Chief of Staff

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the architect of a system of global sustainability standards that provides a common global language to assess and report on environmental, social and economic impacts. Beyond standards, GRI creates tools and training that empower organizations of all sizes to create sustainable, long-term value – benefiting people and planet. 

For almost 30 years, GRI has engaged in a global multi-stakeholder process to define and refine the global best practice for sustainability reporting. Today, the GRI Standards are the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting standards. 

GRI is an international nonprofit organization, headquartered in the Netherlands, with staff in more than 20 countries. Working at GRI, you will be part of a team – One GRI – that is committed to unlocking positive change in the world.  

The Chief of Staff will serve as a strategic partner and the primary point of support to the CEO, playing a key role in enabling the CEO’s effectiveness and focus. In addition to this primary role, the Chief of Staff will act as a central point of coordination between the CEO and the Management Board (MB), helping align priorities, drive execution, and ensure smooth communication across leadership functions. 

Exercising a range of skills, from communication to project management, the Chief of Staff will enhance CEO and MB engagement, drive alignment and accelerate delivery of organizational priorities. This is an ideal job for someone who would love a bird’s-eye view of GRI, accompanying senior leadership as it shapes our work and helping streamline the overall operations of the organization. 

The Chief of Staff role requires skills in organization, relationship management and systems thinking. This is a position requiring high trust and integrity. The capability to grasp the breadth of GRI’s work is important, alongside a proactive, strategic approach. Demonstrated abilities in communication and a passion for organizational development are also valuable for the role. 

Responsibilities

CEO support  

• Enable the effective management of the CEO’s agenda and outreach, including travel 

• Facilitate CEO internal communications and organizational updates 

• Contribute to public and internal communications and speeches for the CEO 

• Facilitate preparation of briefings for external engagements and ensure timely follow-up 

• Prepare strategic memos and decision support documents 

• Lead cross-cutting initiatives assigned by the CEO 

 Management Board coordination  

• Serve as the operational lead to the MB, ensuring smooth information flow between the MB and staff, governance bodies and other stakeholders 

• Manage meeting agendas, priorities and follow up on key action items, facilitating MB effectiveness 

• Ensure the MB is tracking progress, impact and learning across GRI 

• Support the organization of quarterly MB retreats  

• Support MB preparation for Supervisory Board meetings 

• Identify and drive improvements in organizational policy, process and practice, with a focus on agility and efficiency 

 Internal Communication lead  

• Lead internal communications, identifying and enabling improved information flows from and to the MB and across teams 

• Develop and promote internal communications and develop processes to facilitate internal communications across GRI 

• Promote cross-functional alignment and information flows. 

Work Experience  

• A university degree in a relevant field is preferred. Equivalent work experience is considered in place of a degree, ideally in a mission-driven and/or global organization 

• 5 years of proven experience working with senior teams on strategy, communications and/or organizational development 

• Proven track record in coordinating with internal and external stakeholders 

• Familiarity with the NGO / non-profit sector 

• Experience in driving high-impact initiatives in international work environments, spread across geographies and fast-paced, demanding settings 

Knowledge, skills and abilities 

• Affinity with the mission of GRI 

• Keen knowledge of the sustainability landscape 

• Fluency in written and spoken English; other languages are an advantage 

• Resilient under ambiguity 

• Project management acumen with attention to detail 

• Strong problem-solving, coordination and organizational skills 

• Outstanding writing, communication, and facilitation skills 

• Diplomatic skills and demonstrated cross-cultural and cross-functional communication 

• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive situations  

• Ability to: 

  • work independently and collaboratively 

  • perform effectively under pressure 

  • balance competing priorities 

  • adapt to and adopt new ways of working 

  • travel in response to organizational priorities or executive support needs

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to click on “Apply” and submit their resume and cover letter in English. The deadline to submit your application is 12.00 pm CET, 25 August 2025. We will only consider candidates with existing residence and work permits in the country of their residence.

What we offer

• Location: Remote (Hybrid if in the Netherlands; candidates must have an existing valid permit to work in the country of their residence)

• Work hours: 40 hrs p/w (full-time, flexible)

• Contract type: 1-year contract with possibility for extension

• Start date: ASAP

• Salary:  55,000-60,500 EUR gross per annum on a full-time basis (based on experience and location)

• Generous leave allowance 

• Opportunity for learning and development 

• Access to the GRI Academy 

We aim to create a recruitment process that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all candidates have equal opportunities and are evaluated based on their unique skills and experiences. If you have any questions or require any support and adjustments during the application process, please reach out to us at recruitment@globalreporting.org