We are now seeking nominations to fill four seats on the Steering Group. As a formal sub-committee of the Board of Directors, the Steering Group plays an important role in shaping GISF’s strategic direction and ensuring that members’ perspectives are reflected in key organisational decisions.
GISF held its first Steering Group elections in 2024, followed by a second election in 2025. Representatives elected in 2024 have now completed their initial two-year term. To support continuity, preserve institutional knowledge, and provide stability within the Steering Group, it has been agreed that, on an exceptional basis, three members due for re-election will extend their term by an additional year.
We are now seeking nominations to fill four seats on the Steering Group. As a formal sub-committee of the Board of Directors, the Steering Group plays an important role in shaping GISF’s strategic direction and ensuring that members’ perspectives are reflected in key organisational decisions.
Joining the Steering Group is an excellent opportunity to help shape GISF’s future and contribute to the positive development of the wider humanitarian security risk management sector.
Please note that only one candidate may be nominated per organisation for the Steering Group. We encourage organisations to discuss nominations internally before beginning the application process.
For further information about the role and to apply, please click and download the GISF-SG-application-form 2026. Completed applications should be sent to natalie@gisf.ngo by the end of the day on Monday 22nd June.
At GISF, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and representative community. We strongly encourage nominations of individuals with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that reflect the rich diversity of the GISF network.
Nominations will be presented to members in a simple election process. Each member organisation will have one vote which will be sent to GISF’s primary contact.
GISF SG TOR Revised January 2026 [6] (FULL TERMS OF REFERENCE)
Steering Group Representatives
Main Responsibilities
- To interpret membership criteria and vote on new applications for membership to GISF
- To promote the work of and encourage interest in GISF through their networks
- To foster a positive culture within GISF, including engaging with new attendees at GISF events
- To use their networks to support the GISF Secretariat in identifying speakers, partners, contributors, etc.
- To actively engage with the full range of GISF members to gather perspectives and to feed this into SG discussions and to the Board
- To assess the performance of GISF and report on it to the Board and the Membership
- To work with the Secretariat to develop and implement processes to identify thematic SRM priorities within the membership that can shape GISF activities
- Support the Board and Secretariat on GISF strategy development.
Desired Experience
- Demonstrated period of engagement with GISF activities
- Experience in SRM at a senior level within an NGO
Elections
- When vacancies arise, the SG will conduct an audit of current Steering Group Representatives to identify where gaps in representation exist. A decision will be made by the SG to co-opt to cover specific gaps or to have an election. Co-option may also take place if an election has been held recently, to avoid election fatigue. Gaps will be noted when the vacancy is advertised to Members, highlighting that applications are particularly encouraged from relevant members.
- Elections will be held at a minimum every two years, to cover the rotation of SG members elected on two-year terms.
- Applicants will apply with a 200-word statement of what value they will bring to the SG, and what they will hope to achieve. They will also describe how they have engaged in GISF-related activities.
- If necessary, current SG Representatives will be asked to confirm that sufficient engagement has been demonstrated. GISF Secretariat can provide further details on recorded engagement.
- The application must be accompanied by two signed nominations from other GISF Members.
- Statements from prospective Steering Group Representatives will be shared with the membership (regardless of whether there’s a requirement for a vote).
- If the number of applicants exceeds available spaces, provision will be made for members to electronically vote for their preferred Steering Group Representative.
- Members have one vote per organisation, through the GISF primary contact
- If the number of applicants is equal to or less than the number of available seats, a confirmatory vote will be offered to members. Members will vote on the proposed SG representatives as a group (i.e. not on individual candidates) with the options of Yes/No/Abstain. Yes>No allows the appointment to progress.