MapAction is seeking an accomplished senior leader to become its next Chair of the Board of Trustees, providing strategic leadership to a unique humanitarian organisation working at the intersection of disaster response, geospatial technology, data and innovation.
The appointment offers an opportunity to help shape the future direction and impact of an organisation that has supported humanitarian operations in more than 80 countries. The application deadline is 31 August 2026.
About MapAction
MapAction is a leading humanitarian charity providing geospatial, mapping and data expertise to support disaster preparedness and response around the world.
For more than 20 years, MapAction has worked alongside governments, UN agencies, humanitarian organisations and local partners. Its teams have supported more than 150 humanitarian emergencies across over 80 countries, helping decision-makers understand rapidly changing situations through maps, data visualisation and analysis.
The organisation combines a small professional staff team with approximately 70 highly skilled volunteer specialists in geospatial information, mapping and data.
Together, they support partners before, during and after humanitarian crises while developing innovative approaches to disaster resilience and anticipatory action.
The Chair’s Role
The new Chair will succeed Nick Moody, who is due to step down later in 2026 after completing two successful terms.
The Chair will work closely with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees to ensure MapAction delivers its mission, strategic objectives and long-term sustainability.
Key areas of responsibility will include:
- Providing effective leadership to the Board of Trustees.
- Supporting the Chief Executive and executive team.
- Ensuring strong governance and organisational oversight.
- Maintaining effective relationships between trustees, staff and volunteers.
- Providing constructive support and challenge to organisational leadership.
- Acting as an ambassador for MapAction.
- Developing relationships with funders, partners and key stakeholders.
- Supporting fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
- Strengthening MapAction’s profile, influence and impact within the humanitarian sector.
- Helping guide the organisation’s future strategy and sustainability.
The successful Chair will therefore have an important role in connecting MapAction’s humanitarian mission with its organisational development, partnerships and long-term ambitions.
Ideal Candidate
MapAction is looking for an accomplished senior leader with experience leading senior executive teams and/or non-executive boards.
Candidates should have strong knowledge of:
- Board governance.
- Organisational risk.
- Financial oversight.
- Strategic leadership.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Fundraising.
- Partnership development.
The successful candidate should also have the credibility, judgement and gravitas to influence at senior levels while creating a constructive relationship between the Board and executive leadership.
A genuine commitment to achieving humanitarian benefit is essential.
Relevant Sector Experience
Previous experience within the humanitarian sector is an advantage, although candidates from other relevant backgrounds are also encouraged to consider the opportunity.
Experience in areas such as:
- Humanitarian action
- International development
- Technology
- Data
- Voluntary and charity sectors
will be particularly valuable.
The role is suited to a senior professional who can bring strategic leadership while understanding the importance of technology, data and innovation in improving humanitarian response.
Term and Remuneration
The Chair will initially be appointed for a three-year term, with the possibility of renewal for a further term.
This is a voluntary and unremunerated position.
Despite being unpaid, the role offers an opportunity to contribute at board level to an organisation with a significant international humanitarian footprint.
Equality and Inclusion
MapAction is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
The organisation is seeking a Chair who can contribute strong leadership while supporting an inclusive and collaborative organisational culture.
How to Apply
MapAction is being supported in this appointment by McLean Partnership.
Further information about the position, including the detailed role description and person specification, is available through the recruitment process.
Application information: https://opportunities.mcleanpartnership.com/MapAction
Candidates can also request further information by contacting:
Graham Little
Email: GrahamLittle@mcleanpartnership.com
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is:
12 noon, Monday 31 August 2026
Final interviews are anticipated to take place in mid- to late-September 2026.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Chair of MapAction will have the opportunity to influence an organisation that combines humanitarian expertise with technology, mapping and data to help save lives during crises.
For a senior leader with board, governance, humanitarian, technology, data or charity-sector experience, this role offers the chance to contribute strategic oversight to an organisation supporting humanitarian decision-making across the world.
Position: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Organisation: MapAction
Type: Voluntary, unremunerated leadership role
Initial term: Three years
Deadline: 31 August 2026
Application email: GrahamLittle@mcleanpartnership.com
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
