Board of Directors Member - Volunteer
Position Circumstances
- Career Category: Law, Banking / Finance
- Schedule:N/A
- Salary: N/A
The Board of Directors (BoD) Member serves as part of the governing body of the Advocacy and Policy Institute (API), providing strategic direction, oversight, and accountability to ensure the organization’s mission, vision, policies, and financial integrity are upheld. The BoD Member contributes to high‑level decision‑making, supports the Executive Director, and represents API’s values and interests in line with the API Bylaw and Board of Directors Manual.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Governance and Strategic Oversight
- Participate in evaluating, approving, and monitoring API’s mission, goals, bylaws, and high‑level policies.
- Ensure compliance with API’s Bylaw, Board policies, and applicable laws.
- Contribute to strategic discussions and decisions affecting the long‑term sustainability of API.
- Executive Director Oversight
- Be accountable for API’s performance through oversight of the Executive Director.
- Participate in the recruitment, performance evaluation, and, if necessary, termination of the Executive Director.
- Maintain a constructive and professional governance relationship with the Executive Director.
- Financial Oversight and Accountability
- Approve and monitor the annual budget and financial performance of API.
- Review and accept annual financial audits and organizational evaluations.
- Support financial transparency and integrity in line with BoD responsibilities.
- Resource Mobilization and External Engagement
- Support API’s resource mobilization efforts by reviewing fundraising and sustainability strategies and providing strategic inputs.
- Engage, where appropriate, with donors, partners, and key stakeholders to strengthen relationships and support resource mobilization initiatives.
- Contribute networks, expertise, and visibility to enhance API’s credibility and funding opportunities, in coordination with the Executive Director and BoD Chair.
- Advocate for API’s mission, programs, and impact with external stakeholders, as requested by the Board.
- Board Participation and Decision‑Making
- Attend at least one of the two regular BoD meetings each year and actively contribute to discussions and decision‑making.
- Participate in special meetings, committees, or task forces when appointed by the Chair.
- Review meeting materials in advance and contribute constructively to Board deliberations.
- Representation and Advocacy
- Represent API in public and advocate for the organization when requested by the Board or Chair.
- Support fundraising efforts and promote API’s mission, values, and work with relevant stakeholders.
- Ethics and Conduct
- Serve in a voluntary capacity without compensation.
- Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct at all times.
- Avoid conflicts of interest and act in the best interest of API.
Expected Profile of Candidates
Skills & Knowledge:
General & Technical Skills
- Ability to act strategically and contribute to high‑level governance decisions.
- Experience or expertise in one or more relevant areas such as governance, public policy, finance, law, organizational management, civil society, fundraising, donor relations, or resource mobilization.
- Ability to provide independent judgment and constructive oversight.
Soft Skills
- Strong commitment to API’s mission, vision, and values.
- Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
- Willingness and availability to participate in BoD meetings and related activities.
- Capacity to work collaboratively with other Board members and the Executive Director.
- Commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and effective organizational performance.
- Support for gender equality and diversity, in line with API’s governance principles.
