Open Position | Independent Board Member | With Legal Expertise

Alterfin is a social cooperative that aims to improve the livelihoods and living conditions of socially and economically disadvantaged people and communities, mainly living in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. To do so, we partner with two types of social enterprises: microfinance institutions and sustainable smallholder agriculture organizations. With 33 staff members, almost 6,000 co-op members, and a EUR 100 million portfolio reaching over 4 million vulnerable families, Alterfin is a unique impact investor in Belgium.

Alterfin is looking for a new Board member with legal expertise to have an active seat on its Board of Directors. The Board is currently composed of 8 individuals, and English is the working language.

The role of the Board of Directors of Alterfin

The Board of Directors establishes Alterfin’s strategic focus and is legally responsible for achieving its objectives within the framework of acceptable risk management. The Board has the wide range of skills required to ensure that Alterfin makes sound and well-informed decisions. Furthermore, it is a source of expertise and information for the CEO and his team.

Background and competencies

  • Broad legal expertise
  • Good knowledge of corporate and association governance (company law / conflict of interest / liability)
  • Good knowledge of contract law
  • As Alterfin is a regulated entity, it is comfortable with FSMA compliance matters
  • Ability to consider legal issues in the context of ethics and human rights
  • Good working knowledge of English, as it is the working language of Alterfin, including in the Board
  • Strong network connections
  • Affinity with north/south development, agriculture and/or microfinance, social economy

Responsibilities/tasks

  • You can prepare for and attend five Board meetings per year, all held in person in Brussels.
  • As a legal expert, you are part of the Risk and Audit Committee, with two additional online meetings each year.
  • You can take a stand within a group while adopting a positive attitude towards other Board members.
  • You want to contribute to expanding Alterfin’s network through your personal or professional contacts.
  • You have a good knowledge of English, as meetings are held in English.
  • Candidates are elected for a 5-year term, renewable once. The mandate is not remunerated.
We actively strive for diversity in the composition of the board. Candidates from groups that are underrepresented in board and leadership roles are warmly encouraged to express interest.

Interested?

  • Would you like to learn more about the tasks and responsibilities of Alterfin’s Board of Directors, or are you wondering if you fit the profile? Please contact Klaartje Vandersypen, Chair of the Board (Dutch/French/English), on 0473 93 23 49 or via klaartje.vandersypen @ outlook.com.
  • If interested, please send your CV accompanied by a motivation to klaartje.vandersypen @ outlook.com.
  • At the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, the selected candidate will briefly introduce himself/herself to the cooperative shareholders before the official vote of the General Meeting.
  • Since Alterfin is a fund manager to be licensed by the FSMA, the Belgian investment sector regulator, the qualifications and integrity of new board members will need to be vetted by the FSMA.