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Published on: 24/05/2017

Robert Bos

In the current times of uncertainty, IRC's future looks bright - Robert Bos

On 19 May, Robert Bos took over as Chair of IRC’s Supervisory Board from Hans van Dord. Mr Bos has been a board member since January 2013. He is the former Coordinator of the Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health Unit in the World Health Organization (WHO). Mr Bos retired from WHO in 2013 after a 32 year service as a Public Health Biologist. He is now an independent consultant in public health, water and environment, based in Geneva, Switzerland.

"In the current times of uncertainty, IRC’s future looks bright", says Robert Bos. "Its recent restructuring has resulted in institutional rejuvenation that makes it fit to meet future challenges. Its in-house expertise and its reputation in promoting sustainable, universal service delivery put IRC in a good position to make significant contributions to the first three targets under the water and sanitation SDG".

"Decentralization, a further extension of its country presence, expansion of its portfolio and a broader, more diverse base of external support agencies will together ensure the resilience of the Institute when it enters its 50th year of existence later in 2018. Hans van Dord’s leadership has been essential to get IRC through a difficult period, and I take over the chairmanship with gratitude for his efforts to pave the way forward through turbulent times". 

Hans van Dord

Hans van Dord

I am especially happy with the expansion of our focus country programme and the number of donors - Hans van Dord

Hans van Dord has been IRC’s Chair since October 2013, after joining the Board in June 2009. Mr van Dord has a background in the private sector, working for Global Design & Consultancy firm Arcadis from 1985 to 2008.

“After 8 years it is good to renew the chair position and I am very pleased that I could hand over to Robert Bos since he has shown to be a very strong leader in the WASH sector and a great supporter of IRC", states Hans van Dord.

"Looking back at  my time with IRC I am especially happy with the expansion of our focus country programme and expansion of the number of donors, both strengthening IRC’s foundation”.

Regien van der Sijp

Regien van der Sijp

Besides Hans van Dord, IRC also says goodbye to Mrs Regien van der Sijp who has been on IRC’s Board since 2007. She recently extended her term for two years while Robert Bos took temporary leave for a sabbatical. Since 2012 Mrs Van der Sijp acted as Trust Person for IRC's Work Council. Board member Emiel Wegelin will now take over that role.  . 

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