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IKF appoints Secretary General Joana Faria as CEO

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The Executive Committee of the International Korfball Federation has decided to appoint its Secretary General, Ms Joana Faria (POR) as CEO with immediate effect. Ms Faria will continue to work from Lisbon (POR), from where she will lead the IKF Operations. The IKF Headquarters will remain based in the Netherlands.

Ms Faria has been IKF Secretary General since 2017 as a volunteer role. She will now start working full-time for the International Korfball Federation. Faria was an elite athlete, playing for an impressive 20 years in the national team of Portugal, has been coaching elite korfball teams in the Portuguese League, and has taught thousands of children the basics of korfball. Apart from that, she has gained extensive administrative experience at club, national, and international level. Faria is excited to take on the role: “I am deeply honored to accept the role of CEO and continue my responsibilities as Secretary General. It is a tremendous opportunity to build upon the strong foundation we have and further enhance the impact of korfball worldwide. I am committed to working closely with National Federations, IKF Committees, and my esteemed colleagues on the IKF Council and Executive Committee to achieve our collective vision.”

The appointment of Faria follows a rigorous selection process that was led by IKF Executive Vice-President and Presidential nominee Mr Gabi Kool. Her outstanding leadership experience in global korfball and extensive network across the international korfball community made her the clear choice to drive the IKF forward.

Mr Kool expresses full confidence in Ms Faria’s capabilities, stating, “With her dynamic leadership, unparalleled dedication, and a clear vision for the future, Ms Faria will undoubtedly bring new energy to our operations. As Presidential nominee, I am thrilled to work alongside her in this exciting chapter, ensuring a united and prosperous future for korfball.”

The International Korfball Federation extends its warmest congratulations to Ms Joana Faria on her well-deserved appointment as CEO. Together, the global korfball community looks forward to an inspiring era of operational excellence and collaboration, forging a path towards a brighter and even more inclusive future.

IKF Presidential Nominee Gabi Kool, IKF Secretary General and CEO Joana Faria, and IKF President Jan Fransoo

IKF CEO departure announcement

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IKF CEO Tilbert La Haye announced his departure from the IKF, effective mid January. La Haye: “After almost 7 years working for the IKF, it is time to discover new grounds and take on a different professional challenge. It has been a huge pleasure to work in an unique sports environment, enjoying the many warm an passionate contacts all around the world. I would like to make use of this opportunity to thank everyone for the support and pleasant cooperation over the years and would like to wish the IKF and all its partners the best for the future.”

The IKF EXCO would like to make use of the opportunity to thank Mr La Haye for his efforts over the years. IKF President, Jan Fransoo: “Having joined the IKF as our first CEO in 2016, La Haye has shaped the CEO role in our organization. Our office has become more central in much of our operations, allowing us to better leverage the efforts of our many volunteers. Of the many initiatives that he has initiated, I would like to highlight two in particular.  First, we have made major steps in further formalizing and digitizing the processes around our events, which has allowed us to considerably grow our event calendar. Second, together with the IKF Beach Korfball Committee, La Haye has played a critical role in what has become our second discipline; beach korfball has grown up from a summer pastime to a full-fledged korfball discipline. It has been a privilege working with Tilbert over the past 7 years, both from a professional and a personal perspective. We wish him every success in his future endeavours”.

 

Image: @actiefotografie

Job Opening: IKF CEO

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The International Korfball Federation (IKF) is looking to recruit a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for its organization and encourages all those that are interested and capable to apply.

IKF has been the governing body for korfball in the world since 1933. Korfball is the only fully gender-balanced team sport in the world, started over 120 years ago in the Netherlands and is played on all five continents in the world. Korfball is played in over 70 countries worldwide. Many exciting new strategic initiatives are in process of development including the creation of new event and match formats, digital fan engagement strategies and brand positioning, and the deployment of an online learning academy.

IKF is an International Federation recognised by the International Olympic Committee and by SportAccord, and is a member of ARISF and IWGA. Our anti-doping rules are in compliance with the World Anti Doping Code, and further complies with appropriate standards for ethics, integrity, athlete representation, and athlete safeguarding.

IKF is a largely volunteer driven organisation, supported by a small administrative staff. The office, currently in Utrecht, the Netherlands, is the centre of many daily activities to support Competitions, Refereeing, Development and Education, Marketing and Digital, Anti-Doping, Planning and Control, Administration and Media.

The IKF General Meeting is the highest authority in the IKF, and elects the IKF Council and IKF Executive Committee. The IKF is managed on a daily base by the IKF CEO, who reports to the IKF Executive Committee. Many volunteers work in committees and events to realize elite competitions, courses and development activities, and promote healthy, fair, and inclusive sport.

The current IKF Office consists of the CEO position, an Administrative and Project Officer and a Financial Administrator.

Position:

Following the upcoming departure of the current CEO, the IKF has opened a search for a candidate to fill this position to continue professionalizing our key activities. We are seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will enhance the strategic profile of our international federation and our activities.

The CEO will report to the Executive Committee with a direct reporting line to the President and/or Senior Vice-President. S/he will be responsible for providing strategic direction as well as directing the policy, operations and development of the Federation for the achievement of both long- and short-term global objectives of the sport of korfball.

In addition, s/he will be expected to provide general and specific direction for the day-to-day management of the Federation through, but not limited to event management, administrative management, financial management, marketing, and development. S/he will directly manage one Administrative and Project Officer and provide hands-on operational support to multiple committees and volunteers.

The CEO takes final responsibility for all administrative processes, such as the processes around official IKF events, development grants, general meetings, congresses, and meetings of the Council and Executive Committee, and official rules and regulations. It is obvious that this requires an excellent oral and written command of the English language.

IKF has its legal seat in the Netherlands and the position is based in our current Headquarter Office in Utrecht, Netherlands. We are open for candidates who are based outside the Netherlands. In case of a non-Dutch resident being appointed as CEO who is unable or not willing to relocate, we would expect her/him to be able to commute to the Netherlands at least once a month, while working remotely for the remainder of the time. Residency would be expected within the European Union.

The CEO is responsible for:

  • Converting the strategic plan of the IKF into a multi-year operational plan of activities that cover all aspects, such as events, education, development, marketing and funding. Assist the Treasurer in developing a budget that meets the requirements of the operational plans.
  • Lead the implementation of the operational plan in close collaboration with a large set of volunteer administrators that are spread across the world
  • Monitor progress and further enhance quality of IKF’s key activities: events and development. Every year, the IKF is responsible for the organization of 10-15 Elite level competition events across all age categories, and dozens of development activities.
  • Ensure high-quality communication across the IKF organization, and reach out to the entire global korfball community, with formal, informal, and social communication and media operations. Ensure the IKF Council, the IKF Committees, and the National Korfball Federations remain fully informed.
  • Support the IKF Executive Committee and the continental confederations in the execution of their activities.
  • Take new initiatives for events, development, funding, media, and acquisition.
  • Leading and management of the IKF staff.
  • Closely collaborate and coordinate with the IKF Secretary General regarding the implementation of decisions of the IKF Council and Executive Committee.

Candidate:

The successful candidate should exhibit strong management, leadership, strategic thinking and communication skills with a sound record of project management and achieving results, ideally in the sports management industry.

The candidate should possess a college or graduate degree in (sports) management / Sports Science, or a different degree with demonstrable experience in sports development and sports management. We expect the following experience:

  • At least five years’ experience in senior management roles, with direct line responsibility, ideally within the sports industry
  • Demonstrated experience in coordinating events, and liaison with national and/or international sport organisations, sponsors and Government bodies
  • A commercial mindset to create winning value propositions for sponsors in relation to their involvement in the international korfball community

You must be fluent (oral and written) in English, and at least one other global language, ideally Spanish and/or Chinese. Sports must be a proven substantial part of your education and working experience. Korfball must be more than just familiar to you, for instance by having been an elite athlete, having had administrative positions at club or national level, organized international events, or having taught in development activities. You must be a self-starter, proactive, a strong communicator with various levels of people in different cultural environments. Working hours are not strict to obey and regular out of normal office hours participation is required. You are prepared to travel and are used to managing organizations and events on a tight budget. You are familiar with the common software packages, should be social media savvy, and take initiatives to make use of new (online) technologies to increase productivity. You have the ability to be a serious counterpart for the members of the Executive Committee. Our external partners will experience you as a natural representative of korfball.

Salary and benefits

The salary is in accordance with the Dutch collective labour agreement in the sport industry, and is foreseen to be placed for an annual gross salary in scale 13, amounting to a minimum of EUR 57,108 and a maximum of EUR 79,320 annually, including benefits. Eventual salary will depend on qualification and experience.

For possible candidates who are non-Dutch residents, we are open to structuring the agreement in such a manner which is tax compliant for both IKF and the chosen candidate. Salary level will be based on assessment of the above indication with a possible adjustment based on local salary benchmarking of similar position and cost of living index.

Application:

We want to receive your application, motivation and CV electronically. Your application in English should be directed before 24 January, 2023 to the IKF Chair of the Executive Committee, Mr Gabi Kool at gabi.kool@ikf.org, and sent in copy to the IKF Senior Vice President, Mrs Danielle Ruts, at danielle.ruts@ikf.org.

An assessment might be part of the selection process.

IKF extends contract with CEO Tilbert La Haye

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The International Korfball Federation has extended the contract with its CEO Tilbert La Haye. La Haye, a Dutch national, joined the IKF in 2016. He has headed the IKF operations since then with great success. Under his leadership, the professionalism in day-to-day operations has increased substantially. Furthermore, he has taken new initiatives such as the IKF Beach Korfball World Cup series, and programs to develop the administration and playing strength of the many young national organizations that have joined the IKF in the past decade.

IKF President Fransoo: “We are very happy to have reached an agreement with Mr La Haye. With his expertise, knowledge, and energy, he has brought new initiatives, and new structure to the operations and development of the IKF. We look forward to seeing our sport, our federation, and our national organizations develop further under his executive leadership.”

Tilbert La Haye: “I am very proud of the confidence the IKF shows by extending my contract for the years to come. We have been making major steps forward with our intensified international competition calendar – particularly in youth –  and the development of the IKF Beach Korfball World Cup series, with events upcoming in Belgium, Hong Kong and China. This is a good foundation for extending our marketing and sponsorship proposition, which we are currently aligning with our unique gender-equality requirement in every single korfball match played wherever.”