Open Position | Independent Board Member | With Financial Expertise

Alterfin is a Belgian social cooperative and impact investor that aims to improve the livelihoods and living conditions of socially and economically disadvantaged people and communities, mainly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Through investments in microfinance institutions and sustainable agricultural enterprises, Alterfin currently manages a portfolio of approximately EUR 100 million, reaching more than four million families.

To strengthen our governance and collective decision-making, we are seeking an Independent Board Member with financial, audit, and/or regulatory expertise.

The role of the Board of Directors of Alterfin

The Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic oversight of Alterfin and safeguards the organisation's mission, values, and long-term sustainability. 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. The Board currently consists of eight members and operates in English.

Background and competencies

  • You have broad financial expertise and good knowledge of financial analysis or audit, financial markets, and corporate finance. You understand Alterfin’s financial accounts in a detailed way, have experience with ALM management, and have knowledge of the general financial environment and instruments.
  • You have experience with Belgian FSMA compliance matters and can assist the Board in navigating the increased regulatory environment.
  • You have affinity with north/south development, agriculture and/or microfinance, and social economy.
  • You have strong network connections.

Responsibilities/tasks

  • You can prepare for and attend five Board meetings per year, all held in person in Brussels. Travel expenses can be reimbursed at the rate of a train ticket from within Belgium.
  • As a financial expert, you are part of the Risk and Audit Committee, with two additional 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 before October 25th 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 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.