Expression of Interest. Position: Chairperson (Chair)

Transcription

1 Water Industry Member Organisation National Not-for-Profit Company Research Focus Expression of Interest Position: Chairperson (Chair) Water Research Australia Limited (WaterRA) is a Not-for-Profit, member driven, national company limited by guarantee with a key role in the Australian water industry. WaterRA plays an important role in ensuring water for the wellbeing of all Australians and is a leader in delivering research services. With Industry, Research and General members derived from all Australian States and Territories, WaterRA conducts its business with a small team of staff and the Head Office located in Adelaide. The current Chair of WaterRA, who has been in the role since the company s formation in 2008, intends to step down at the next AGM in October Structures and Governance The WaterRA Board comprises nine Directors, one of whom is elected to the role of Chair at the Annual General Meeting. The other Directors include four Industry Directors, three Research Directors and the CEO sits on the Board as an Executive Director. The WaterRA Board has a Board Charter that directs the activities and accountabilities of the Board. Role of the Chair The Chair is responsible for: The appreciation of WaterRA and maintaining the vision, mission and values. Leadership of the Board. Ensuring that correct governance is provided to ensure the Board is effective in the discharge of its fiduciary duties and supervisory role. The efficient organisation and conduct of the Board s function and meetings. Facilitating the effective contribution of all Directors. The promotion of constructive and respectful relations between Board members and between the Board and management. Ensuring that member engagement is ongoing and relationships continue to be built. Committing the time necessary to discharge effectively his/her role as Chairperson. The growth and sustainability of the organisation. The Chair will be required to demonstrate: A commitment to the delivery of services and benefits to members nationally. A commitment to strategic planning. 1

2 An ability to lead the Board and Executive staff and to engage with members and the broader water industry across a range of disciplines. A strong water industry background. Term of Appointment / Remuneration The Chair is appointed for a three year term and is eligible for reappointment at the conclusion of each term. All reasonable expenses incurred in the course of undertaking the Chair duties will be reimbursed. The Board considers and sets a Chairman s Fee, in respect of time dedicated to the role, and appointment and remuneration will be presented for endorsement by Members at the AGM. Appointment Process The HR Committee Chair and Company Secretary will facilitate the appointment process. The key steps in the appointment process include: 1. Seek expressions of interest (EOI) in the position. 2. Receive applications from interested parties. 3. Confirm receipt of all applications. 4. The HR Committee will review the EOI applications and provide a shortlist of suitable candidates to the other WaterRA Directors. 5. The short listed applicants will be interviewed and a recommendation of the preferred candidate will be confirmed. The approved candidate will be endorsed in the Chair position at the WaterRA Annual General Meeting on 22 October The WaterRA Company Secretary will notify the successful candidate. 7. All other applicants will be advised of the outcome of the process. Submitting an Expression of Interest Application for the role of the Chair should include: A copy of your current Curriculum Vitae. A cover letter outlining the skills and attributes that would assist you in the position together with an explanation of why you would be a suitable Chair for this organisation. Ideally this should relate to the required experience and qualifications outlined in the accompanying Position Description. You should also express your opinion of WaterRA s current strengths and weaknesses and your vision for the future. Contact details for three current referees. Applications must be received by COB 5pm (CST) Friday 22 August to Mr Peter Brass, WaterRA Company Secretary: peter.brass@waterra.com.au Further Information For further information about WaterRA and/or the Chairperson position, please feel free to contact the HR Committee Chair, Prof Simon Beecham at simon.beecham@unisa.edu.au or

3 Position Description Position Title: Chairman of the Board Responsible to: WaterRA Board, Members Area of Focus: Whole of Company Date Revised: 1 July 2014 Prime Objective of the Role The Chair is directly responsible to the WaterRA Board and WaterRA Members as specified in the WaterRA Constitution. The Chair is aware of and fulfils governance responsibilities and complies with applicable laws to conduct Board business effectively and efficiently. Key Accountabilities The Chair is accountable for performance in the following key areas: 1. Ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the Board s governance and processes. 2. Preside over all meetings of the Board, Members Meetings and the Annual General Meeting. 3. Serve as an important member of the organisation s leadership team, working cooperatively with the CEO. 4. Acts as a spokesperson for the organisation, serving as a representative of the organisation to both internal and external constituencies. 5. Oversee the succession of the Chair and CEO positions. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Board Governance Ensure that the Board performs a governance role that respects and understands the role of management. Ensure that the Board adopts an annual work plan that is consistent with the organisation s vision, mission and strategic directions. Ensure that the work of the Board committees is aligned with the Board s role and annual work plan and that the Board respects and understands the role of Board committees. Ensure Board succession by ensuring there are processes in place to recruit, select and train Directors with skills, experience, background and personal qualities required for effective Board governance. 3

4 Oversee the Board s evaluation processes and provide constructive feedback to individual Board members and Committee chairs as required. Ensure that the Board governance structures and processes are reviewed, evaluated and revised from time to time. 2. Presiding Officer In conjunction with the CEO and Company Secretary, set agendas for Board meetings and ensure that matters dealt with at Board meetings appropriately reflect the Board s role and annual work plan. Encourage input and ensure that the Board hears both sides of a debate or discussion. Facilitate the Board in reaching a consensus. 3. Relationships Monitor the performance of the Directors, ensuring periodic Board evaluations. Maintain a constructive working relationship with the CEO, providing advice and counsel as required ensuring he or she understands the Board s expectations. Ensure that the CEO s annual performance KPIs are established and an annual evaluation of the CEO is performed. Participate in the recruitment and where necessary succession of the CEO. 4. Commitment Attendance at Board (quarterly), Member (biannual) and Annual General Meetings held at various locations within Australia or via teleconference. Meeting regularly with the CEO and serving as his or her advisor. Assisting in setting Board meeting agendas. 5. Representation 6. Term An individual at large who sits as an independent member once elected to the position of Chair and is independent of management and not employed by a member of the company. An individual who acts in the best interests of the company and its members. The Chair is elected to serve on the WaterRA Board for a three-year term and is eligible for re-election at the end of each term. 7. Other Responsibilities Fulfil the powers and duties from time to time, as prescribed by the Board to the Chair. Perform all duties as a Director, as detailed in the Corporations Act. 4

5 Performance Evaluation The Chair s performance will be reviewed on an annual basis at the same time as individual Director performances are reviewed. Experience and Qualifications Is a recognised individual knowledgeable about the field of water research and/or water research information. Experience as a Chair / Director of a public company. In a position of authority to influence opinion leaders / decision-makers and has political acuity. Possesses superior leadership and communication skills. Has insight to help shape water research directions, policies and programs. Brings visibility to and enhances the profile of the organisation. Strong focus and expertise in developing and maintaining effective relationships with Government, Research Organisations and Private sector organisations Has the time to continue the legacy of building strong relationships between the organisation and its stakeholders. 5