Climate Justice Resilience Fund (CJRF) is seeking three new members to join its Governing Board.
CJRF is a participatory climate justice fund that supports community-based organizations working at the frontlines of climate change, investing in locally led solutions that advance human rights, equity, and justice.
As CJRF continues to grow and implement its multi-year strategy, we are seeking new board members who can contribute their experience, insights, and leadership to strengthen our governance and advance our mission.
About the CJRF Governing Board
The CJRF Governing Board provides strategic leadership, fiduciary oversight, and accountability for the organization.
Board members are activists, practitioners, and leaders from across regions and movements who share a commitment to climate justice, participatory governance, and equitable philanthropy.
Board members serve in their individual capacity and work collectively to:
Provide strategic oversight and direction
Support and oversee the Executive Director
Ensure responsible stewardship of CJRF’s resources
Strengthen accountability to frontline communities and movements
Contribute expertise, networks, and leadership to CJRF’s work
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking individuals who demonstrate:
Strong alignment with climate justice values
Experience working with frontline communities or grassroots movements
Commitment to participatory and equitable governance
Ability to collaborate across cultures, regions, and identities
Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to collective decision-making
Commitment to care, accountability, and anti-racist practice
We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of climate injustice and leadership within community-based or movement spaces.
Priority Areas of Experience
Based on the Board’s recent governance and skills assessment, we are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:
Climate Justice and Movement Leadership
Work within climate justice movements or grassroots environmental organizations
Experience with community-led resilience initiatives
Fundraising Strategy and Philanthropic Partnerships
Resource mobilization for social justice organizations
Philanthropic strategy or donor engagement
Finance and Organizational Stewardship
Nonprofit financial oversight
Budgeting, financial governance, or risk management
Governance and Institutional Leadership
Nonprofit governance
Board leadership or governance reform
Leadership transitions
Strategy and Organizational Development
Strategic planning and implementation
Organizational growth and change management
Participatory Grantmaking and Philanthropy Reform
Community-led grantmaking approaches
Trust-based philanthropy
Disability Justice and Inclusive Governance
Accessible governance practices
Inclusive participation in global organizations
Applicants do not need expertise in all areas. We are seeking candidates whose experience complements the existing board.
Board Member Commitments
CJRF board members typically contribute:
Participation in 2–3 virtual board meetings annually
Participation in two in-person board intensives per year (typically the last weeks of February and August)
Preparation for meetings and engagement in governance discussions
Participation in working groups or advisory roles when relevant
Board members must be able to:
Work across global time zones.
Communicate in English (the working language of the board)
Travel internationally for in-person meetings
CJRF governance operates as a hybrid model, enabling participation from board members across regions.
Our Governance Approach
CJRF governance is grounded in principles of care, accountability, equity, and shared responsibility.
We aim to cultivate a board culture that supports:
Respectful dialogue and collaboration
Equitable participation across regions
Accountability to frontline communities
Sustainable governance for both board members and staff.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process will include:
Open call for applications
Shortlisting by a selection panel
Interviews with shortlisted candidates
Reference checks
Final decision by the CJRF Governing Board
The selection panel will include:
A CJRF Board Co-Chair
The Executive Director
One additional board member
Two external advisors
Timeline
Recruitment launch: 1 April 2026
Application deadline: 4–6 weeks after launch
Interviews: May–June 2026
Final selection: August 2026 Board Intensive
Term of Service
Board members typically serve three-year terms, with the possibility of renewal in accordance with CJRF governance policies.
Accessibility and Participation
CJRF is committed to reducing barriers to participation.
Applicants are welcome to indicate any accessibility needs or reasonable adjustments that would support their participation in the recruitment process or board service.
How to Apply
Applications open on 1 April 2026 and must be submitted by 09:00 UTC on Monday, 13 May 2026.
Please submit your application via email to:
📧 monica.waqanisau@cjrfund.org
Subject: CJRF Board Application – [Your Name]
Applications should include:
CV (max. 2 pages)
Statement of interest (max. 2 pages)
Responses to application questions (see full ToR for details)
Two references
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview (May–June 2026).
Access the full Terms of Reference here
If you have questions about the board role or recruitment process, please contact:
Monica Waqanisau
Board Liaison
Climate Justice Resilience Fund
monica.waqanisau@cjrfund.org