Apply to join our board - 2 roles available
Invasives International is at a pivotal stage of establishment and is scaling up its operations to deliver a high-impact, global response to biosecurity and invasive species management.
We are seeking 2 non-executive board directors to join our board and provide the strategic oversight necessary to deliver our inaugural 3-year strategy and support our executive team.
Position 1: International diplomacy and strategic reform specialist The role
We are seeking a strategic leader with deep experience in international relations, trade or global business to provide high-level direction as Invasives International navigates the complex intersections of global trade and biosecurity. We interpret 'diplomacy' broadly; we are looking for someone who understands how to influence international systems, whether through formal government-to-government channels, regional alliances, academic networks, or business and community-led diplomacy.
A key focus for this role is guiding our staff on how to effectively amend the arrangements and cultures surrounding existing international agreements to better address biosecurity risks. We are looking for an individual who brings a high level of trust and independence to the table and who may help Invasives International find common ground with unexpected allies, such as regional alliances, shippers or industry groups interested in creating a level playing field for biosecurity controls.
* Extensive background in international diplomacy, trade or global business (e.g. former diplomat, trade representative or senior executive known for their principled and independent leadership).
* A sophisticated understanding of international trade rules and a pragmatic view of how to reform global biosecurity rules and cultures.
* Experience in 'non-aligned' or diverse international networks (e.g. Pacific island states, Southern Africa, South-East Asia or South America) is highly desirable to provide a broader global perspective.
* Ability to provide strategic advice on navigating complex stakeholder environments and building unexpected alliances to achieve systemic biosecurity improvements, such as with industry bodies.
* Demonstrated commitment to global biodiversity, including an understanding of invasive species impacts and the strategic mechanisms required to address them.
* Previous board experience and a sound understanding of contemporary governance principles is desirable.
* Ability to communicate fluently in English.
Your impact
You will provide the strategic lens required for Invasives International to navigate complex process and competing interests, ensuring our staff are supported in shifting global biosecurity towards a shared priority of environmental protection.
The role
Invasives International recognises that effective biosecurity is an essential part of Indigenous stewardship of land and sea. We are seeking a board member to provide First Nations perspectives at a strategic level, ensuring Invasives International's work respects and integrates Indigenous knowledge, rights and traditional management practices across our global operations.
* First Nations heritage (open to candidates globally, we strongly encourage candidates from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands).
* Demonstrated experience in Indigenous governance, land management or biosecurity advocacy.
* Experience providing strategic direction to organisations bridging the gap between traditional knowledge systems and Western scientific or policy frameworks, particularly in international forums.
* Strong networks within Indigenous peak bodies at the national, regional or global level
* Lived or professional experience in managing the impacts of invasive species on Indigenous lands and a commitment to protecting Country and culture from biosecurity threats.
* Previous board experience and a sound understanding of contemporary governance principles is desirable.
* Ability to communicate fluently in English.
Your impact
You will provide strategic oversight to ensure the Invasives International 3-year strategy is culturally grounded and that our staff are supported in delivering advocacy that champions Indigenous-led biosecurity solutions on the global stage.
About the board and Invasives International Governance framework
While board members may occasionally take the initiative with specific projects, the primary focus of these roles is to provide clear strategic direction and support the CEO and staff in the operational delivery of our mission.
The board meets 4-6 times a year, mostly online, with a yearly planning meeting held in person. There may be occasional out-of-session consideration of issues. Board member participation is voluntary, with expenses for in person attendance reimbursed. An honorarium may be considered for board members that offer First Nations perspectives.
The successful candidates will join a board of recognised leaders that works closely with the executive:
* Ted Rowley (Chair):Global NRM and program design specialist.
* Dr Helen Scott-Orr AM PSM:Former Inspector-General of Biosecurity, Australia.
* Reece Pianta:Advocacy director at the Invasive Species Council (Australia).
* Andrew Cox (CEO):An accomplished executive and board director with over 25 years of experience in environmental management.
About Invasives International
Invasives International is an Australian-led not-for-profit organisation addressing the global biodiversity crisis caused by invasive species, which contribute significantly to species extinction worldwide.
Invasives International is a registered charity, with a requirement to have a majority of board members based in Australia.
Invasives International is deeply committed to driving the urgent global action required to meet Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to reduce the rate of invasive species introduction and establishment by at least 50 per cent by 2030. By bridging biodiversity science and global commerce, the organisation targets gaps in international trade regulations that enable invasive species to spread. Partnering with the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Invasive Species Specialist Group, Invasives International has access to a network of 260 leading scientists to inform their mission.
Our strategy employs a 'rising tide' approach to biosecurity, advocating for universal, nature-positive international standards that protect all nations—especially those most vulnerable and with limited internal capacity—to ensure that threats are stopped at their source.
More information is available at our interim .
Invasives International is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
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