Independent Council Member

Starting Date: June/December 2025

Contract type: Voluntary (Unpaid)

Location: Global (Remote with travel)

Application closing date: 8th April 2025

About the Role

Better Cotton is seeking an Independent Council Member to join our governance structure and contribute to the strategic direction of the world’s largest cotton initiative. As the equivalent of a Board of Directors, the Council holds the highest level of decision-making authority within Better Cotton, shaping its future and ensuring strong governance. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to play a key role in guiding our mission and driving positive impact across the cotton industry.

As an Independent Council Member, you will complement the skill set of our elected and co-opted members while strengthening the Council’s oversight and strategic decision-making. Your expertise and network will help Better Cotton navigate a complex and evolving landscape, ensuring we continue to support millions of cotton farmers worldwide.

Your Responsibilities

As an Independent Council Member, you will:

• Provide oversight of Better Cotton’s strategic direction and ensure alignment with its mission and long-term goals
• Monitor financial stewardship and approve key governance matters such as budgets, by-laws, and audit reports
• Appoint and support the CEO, ensuring they have all the resources they need to lead effectively
• Act as an ambassador for Better Cotton, leveraging your network to support fundraising and advocacy efforts with governments, international bodies, and financial institutions
• Contribute to the governance processes, including the approval of membership policies and grievance management frameworks
• Support Better Cotton’s role in sustainability and voluntary standards, helping to establish strategic alliances and partnerships
• Participate in Council meetings, committees, and additional governance responsibilities

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking candidates who bring:

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Senior Leadership experience in governance, sustainability, finance, policy or a related field
• Strong understanding of global sustainability challenges, particularly in agriculture, supply chains, or international development
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to board-level discussions and decision-making
• Experience engaging with governments, international institutions, or multi-stakeholder initiatives
• A strong professional network that can support Better Cotton’s advocacy and fundraising goals
• Commitment to Better Cotton’s mission and values
• Experience in previous roles in one or more of the following areas: human rights, gender, not profit strategy development and execution, fundraising, fund management, cotton trading, international finance, sustainability legislation

Desirable:

• Experience in non-profit governance, voluntary standards, or sustainable finance
• Knowledge of the cotton industry or global textile supply chains
• Prior board or advisory committee experience
• A background in strategic partnerships or stakeholder engagement

Commitment & Participation

• Attend two in-person Council meetings annually (held in June and December/January)
• Join up to five virtual 90-minute Council calls per year
• Serve on at least two Council committees
• Independent Council Members serve a four-year term

Compensation & Reimbursement

This is an unpaid voluntary position. However, travel expenses may be reimbursed on a needs basis for candidates who do not have access to travel funding from other sources.

Apply now

If you are passionate about sustainability and governance and want to make a lasting impact, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are interested in joining Better Cotton’s Council by 08/04/2025

About Better Cotton

Better Cotton is a global not-for-profit organisation supporting the production of more equitable and sustainable cotton at farm level. We exist to catalyse the cotton farming community with partners, governments and others to continuously drive positive impact by setting standards and facilitating the supply and demand of more sustainable cotton from farm to brand. In just 15 years we have aligned more than a fifth of the world’s cotton with our standard and helped farmers and farming communities thrive. Join us in building a better, more sustainable future for cotton worldwide.

About our Values

The post holder will be expected to operate in line with our workplace values which are:

• Trustworthy (including honest, transparent, credible)
• As having Integrity (including responsible, authentic)
• Positive (including problem-solving, pragmatic)
• Engaging (including adaptable, inclusive, holistic)
• Daring (including courageous, innovative, game-changing)

Being you @ Better Cotton

Better Cotton is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human, and financial resources.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to any attitudes or behaviours that put children or adults at risk of harm. Safeguarding incidents are acts of serious misconduct and are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal and referral to relevant authorities for criminal prosecution. Therefore, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.