Terms of Reference (TOR)

Introduction

Rikolto is an international network organization committed to contributing to sustainable food systems that ensure healthy food for all, thriving ecosystems, resilient livelihoods, and economic prosperity. To support its mission, Rikolto has established Regional Advisory Boards to provide strategic guidance, expertise, and oversight in alignment with the organization’s goals and values.

Purpose of the Regional Advisory Board

The Regional Advisory Board (RAB) serves as a consultative body, offering strategic advice to the Regional Management Team (RMT) to enhance the effectiveness, transparency, and impact of Rikolto’s programmes. The regional advisory board does not have governing power but plays a crucial role in shaping strategy, supporting innovation, and strengthening regional networks.

Roles and Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the Regional Advisory Board include:

• Advice and strategic direction – Provide advice and strategic direction to the regional management team. This includes providing insight and recommendations on key issues related to the organization’s mission, objectives, financial plans, programmes, policies, leadership development and growth. The Advisory Board can mediate if the members of the regional management team are not on the same line.
• Advice on selection of Regional Directors – Upon recruitment of Regional Director, the Advisory Board will provide advice to the Executive Director on the profile of the candidates. That means the Executive Director will ask for input from the Regional Advisory Board before appointing someone.
• Expertise and networking – The members of the advisory board bring expertise and experience in a variety of areas, which are relevant to Rikolto’s programmes and goals. They can also help expand the network of Rikolto by updating the RMT on trends emerging opportunities, establishing connections, fostering partnerships, and providing access to relevant resources and information.
• Advise on the performance and effectiveness – The RMT report to their RAB to discuss together the regional programme performance and receive advise on the effectiveness of its operations.
• Representation and Advocacy – The advisory board can serve as a voice for key stakeholders and communities. This can include representing diverse perspectives, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are represented.
• Promoting transparency and accountability – Another important aspect of an advisory board’s mandate is to promote transparency and accountability within the organization.
• Representation/the voice of the Regional Management team and the Advisory Board towards the International Board – The chairperson of the RAB, who is also the representative of the RAB to the International Board plays a key role in the region, particularly in the governance of the global organization. The chairperson is assigned to bring the perspectives of East Africa region in the International Board’s strategic reflection and give feedback / decisions of the International Board to the Regional Advisory Board.

Composition and Membership

• The Regional Advisory Board of East Africa will consist of a team of 3 to 6 people with a wide range of complementary expertise in agriculture, food systems, economics, sustainability, governance, fundraising, and policy advocacy.
• Members represent diverse backgrounds in terms of geography, gender, and professional expertise and they don’t have any financial ties to Rikolto to avoid conflicts of interest.
• The current member of International Board of Directors of Rikolto will become a chairperson for the first 3 years, thereafter the members will elect a chairperson.
• The Chairperson will serve as the liaison between the RAB and the International Board, ensuring that regional perspectives are incorporated into global decision-making.
• Members serve a three-year term, renewable twice after evaluation.

Meeting Structure and Frequency

• The Regional Advisory Board will meet three times per year, with at least one in-person meeting. It requires a personal commitment to be available and actively participate in those meetings.
• Additional meetings may be scheduled as necessary by the Chairperson.
• The Regional Management Team, in collaboration with the RAB Chairperson, will prepare meetings.

Support and Resources

• Membership is unpaid, but reasonable costs associated with participation (e.g., travel for in-person meetings) will be covered by Rikolto.
• Upon selected, the RAB will be exposed to an (online) onboarding phase to deeply understand Rikolto work and structure. In addition to the onboarding, the RAB will meet a number of people in the organization like the President of the International Board, the Executive Director, the Operations Director, the Global Programme Directors and the Management team of East Africa Region.
• The Advisory board members will have online access to relevant and needed documents of the organization for them to perform their responsibilities.

Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct

• As Advisory board member, you entirely adhere to Rikolto’s Code of Conduct and sign a Conflict-of- Interest Declaration Form.
• Ethical guidelines must be followed to maintain integrity and transparency.

Review and Amendments

• The ToR will be reviewed every three years or as needed to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
• Amendments will be made in consultation with the International Board and Regional Management Teams.