World Press Photo believes in the power of showing and the importance of seeing high-quality visual stories. Our purpose is to connect the world to the stories that matter.
For 70 years, World Press Photo has been working from its home in Amsterdam as an independent, nonprofit organization. In that time, the world has changed continuously, and new developments in the media and technology have transformed journalism and photography. Our mission has expanded, and we draw on our experience to guide photojournalists, documentary photographers, and audiences around the world through this challenging and exciting landscape.
Our annual contest recognizes and celebrates the best photojournalism and documentary photography produced over the last year. In 2021, we launched a new strategy and are now implementing a regional model to all our activities in order to better represent the world. The contest is organized into six regions – Africa; Asia Pacific and Oceania; Europe; North and Central America; South America; and West, Central, and South Asia – and entries are reviewed by independent, regional and global juries. The winning stories are shared with an online community of over 2.5 million people, in the yearbook and our traveling exhibition, which was showcased in 66 locations in 29 different countries last year.
The Supervisory Board members have affinity with the vision and mission of World Press Photo as it is their main responsibility to guard this mission.
The executive director of World Press Photo is primarily responsible for the organization’s strategy and policies and takes decisions on its (daily) operation. The Supervisory Board monitors the executive director’s performance and gives advice on and approves the organization’s overall policy and strategy. This includes amongst others the approval of the annual plan, annual budget, annual accounts, and the annual report. The Supervisory Board currently consists of seven members.
The Supervisory Board meets at least four times a year; the same applies to the finance committee. Together with participation in other activities, membership of the Supervisory Board will involve approximately 10-12 days per year. Supervisory Board meetings are generally held at the World Press Photo office in Amsterdam.
No fixed remuneration is provided to members of the Supervisory Board. However, travel or other expenses may be reimbursed at the prevailing (tax) rate.
Insurance: there is liability insurance for members of the Supervisory Board and executive director.
General requirements for members of the Supervisory Board
- Are team players in a collegial supervisory body.
- Can contribute critically and independently to the decision-making within the Supervisory Board and have no conflicting or personal interests; they operate independently and in their own capacity.
- Are able to think along with the executive director and advise at strategic level, whereby individual members can be advisors and sparring partners in specific (professional) areas.
- Have a broad network and are willing to use it for the benefit of World Press Photo.
- Are willing and able to actively contribute to the fundraising and corporate sponsorship process, including by attending specific meetings.
- Are aware of the need to operate at a distance (do not want to be hands on directors).
- Have a broad international orientation (global mindset) and keep a positive eye on cooperation with World Press Photo's (international) partners.
- Have a broad social interest and affinity with World Press Photo's mission and ambition.
- Have a good understanding of social and political relations.
- Are able to take measures to provide for the leadership of World Press Photo in the event of the executive director’s absence.
- Live in the Netherlands (or close to the Netherlands) to attend meetings in person.
Specific requirements for the vacancy for member of the Supervisory Board Photography portfolio
- Has knowledge and experience in international photography; in particular has solid knowledge and experience in the field of international (photo)journalism (e.g. working as photographer, photo editor or
- chief photography officer of a news medium).
- Has experience as a member of a (supervisory) board.
- Has a network in the creative industry in general and in photography in particular.
- Has a network in education in relation to photography.
Specific requirements for the vacancy of member of the Supervisory Board Finance portfolio
- Sound knowledge and experience in the financial field, for example working in the role of general manager (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), accountant or controller
- Administrative experience in finance
- Expertise in the field of finance and operations
- Knowledge and experience with financial risk analysis and scenario planning
- Insight into the effectiveness and efficiency of organizations
- Constructive-critical discussion partner for the executive director and the external auditor
- Exudes natural authority by virtue of experience and personality
- Fulfils the role of chair of the finance committee: experience as chair or member of a finance committee is a plus.
Generally desired (team) competencies
- Communicative, easy to get along with, approachable
- Representative and visible
- Careful, structured and flexible
- Creative and curious
- Open and collaborative
General information
World Press Photo is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications that
can make the organization a better reflection of society. If you have any questions regarding the vacancies, please contact Janne Nijman, Chair of the Supervisory Board at J.E.Nijman@uva.nl
Interested?
Please respond in English before 7 July 2025 by sending both your CV and a letter of
motivation to HR assistant Milou Scholing at milou@worldpressphoto.org
