Be bold. Be creative. Be part of the fight for a green and peaceful future.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific Limited (GPAP) is inviting expressions of interest for one new Board Director, to be appointed at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The GPAP Board plays a vital role in upholding Greenpeace’s mission—to secure a green and peaceful future and confront the forces driving environmental destruction.
ABOUT GPAP
Greenpeace is an independent, global environmental organisation that uses non-violent direct action and creative confrontation to highlight environmental issues and promote sustainable solutions. Our mission is to ensure the Earth can nurture life in all its diversity.
GPAP is the national/regional Greenpeace entity for Australia and the Pacific, including: Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Cook Islands, Western Samoa, American Samoa, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Belau (Palau), Guam, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Tokelau, Commonwealth of the Marianna. Our head office is based in Gadi/Sydney.
Learn more about our work at greenpeace.org.au.
OUR VALUES
- Independence: GPAP accepts no funding from governments, corporations, or political parties to maintain our integrity.
- Bearing Witness: We take peaceful action to shine a light on environmental injustices and influence decision-makers.
- Non-Violent Direct Action: We take moral, peaceful action to expose environmental harm and inspire change.
GPAP is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), with an annual turnover of approximately $26 million (YE 2023). Financial reports are available via the ACNC website.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The GPAP Board safeguards the organisation’s integrity and mission. Each Director serves a three-year term, with eligibility for reappointment for up to two additional terms.
GPAP is structured as a public company limited by guarantee and governed under the ACNC’s Governance Standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Uphold and refine GPAP’s mission and strategy.
- Monitor programs and initiatives to ensure alignment with Greenpeace’s goals.
- Oversee CEO performance through clear objectives and reviews.
- Ensure sound resource management and sustainability.
- Monitor financial integrity, reporting, and internal controls.
- Identify and manage organisational risks.
- Comply with governance and fiduciary duties, including acting in good faith and avoiding conflicts of interest.
All Directors must hold an Australian Director Identification Number (or be in the process of applying, if based overseas).
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES
- Meetings: At least six formal meetings per year (weekday sessions), with additional shorter meetings as required.
- Format: Primarily hybrid; four in-person meetings annually (travel, meals, and accommodation provided).
- Time commitment: Approximately 15–20 hours per month.
- Pre-meeting dinners: Directors meet the evening prior to in-person sessions.
BOARD COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS
Board members are expected to join at least one of the following committees or groups:
- Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
- Nominations Committee
- Philanthropy Working Group
- Risk Working Group
- Indigenous Peoples Advisory Panel
- People, Culture and Remuneration Committee
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
All Board members must also be part of the GPAP General Assembly (GA), which forms the organisation’s voting membership and meets annually. Candidates who are not currently GA members must apply for GA membership when submitting their Director application.
Applicants who apply for both the Board and GA, may opt to withdraw their GA application if they are unsuccessful in the Board process.
ABOUT YOU
We seek a values-driven leader who combines governance expertise with lived experience in movement building or social change. You’ll understand both the mechanics of governance and the spirit of activism.
Essential Experience
- Senior executive experience within a large not-for-profit, NGO, or campaigning organisation (preferably at CEO or Executive Director level).
- Demonstrated governance experience and understanding of Board responsibilities.
- Strong alignment with Greenpeace’s mission and values.
Desired Attributes
- Proven influence in political, environmental, or social advocacy.
- Deep understanding of Australia’s political landscape, ideally including familiarity with the Australian Labor Party (while maintaining a non-partisan approach).
- Experience working with, or strong awareness of, Pacific communities and perspectives.
- Thoughtful communicator who thrives in collaborative and respectful governance environments.
COMMITMENT TO INTERSECTIONAL CLIMATE JUSTICE
Environmental issues disproportionately impact marginalised communities. GPAP recognises that effective environmental leadership must include those most affected.
Applications are strongly encouraged from:
- Pasifika Peoples: Regional experience, familiarity with Pacific environmental challenges, and willingness to travel are desirable.
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples: Candidates bringing cultural insight and understanding of environmental issues affecting Indigenous peoples, strengthening GPAP’s connection to Country and community.
HOW TO APPLY
Please include:
- A two-page (maximum) resume in PDF format.
- Via the application form, a short professional biography (this will also be presented at the AGM if you are recommended).
- Ensure you select the correct category - Board only or Board and GA - in the application form.
Deadline: Applications close at 5pm (AEDT) on 1st March 2026
Appointment: Successful candidates will be elected by vote of the GA at the GPAP Annual General Meeting, scheduled for 23rd May 2026.
JUSTICE AND BELONGING
GPAP is an inclusive, diverse, and equitable organisation. We welcome applications from people across all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Pasifika peoples, People of Colour, women, non-binary and gender diverse individuals, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disability.
While this is a voluntary Director position, Greenpeace recognises that the time commitment required can create financial barriers for some people. To support equitable participation and ensure our governance reflects the communities we serve, GPAP offers a Special Circumstance Discretionary Contribution for Directors who require financial assistance. This contribution is confidential, opt-in, modest, and designed to enable participation, not to compensate fully for time contributed. We strongly encourage candidates who may otherwise be unable to participate for financial reasons to apply and to enquire about this support.
If you require accessibility adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact the Company Secretary at company.secretary.au@greenpeace.org.
NOTE THE FOLLOWING, INDICATIVE TIMELINE FOR RECRUITMENT
1st March - Applications close
1st and 11th of April - Interviews will be held via zoom. Please advise if you are not available on these dates.
23rd May 2026 - Annual General Meeting (AGM) | Nominations Committee report presented to AGM, with recommendation for candidates for election, voting by GA and election.