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RIPE NCC Executive Board - Functions and Expectations

Introduction

The RIPE NCC Executive Board is responsible for maintaining oversight of the RIPE NCC, a not-for-profit membership association that consists of over 20,000 organisations. The RIPE NCC is the organisation responsible for distributing and registering Internet number resources and for acting as the network coordination centre for the RIPE community in Europe, the Middle East and parts of Central Asia.

The Executive Board has broad responsibility for overseeing the work of the RIPE NCC. Many responsibilities have been delegated to the RIPE NCC Management to take care of daily operations.

The position of RIPE NCC Executive Board Member is crucial in the corporate governance structure of the RIPE NCC and board members are fully responsible towards the RIPE NCC membership. Board members are expected to act in a manner appropriate to the position at all times.

Who Can Be On The RIPE NCC Executive Board

Anyone is eligible to be an Executive Board member. They require the written support of five RIPE NCC members, must submit a signed statement declaring their adherence to  the Code of Conduct for Executive Board candidates and that they never committed fraud or other financial misconduct in any jurisdiction, and a certified copy of an official identification document. Board members do not themselves have to be RIPE NCC members. It is in the best interests of the RIPE NCC and its members that the RIPE NCC Executive Board reflects the diversity of its membership in terms of gender, skill-set, industry background and geographic diversity.

The RIPE NCC and its Executive Board encourage all those with an interest in the successful development of the RIPE NCC to consider standing for election to the Executive Board.

General Expectations

Some of the skills and experience that would be beneficial to the RIPE NCC Executive Board are:

  • Experience in a senior management role
  • Financial management
  • Compliance and risk management
  • Strategic management
  • Good knowledge of the Internet governance arena
  • Legal understanding
  • IT/technology expertise
  • Ability to communicate effectively

Anyone elected to the RIPE NCC Executive Board will be expected to fully take on the responsibilities of being a board member and carry out their duties to the best of their abilities throughout their term on the Executive Board. A term on the RIPE NCC Executive Board is three years.

RIPE NCC Executive Board members are expected to represent the interests of the RIPE NCC membership and the RIPE NCC.

Responsibilities of RIPE NCC Executive Board Members

The following is a list of the duties and responsibilities of RIPE NCC Executive Board members.

Attendance and Preparation for Meetings:

  • Attend all Executive Board meetings and prepare adequately for these meetings by reading prepared materials in advance – Executive Board meetings are scheduled to take place four times per year and are usually held in the RIPE NCC offices in Amsterdam.
  • Attend the RIPE NCC General Meetings and be prepared to report on Executive Board activities to the RIPE NCC membership.
  • Propose a Charging Scheme for RIPE NCC members to vote on at the General Meeting.
  • Propose an Activity Plan and Budget for the RIPE NCC General Meeting, consider feedback from RIPE NCC members and approve the final version.

Financial

  • Evaluate and sign off on the RIPE NCC Annual Report and Financial Report.
  • Review the periodic and year-end financial statements of the RIPE NCC.

Strategic Oversight

  • Help determine the RIPE NCC's mission and vision, and participate in strategic planning for the RIPE NCC.
  • Set goals for the RIPE NCC and objectively assess the Managing Director's performance.

External Relations

  • Represent the RIPE NCC and the RIPE NCC membership's interests at international meetings and conferences.

Time Required of Executive Board Members

It is impossible to determine how much time per year an Executive Board member can expect to spend in performing the function, but a board member can expect that a minimum of 20 days per year, including travel, will need to be given to the role.

Remuneration and Reimbursement

A position on the RIPE NCC Executive Board is an honorary position that incurs no financial remuneration. However, a position on the Executive Board brings considerable respect and recognition in the community as well as high visibility within the RIPE NCC membership.

Travel and accommodation costs incurred in carrying out the duties of the Executive Board are covered by the RIPE NCC. This naturally includes all physical meetings that board members are required to attend as RIPE NCC Executive Board member representatives.

Articles of Association

The legal framework of the RIPE NCC is laid out in its Articles of Association. Articles 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the Articles of Association deal with matters relating to the RIPE NCC Executive Board.