OLJA is recruiting its founding Board of Directors. We are looking for four to six individuals with complementary expertise who will hold fiduciary responsibility for the institution and shape its strategic direction at the highest level.
The founding board of a human rights organisation shapes its values, its ambitions, and its integrity for decades. The people who join OLJA's board now — before the organisation has staff, offices, or operating history — will define what this institution becomes.
OLJA's board is not an honorary position. We are looking for people who will actively contribute expertise, governance, and networks — and who believe, as we do, that unjust laws must be challenged at every level, including the level of international law itself.
Senior legal practitioner, former judge, or international organisation leader. Responsible for strategic governance, chairing board meetings, and representing OLJA at the highest institutional level. Experience in international human rights law, IHL, or international criminal law strongly preferred. Track record of independent institutional leadership essential.
International human rights lawyer with demonstrated experience before the ECtHR, ICJ, or ICC. Will provide board-level oversight of OLJA's litigation strategy, case selection methodology, and relationships with international legal institutions. IHL specialists are particularly welcome. Experience in strategic litigation at the international level essential.
Financial professional or governance specialist with experience in NGO financial management, Dutch foundation law, or international non-profit regulation. Will oversee OLJA's financial controls, budget approval, and compliance with ANBI and KVK requirements. Dutch or European NGO sector experience preferred.
Experienced development professional with networks in major donor philanthropies, human rights foundations, and institutional funding. Will lead the board's fundraising strategy, support the founder in major donor cultivation, and oversee OLJA's relationship with institutional funders including the EU, UN agencies, and foundation partners.
Permanent recognition as a founding board member of a human rights institution that will operate for decades. Your role in OLJA's founding will be part of its institutional history.
Connection to OLJA's growing network of human rights lawyers, international law experts, UN officials, and civil society leaders across six regional hubs and 193 countries.
Direct influence over the strategic direction of a unique human rights organisation — one that is willing to challenge international law itself when it fails the people it is meant to protect.
Board positions are unremunerated. Reasonable expenses for board-related travel and activities will be covered by OLJA once funded. All board members are expected to actively contribute their expertise, networks, and time — not to serve in a passive advisory capacity.
Send a brief introduction — your background, the position you are interested in, and why OLJA's mission resonates with you. We will respond within 5 working days.