WADA seeks candidates for one seat on its Independent Ethics Board

Deadline: 7 February 2025 

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is seeking candidates to fill one Independent Member seat of the Agency’s Independent Ethics Board (IEB). The IEB is charged with implementing WADA’s Code of Ethics, which defines clear ethical standards over the activities of WADA Officials. The IEB works together with an independent Ethics Officer, who is responsible for the conduct of investigations regarding alleged breaches of the Code of Ethics. 

The IEB, which is regulated by the Code of Ethics (see Annex A), is a Permanent Special Committee composed of nine members: one Independent Chair, six Independent Members, one Sport Movement Member and one Public Authority Member. One Independent Member position becomes vacant in May 2025. This call for interest launches the process to appoint an IEB Member with suitable legal qualifications and experience.  

APPLICATION PROCESS AND EXPECTATIONS OF POTENTIAL MEMBER 

WADA is seeking candidates to fill one Independent Member seat of the IEB. Appropriately experienced candidates from within and outside the anti-doping community are encouraged to apply for this seat. 

Applications are to be submitted to WADA’s independent Nominations Committee, which will make an initial determination to retain a number of candidates, interview and vet the retained candidates, and lastly, recommend a preferred candidate from a final shortlist of candidates. The Nominations Committee may also search for and identify suitable candidate profiles for the position to ensure a robust candidate pool is available. 

The Nominations Committee will submit the results of its work, including the relevant dossiers and a recommendation on each candidate, as well as the suitability for appointment as Chair, to the WADA President and Vice-President of the WADA Foundation Board (Board). The appointment to the IEB, including its Chair, is decided by the Board and it is expected that the recommended candidate will be presented for approval by circulatory vote to the Board by end of April 2025, with an entry into office on 19 May 2025 for a three-year term.     

Experience and expertise requirement 

In order to enhance the skills and competencies of the IEB in the adjudication arena, the new IEB Member shall have legal qualifications and judicial or litigation experience. Candidates are invited to consult the Position Profile for a comprehensive list of requirements. 

Given the current IEB Chair, Prof. Mette Hartlev, will not be seeking a further term, the Nominations Committee will be making a recommendation to the WADA Board regarding the Chair position in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Ethics (see Annex A, section 2.3). Candidates who are interested and believe they have the competencies to chair the IEB are encouraged to highlight this in their application. 

Independence criteria 

All members of the IEB (except for the two members designated by the Public Authorities and the Sport Movement) must meet the WADA Operational, Personal, and Organizational Independence criteria¹ in force at the time of their application and for the duration of their appointment. 

For example, employment or holding of elected/appointed positions in bodies exercising authority with Code Signatories is not compatible with the independence criteria. This is also the case for members of law firms that regularly file claims for or against WADA. Further examples of incompatibility are provided in the WADA Regulations on Independence. 

Term of office 

The new IEB Member will be appointed for a term of three years commencing 19 May 2025 and may be reappointed for two further terms of three years provided they continue to meet all relevant eligibility criteria. There are no age limits. A member may not serve on the IEB for more than nine years in total. 

Expected time requirement 

The IEB holds regular administrative meetings during the year by videoconference and meets annually in person. The time commitment required of members otherwise depends on the number, frequency, and complexity of cases to be adjudicated under the Code of Ethics. 

An independent Ethics Officer was selected by the IEB in March 2023. The Ethics Officer functions as the first responder to complaints and undertakes investigations, where required, prior to referring any files to the IEB and any Panel being formed to adjudicate a case. 

Compensation arrangements 

WADA is a not-for-profit organization funded by member contributions and compensation arrangements reflect this nature. 

Per the Board’s determination, members of the IEB receive an annual honorarium, and an indemnity for meeting attendance. This compensation model is specific to the IEB and is in line with the Code of Ethics and WADA’s current compensation policy. Expenses incurred with respect to meetings are covered by WADA. 

How to submit applications 

Applications are to be forwarded by Friday, 7 February 2025 to Ms. Diane Smith-Gander AO, Chair, WADA Nominations Committee (c/o governance@wada-ama.org). 

To be considered, all applications must include the following: 

1. a motivation letter, expressing reasons behind interest in appointment, and whether interest is being expressed in the role of Chair; 

2. an updated curriculum vitae² fully outlining qualifications³, current and past roles, relevant experience and expertise; and 

3. a completed Declaration of Independence, confirming that the required independence criteria are met. 

Applicants that are retained will be requested to provide up to three referees who may be contacted by the Nominations Committee. Retained applicants will also be asked to consent to the use of third-party services to conduct background checks and vetting.  

Any questions should be directed to Ms. Diane Smith-Gander AO, c/o governance@wada-ama.org. 

Note: 

(1) These criteria are set out in the Regulations on Independence in WADA’s Governance Regulations and can be consulted in the Declaration of Independence mentioned above. 

(2) For purposes of review, evaluation, and approval, candidates consent to the sharing of their curriculum vitae and candidate file (and personal information contained therein) with the WADA Administration and the Nominations Committee, as well as the Executive Committee and/or Foundation Board, in accordance with WADA’s Governance Regulations and Privacy Policy. Candidates are asked to review the Privacy Policy for details about how their personal information will be processed by WADA. By submitting their application, candidates confirm that they have read and understood the Privacy Policy and accept its terms. 

(3) If the candidate refers to qualifications/certifications in their candidacy, the year of obtention of any such qualifications/certifications must be included. The candidate must also be able to provide valid evidence of such qualifications/certifications should it be requested by the Nominations Committee.