Non-Executive Director on ERP's Board
About ERP
The Earth Rover Program (ERP) was established as a non-profit organisation in 2023 to develop new, low-cost technologies to ‘see’ into the soil. By enabling farmers to access immediate, spatially explicit and - importantly - cheap information about their soil, we believe they will be able to make decisions which will reduce environmental impact while maintaining productivity.
ERP has made substantial progress over the past three years in proof-of-concept trials, including the development of open-source software, small-tech sensors, and a nascent AI tool which incorporates existing data sources to augment the usefulness of data gathered through ERP’s techniques. We have built relationships with partners in Kenya and Colombia to expand testing to a more diverse range of soils, in parallel with starting to develop low-cost hardware for use by farmers in a way that is transparent, replicable and secure.
The opportunity
The board is seeking additional non-executive directors who can bring expertise for ERP’s next stage of growth, alongside a demonstrated interest in environmental and/or agricultural sustainability.
Priority areas of expertise which are being sought are:
Strategic communications, bringing senior experience developing and executing global narrative strategies to influence public opinion and political concern on complex systemic issues.
Operations, bringing an expert understanding of effective cross-functional operations and implementing change
Role Responsibilities
Provide effective and appropriate governance, ensuring excellent financial and operational performance
Bring a diverse range of knowledge, experience and insight to help shape strategy and ensure all business decisions contribute to the furthering of ERP’s strategy
Provide an informed and independent view on board matters, both strategic and operational, and contribute to the development of ERP within its risk appetite
Ensure the senior leadership team appropriately strikes a balance between long-term growth and delivering short-term objectives
Build a strong and effective relationship with the senior leadership team, acting as a sounding board when appropriate
Hold the senior leadership team to account on agreed objectives, and rigorously monitor the reporting of performance.
Act as an effective ambassador for the organisation, including with internal and external stakeholders
Participate in, and contribute to, Board Committees as appropriate.
The ERP Board meets six times a year, for 3 hours per meeting; occasional meetings may be called to discuss specific matters in detail. Participation in other ERP activities (such as annual all-team meetings, visits to deployments and engagement with partners) to build understanding of ERP and its aims is encouraged. ERP offers an honorarium to non-executive directors, and will reimburse reasonable expenses.
The initial term for non-executive directors is two years, following which a further three-year term may be mutually agreed.
To Apply
Essential Experience
Operating at a senior leadership level, ideally within research, scientific or early-stage technology contexts, or a combination of these
Strategic thinking and risk awareness
Commitment to high standards and ethical governance
Track record of achievement in relevant field, including personal development
Experience of fundraising from a range of sources, including philanthropic trusts and foundations and/or research funding or impact investment)
Practical experience of organisational design for hybrid, multi- disciplinary team(s)
Building successful strategic relationships and partnership with a diverse group of stakeholders
Performance management and holding to account for performance and quality
Please email your application to board@earthroverprogram.org, which should include either a LinkedIn profile URL or CV, alongside a letter outlining which role you are applying for and what you would bring to ERP in this new phase of our development.
Initial interviews will begin from w/c 28 September 2026.
Thank you for your interest in Earth Rover Program.