EIT FOOD

EIT Food is growing Europe’s food innovation ecosystem to build a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system. We empower innovators and entrepreneurs. We invest in ideas and talent. And we create space for science, research, industry, and policymakers to accelerate systemic change across the food sector.

By mobilising the collective power of our ecosystem, we tackle Europe’s most pressing food challenges - driving innovation in resilient agriculture, protein diversification, and agrifood biotech to build a sustainable future for people and the planet.

EIT Food is an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, set up in 2017 to accelerate food system innovation in Europe. EIT Food headquarters (HQ) are based in Leuven (Belgium) and it has 5 regional hubs in Europe (based in Poland, Spain, Germany, the UK and Netherlands), each working with and for partners in several EIT Food partner countries.

Visit our website: https://www.eitfood.eu

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Supervisory Board is overseeing the activities of EIT Food and monitoring the definition, approval and fulfilment of the Strategic Agenda. It appoints the CEO, supervises their work and discusses and approves strategic decisions that guide the organisation, which are developed and proposed by the Executive Management Board. 

It is elected by the Partner Assembly and is currently composed of four representatives of the Partners and six independent board members with complementary skills and experiences. 

The Supervisory Board meets two times a year physically and on average four times virtually  for board meetings. Furthermore, work on specific topics are performed in the different committees .(Audit & risk, Nomination & remuneration, Strategy and legal and compliance). 

The Supervisory Board Members are appointed for a term of 3 years, which can be renewed twice by the Partner Assembly (to maximum of 9 years). 

EIT Food is seeking a visionary and experienced Independent Member to join its Supervisory Board. The ideal candidate will provide robust governance, financial oversight, and strategic guidance, acting as a forceful ambassador for innovation and entrepreneurship in the European food system.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide independent governance and strategic oversight as a member of the Supervisory Board.
• Oversee financial health, risk management, and compliance, with a preference for serving as Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) Chair.
• Champion EIT Food’s mission across Europe, serving as an influential ambassador to external stakeholders. 

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Governance Experience: Prior board-level experience, preferably holding or having held the role of Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) Chair. 
• Independence: Strictly independent; must not be employed by, affiliated with, or related to any existing EIT Food partner organizations. 
• Communication & Advocacy: Outstanding communication skills, a deep passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, and the drive to act as a forceful ambassador for EIT Food. 
• Language: Fluency (excellent command) in English. 

To achieve a well-rounded and balanced board composition, preference will be given to candidates possessing one or more of the following:

• Financial & Audit Expertise: 
  • Executive financial experience (Management Accountant, Finance Director, or CFO). 
  • Professional auditing background or deep familiarity with financial risk assessment. 
• Policy & Public Sector Knowledge: 
  • Direct working knowledge or experience of how European Union institutions or local/regional governments operate. 
• Sector Experience: 
  • Experience within the European agro-food sector is highly valued; however, exceptional candidates from other sectors are also encouraged to apply. 

The Supervisory Board of EIT Food needs to be diverse, not only in terms of experience and professional backgrounds, but also in terms of geographic spread, generational mix and gender. 

WHAT WE OFFER 

Working at EIT Food means joining a team of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to creating a better future through food innovation. We cultivate a culture of collaboration, inventiveness, inclusivity, and constructive feedback. All employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and expertise towards our mission of creating a more sustainable and inclusive food system. Together, we're making a real impact on the food industry and we're looking for talented individuals like you to join us.

Board members are entitled to an annual stipend of EUR 12,000. Additional advisory activities may be compensated on a per diem basis. Any travel and other expenses are reimbursed. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES 

At EIT Food we believe that diversity and inclusion make us stronger. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates, regardless of age, gender, background, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We welcome applications from everyone and strive to create a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential.

Applicants who believe that the selection process has not been conducted in accordance with the published procedure may submit a written appeal within five working days of receiving notification of the outcome. Appeals should clearly state the grounds for the appeal and will be reviewed by EIT Food.