FAIRTRADE BELGIUM - Member of the board - Application deadline : 26/09/2026

Founded in 1989, Fairtrade Belgium is an NGO (originally known as Max Havelaar Belgium up to 2014) built on the principle of "trade, not aid." Rather than buying or selling products itself, it works with retailers, brands, and food service partners to grow the reach and integrity of the Fairtrade label in Belgium. Belgian consumers buy over €350 million worth of Fairtrade-labelled products every year — bananas and cocoa alone each hold roughly one-fifth of their category — and today, about 85% of Belgian consumers know and trust the Fairtrade label.

Commitment & Remuneration

Time Commitment: The Board meets four times a year for a meeting of approx. 3 hours during late afternoon. Attendance is also required for one additional strategic reflection (half)day and the General Assembly meeting. Depending on their expertise, interests and availability, Board members may also provide strategic advice and take the lead on specific projects or initiatives throughout the year.

Term: 4-year mandate, renewable.

Language: Working languages are Dutch, French and English.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary Board mandate.

Desired Profile

The Board of Directors of Fairtrade Belgium is looking for someone with a genuine interest in fair trade and leadership experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Food retail and/or international trade in FMCG, specifically cocoa or coffee

• Marketing, branding, social media, digital, or e-retail

• Finance and/or fundraising

Experience in legal, HR, advocacy, sustainability, or communications is a plus. 

Given the Board's current composition, a strong network in the Walloon business community is particularly welcome, as is any perspective that helps the organisation better reflect the diversity of the communities it works with.

• The Board sets Fairtrade Belgium's strategic direction and policy within the wider international Fairtrade framework. 
• It's a motivated group with entrepreneurial and NGO backgrounds and a broad range of competencies, committed to a balanced composition in gender, background, and language. 
• The Board aims for six members (currently four). 
• As a Board Member, you will help challenge and support management with an outside perspective, bring your professional network to open doors the organisation couldn't open alone, and conduct critical oversight of financials and budgets.
•