Call for Tender: Chairperson, Appeals Review Committee

Chairperson, Appeals Review Committee

Duty Station: Remote / Paris, France
Term: 3 years (renewable)
Remuneration: Pro-bono preferred; fee-based arrangements considered (see details below)
Application Deadline: 20 June 2026

About the International Fund for Public Interest Media

The International Fund for Public Interest Media (hereinafter "the International Fund") is a French 1901 law association with the privileges and immunities granted under Decree N° 2025-179 of the French Government. The International Fund's mission is to support and sustain independent, quality journalism and public interest media across the globe.

The International Fund currently employs directly 24 staff members. As a quasi-international organisation, it is committed to the highest standards of governance, transparency, and the protection of the rights of its personnel.

Background: The Appeals Review Committee

The Appeals Review Committee ("the Committee" or "ARC") is established under the International Fund's Global Employee Handbook and Grievances and Appeals Procedures. The Committee hears and reviews appeals submitted by staff members who allege that the terms and conditions of their employment have been breached by the International Fund.

The Committee provides a fair, impartial, and efficient internal recourse mechanism, consistent with the principles of due process as applied in the law of the international civil service. Its work upholds the International Fund's commitment to sound staff relations and institutional accountability.

The Position

The International Fund invites applications from suitably qualified individuals to serve as Chairperson of the Appeals Review Committee. The Chairperson plays a central role in ensuring the effective and impartial functioning of the Committee. This is a part-time, independent expert position and does not constitute employment with the International Fund.

Key Responsibilities

The Chairperson will be responsible for:

• Determining appeals admissibility, in accordance the terms set out in the Grievance and Appeals Procedures and managing the process;
• Presiding over all sessions of the Appeals Review Committee and ensuring the orderly conduct of proceedings;
• Reviewing and deliberating on appeals submitted by staff members in accordance with the applicable Global Employee Handbook and Grievance and Appeals Procedures of the International Fund;
• Directing the drafting of the Appeals Review committee’s findings and recommendations;
• Committing to confidentiality and impartiality throughout all proceedings;
• Such other functions as may be entrusted to the Chairperson under the International Fund's Grievances and Appeals Procedures.

Duration of Appointment

The Chairperson shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years. The term may be renewed by mutual agreement.

Remuneration

Given the International Fund's scale (24 staff in scope), its not-for-profit status and its commitment to the responsible stewardship of its resources, the International Fund strongly encourages applications from candidates willing to provide their services on a pro-bono basis. Pro-bono candidacies will be given preference in the selection process, all other criteria being equal.

Candidates who wish to charge a fee are welcome to apply. Such candidates must include in their application:

• A proposed fee structure (e.g., daily or hourly rate, per-appeal flat fee, or an annual retainer);
• A proposed overall fee cap for the three-year term of appointment, reflecting the limited size and anticipated caseload of the International Fund.

The International Fund reserves the right to negotiate fee arrangements with shortlisted candidates and to take the proposed fee into account as part of the overall evaluation.

Qualification, work experience and skills

• Advanced degree in Law
• Valid professional license or accreditation in the relevant field (Law)
• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in the public and private sectors, including experience in one or more of the following areas: employment relations, international civil service or internal justice systems. Experience may have been gained in international organizations governed by comparable internal justice frameworks;

Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required. Working knowledge of French is a significant advantage, given the International Fund's seat is based in France.

The Chair must be independent from the organization, with no current or former employment, governance, or other relationship that could create an actual or perceived conflict of interest.  They will be expected to sign a declaration to that effect. They should demonstrate high ethical standards, sound discretion, respect for confidentiality, and the ability to work constructively with internal stakeholders while maintaining full independence.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents, by no later than 20 June 2026:

1. A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing the candidate's relevant experience and motivation for the position;
2. A curriculum vitae;
3. If applicable, a proposed fee structure and fee cap (see Remuneration section above).