Supervisory Board Member Applications

About EIT Water

EIT Water is Europe's innovation community for water, marine and maritime systems. It connects industry, innovators, researchers, educators and policymakers to tackle the most urgent water challenges from scarcity, drought and flooding to pollution and ecosystem decline. EIT Water is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

Founded in 2026, EIT Water has eight regional hubs across Europe and a mandate to deliver systemic innovation from source to sea. EIT Water is now establishing the governance structures that will guide its first Strategic Agenda and long-term impact.

The Roles

The Supervisory Board of EIT Water consists of nine members, five of whom, including the Chair will be appointed from non-member organisations. The Supervisory Board will oversee the strategic direction of EIT Water, approve Business Plans, and appoint the Chief Executive Officer alongside other leadership team members. As a founding board, its members will play an exceptional role in shaping EIT Water's direction from the outset.

Chair (Independent)

The Chair will lead the Supervisory Board and represent EIT Water at the highest levels of European stakeholder engagement. We are looking for an individual with demonstrated board leadership experience and a strong pan-European network, who is motivated to help build a new institution from its inception.

Supervisory Board Members (8 seats; 4 member representatives & 4 independent)

Board members contribute strategic oversight, sector expertise and governance experience. Together, the board must reflect the breadth of EIT Water's mission spanning water, marine and maritime innovation and meet EIT's requirements for gender balance, geographic diversity across Europe, and Knowledge Triangle representation across industry, research and society.

Ideal candidates brings:

1. A proven track record of seniority within their field, with prior experience as a non-executive or supervisory board member
2. An active European network across industry, research, policy or finance relevant to water, marine or maritime systems
3. A genuine commitment to EIT Water's mission and the ambition to help build a pan-European institution from the ground up
4. The availability to meet the time commitment this role requires approximately 10–12 days per year, with a greater commitment expected during the founding year

How to Apply

Applications for Board Member positions should be submitted below by 21st May 2026 and should include a current CV and a cover letter setting out your interest and relevant experience. Please indicate whether you are applying as an independent member or as a representative of a member organisation or if your organisation intends to become a Strategic and Co-operation Member.

The appointment process is led by Perrett Laver on behalf of EIT Water. For questions about the process, please contact Erik Hafner, erik.hafner@perrettlaver.com.

Further information about EIT Water can be found at https://perrettlaver.com/eit-water-chair-supervisory-board-members-recruitment/

EIT Water is part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. This activity is co-funded by the European Union. EIT Water is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications without discrimination on any grounds. EIT Water is an established Da