Civil Society Advisory Governors

Background

The Commonwealth Foundation has a tradition of involving civil society in its governance. Five Civil Society Advisory Governors—distinguished civic voices, each representing a region of the Commonwealth (Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Americas, Pacific and Europe)—join representatives from all Member States on our Board of Governors.

We are looking for five new Civil Society Advisory Governors to serve for two years from July 2025.

While the Civil Society Advisory Governors do not have a decision-making role, they provide guidance, advice and support to Member State Governors and to the Directorate. Full details of the role are available in the Terms of Reference, which can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.

As a Civil Society Advisory Governor, you will have a unique opportunity to represent civil society in your region at a global level. Your contribution will help ensure that decisions taken by the Foundation are informed by the interests and priorities of the People of the Commonwealth.

Invitation process

The selection process for five new Civil Society Advisory Governors, to serve for two years from July 2025 to June 2027, is now underway. We invite expressions of interest from civil society leaders who meet the following criteria:

• You have a strong background engaging with civil society in your region, focusing on areas that align with the Foundation’s fields of work.
• Your background and connections will enable you to confidently represent your regional civil society and its interests.
• You understand our unique intergovernmental position advancing the needs and interests of civil society.
• You appreciate the importance of working constructively and in a participatory fashion with governments.
• You are in a position to contribute your time and expertise without remuneration (beyond expenses) to an agreed level of effort (we estimate that to be around half a day per month plus additional days associated with any required travel).

You must be a national of a Commonwealth Foundation Member State to apply. You should also be an active member of an established Civil Society Organisation.

Applications should be sent via the form linked on this page. Answers should clearly address the selection criteria set out above and in the terms of reference. The recruitment will be overseen by the Director-General, the Chair of the Board of Governors and the Chair of the Executive Committee.

Shortlisted applicants can expect to be contacted by the end of March 2025. They may be required to provide additional information, including letters of recommendation.
Selected nominees will be confirmed by the Foundation’s Board by or before June 2025. Appointed members will serve a two-year term that will run from July 2025 to June 2027.

Please note that applications open at 1pm BST on 28 February 2025 for a period of two weeks.

Please note that the deadline for applications will be 1pm BST on 14 March 2025.