An exciting opportunity is available to join the Board of Directors of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, a leading not-for-profit organization established in 2016 working across the globe. Our vision is a world where everyone living with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival and the best quality of life possible, no matter where they live.
A world where everyone living with, or at a risk of, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival and the best quality of life possible, no matter where they live.
As the only global advocacy organization focused on ovarian cancer, we will drive profound and equitable change for all those impacted by this disease through partnerships, evidence, advocacy, and awareness.
Passionate and ambitious, we work for and respect all those impacted by ovarian cancer, regardless of where they live or who they are. Improving the patient experience with integrity is our north star, as we support and empower our partners with expertise, evidence, and our global perspective.
As the only global advocacy organization focused on ovarian cancer, we are committed to achieving profound and equitable change for all those impacted by this disease through partnerships, evidence, advocacy, and awareness.
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all female cancers – more than half of women diagnosed with the disease survive less than 5-years. It is predicted that by the year 2040, ovarian cancer incidence will rise by 42% with an even larger increase in the number of deaths each year (up nearly 52% to over 314,000). The Coalition’s 5-year goal is significant and equitable improvement in prevention, survival, and quality of life for everyone impacted by this disease.
Working with over 200 patient advocacy organizations from around the world, the Coalition raises awareness of ovarian cancer and the burden of the disease throughout the year. Our annual awareness campaign, World Ovarian Cancer Day reaches 200m people worldwide.
The Coalition has undertaken two groundbreaking studies. The first reported on the experiences of over 1,500 women living with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer from 44 different countries. A follow-on study, The Every Woman Study™ – Low- or Middle-Income (LMIC) Edition was completed in partnership with the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) in 24 countries. Alongside this Study, our 2025 cost-of-illness study quantifies the cost of ovarian cancer to healthcare systems and national economies.
The organization has a small high-achieving staff team led by our CEO, Christel Paganoni-Bruijns and is a founding member of the Global Cancer Coalitions Network (GCCN).
For further information about our work please refer to our World Ovarian Cancer Coalition website: www.worldovariancancercoalition.org.
The Board of Directors of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition provides strategic, financial and governance oversight of the management and operations of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Board positions are voluntary and, as such, are unremunerated. However, reasonable travel, accommodation, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred while undertaking Board duties will be reimbursed in accordance with the Board’s Expense Reimbursement Policy.
The collective role and responsibilities of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Board are:
Strategic
People and Culture
Financial, Risk and Compliance
Ambassadorial
Stakeholder Management
Governance
The Board has undertaken a comprehensive review of the skills and experience currently represented among our directors and has also identified the capabilities required to support the Coalition in achieving its strategic goals.
In this recruitment round, we are seeking to appoint new Directors who collectively bring the following attributes and expertise:
We strongly encourage candidates based in low- and middle-income regions, whose lived and professional experiences can bring valuable health equity perspectives, to apply. Their insights will help the coalition broaden its outlook and strengthen its commitment to a truly inclusive, globally representative approach.
Individual board members must be able to demonstrate the following personal characteristics:
Attributes
Skills
DESIRABLE
Directors are expected to attend the Coalition’s Board meetings (currently 5 scheduled meetings per year) and the AGM. These meetings are currently held via Zoom in September, December, February, March, and June on Wednesdays from 11:30 to 1:00pm UTC. Meetings are held in English. The board meets in person every two years for a 2-3-day strategic planning session. The next face-to-face meeting will be held in early October 2026 in Montreal
In addition to board meetings, board members may be approached to steward activities supporting the achievement of our strategic plan. For example, to serve on Board Committees or provide leadership at board level on development of succession planning, fundraising, communication, or advocacy strategies.
The Board undertakes a performance evaluation to review its performance and each Director at least once every two years (including the performance of the Chair of the Board). The Chair reports to the Board regarding the performance evaluation process and the findings of these reviews.
To make an application, please send the following to board@worldovariancancercoalition.org