Call for Nomination: EDRi Board elections 2021

EDRi’s General Assembly (GA) will elect two new Board members this year to replace the two outgoing Board members. The President will also be selected by the GA from amongst the members of the newly elected Board.

EDRi is looking for interested candidates to become a member of the EDRi Board. As an EDRi Board Member, you will help shape the future of the organisation and the network and advance our mission to promote and protect human rights in the digital environment. You will have a responsibility as an employer of the EDRi office and vis-à-vis the members.

When electing new Board members, the General Assembly will give due considerations to ensure that the composition of the Board reflects the diversity of the EDRi membership and that there is a gender balance and geographic balance between the Board members. EDRi seeks to achieve representation of diverse cultural backgrounds on the Board. Members of marginalised groups are invited to apply. The GA will also consider desired skills and experience for ability to effectively deliver a function of the Board, such as being an NGO board member, board chair or working with boards, fundraising, human resources, public relations, legal or technical skills, political experience, outreach/community experience and similar.

How to apply

If you are interested, please contact the team at to get relevant documentation.

The Election Committee would be happy to answer any questions you may have about what Board membership looks like or to get the contact details of EDRi members, just write to:

The closing date for applications is 27 March 2021. The vote will take place during the weekend of the online General Assembly, on the 24th and 25th April 2021.

EDRi’s Board

• Consists of 6 volunteer members, elected for a 3-year period;
• Governs EDRi in compliance with its statutes and internal working regulations;
• Meets remotely on a quarterly basis to discuss general management issues and twice in person for more detailed face-to-face discussions and strategic planning workshops (Board’s work related travel expenses are reimbursed by the organisation);
• Service on the Board should not require more than the equivalent of 10 to 12 days (80 – 100 hours) per year (excluding General Assemblies);
• Focuses on strategy and accountability rather than day-to-day operations;
• Participates in deliberations and decisions in matters of policy, finance, fundraising, programs, human resources and advocacy;
• Supports the growth of the network and deals with membership issues as they arise;
• Provides advice on how EDRi should respond to emerging issues outside of the strategic plan;
• Assists in developing and maintaining positive relations among EDRi members, staff members, membership, donors and other stakeholders to enhance EDRi’s mission;
• Provides all legal, policy and financial oversight to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations;
• Reviews the internal regulations and policies and recommend any changes for approval by Board and/or General Assembly as required;
• Oversees the Executive Director(s), including supporting and participating in the annual evaluation of the Executive Director(s);
• Reviews policy and other recommendations received from Board and senior management staff, for decision.

Required skills

• Experience in advocacy, activism, outreach/community and campaigning for digital human rights;
• Experience with NGO governance (board membership, board chairing, working with boards, or a similar role);
• Experience in public speaking, representation, networking, facilitation and moderation;
• Fluent command of spoken and written English.

Desired skills or knowledge to complement the current Board

• Fundraising (especially corporate donations, high network individuals, foundation grants);
• Human Resources and employment;
• Knowledge of politics and culture in Eastern and/or Southern Europe;
• Governance: creating process and regulations for governing bodies; legal oversight;
• Organisational development;
• Strategic planning: designing and/or advising organisations strategies;
• Diversity and equality;
• Network development and membership relations, liaison with the General Assembly.

To be eligible for election

• Any candidate must declare that they have permission to stand from their own organisation, if their organisation is a member of EDRi;
• Any candidate joining the Board does so in their personal capacity and not as a representative of an organisation;
• Any candidate must be endorsed. Members may set their own procedures for endorsements. When an individual steps forward to run for a position, he or she needs to seek endorsement from a member organisation. Organisations will have the opportunity to withdraw endorsement before the Board elections.
• Any candidate shall have the opportunity to make a presentation for their candidacy in writing and in person at the General Assembly.
• Any candidate must not have served on EDRi’s Board for more than three of the previous nine years, discounting any years prior to 2017 .
• Any candidate must declare any potential conflicts of interest, and anything else that might affect their eligibility, such as criminal convictions (as defined in EDRi’s Conflict of Interest Policy).

How to apply

To apply, please contact the team at to get relevant documentation. You will have to fill in an application form with skills self assessment and a brief biography (350 words max.) outlining your interest, experience, and background, together with a statement of endorsement by an EDRi member and the signed EDRi Conflict of Interest form.

Closing date for applications is 27 March 2021. The vote will take place during the weekend of the online General Assembly, on 24th and 25th April 2021.