Call for Applications: OWSD Executive Board 2025-2027

The following information is intended to help you prepare your application. Please note the application form is not yet available but the link will be published on our website on Monday 22nd September.

Closing date for applications: 7th October 2025!

Requirements for candidates

In order to become a candidate for the role of Executive Board Member, the applicant:

• Must be an OWSD Full Member (ID number from Member Profile required).*
• Must declare she is currently living and working in a developing country in the region she seeks to represent. However, a ‘diaspora’ candidate from a developing country but currently living in a high-income country may be considered eligible to represent her home country and region by the Nominations Committee. In this case she must demonstrate her continued engagement with the region as well as ability to represent and be in regular contact with National Chapters. Additionally, diaspora EB members should ideally demonstrate links to potential funders and decision makers in the country where they live.
• Must hold a PhD in Natural or Social Sciences.
• Must have no conflicts of interest and be available to serve.

*If you have evidence that you have applied for membership by 15/08/2025 but your application has not yet been approved, please contact the OWSD Secretariat owsd@owsd.net by September 22nd.

In addition the applicant must show additional qualities, such as:

• Academic or scientific excellence;
• Knowledge of and commitment to OWSD’s mission and principles;
• Leadership skills;
• Outreach abilities, excellent interpersonal skills and public standing.

To Apply

In order to submit their application candidates must:

• Complete an online application form for the position of Vice President and/or Regional Member.
• Provide a short functional CV (max. 3 pages).
• Record short video (max. 3 minutes) introducing themselves and outlining vision, motivation, and contribution. The video must be in English.

Please read carefully the enclosed Terms of Reference and Sample Application form. The  Sample Application form is provided only for your reference and to help you prepare your application. DO NOT complete the Sample form and DO NOT submit it.

Only online applications submitted via the link provided on OWSD website (from 22nd September 2025) will be considered valid.

Please note that if you want to be considered for both roles of Vice President AND Regional Member you must submit two separate applications (please pay attention as some of the questions on the application forms are different according to the role although you are welcome to repeat your answers when relevant).

Candidates will then be assessed against eligibility criteria and selected in line with requirements and skills to fulfill the described roles and duties (see Terms of Reference below).

Timeline

• 15 Sep: Members are sent details of upcoming elections 
• 22 Sept: Application form published on website
• 7 Oct: Deadline for application submission (by 23:59 Rome time)
• 16 Oct: Publication of shortlisted candidates and voting opens for Vice Presidents and Regional Members
• 23 Oct: Voting closed 
• 24 Oct: Most voted candidates are informed and accept roles by 27^th Oct
• 3 Nov: New Executive Board members announced

Please consult the downloadable documents below:

• Sample Application Forms for the roles of Vice President.
• Sample Application Forms for the roles of Regional Member.
• Description of EB members roles and eligibility criteria.