BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) was established in 1991 as an independent, non-profit international

organization. The Foundation’s mandate is to build human and institutional capacity for good governance and economic development in Africa. To date the Foundation has empowered governments, parliaments, civic society, private sector and higher education institutions in more than 45 countries and 6 regional economic communities and the African Union Commission. ACBF supports capacity development through investments in capacity development initiatives, technical support as well as knowledge generation and sharing across Africa. The major sponsors of the Foundation are African and non-African governments, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank. Thirty-nine (39) African countries are currently members of the Foundation.

The ACBF vision of ACBF is that of an Africa Capable of Achieving its Own Development. ACBF operates within a three-tier governance structure comprising of a Board of Governors (BOG), an Executive Board (EB), and a Secretariat. The EB is composed of experts in the field of capacity building in areas within ACBF’s mandate & ordinarily meets three times a year & holds additional special meetings as may be required for the effective carrying out of its business. It consists of 12 members – 3 representatives of Sponsoring Agencies, & 9 independent members.

The BOG is now looking to appoint an independent[1] non-executive director with experience and qualifications in development, capacity building, as well as commercial matters as a key element in broadening the diversity of skills base of the EB.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Fiduciary Duties:

• To act as a Member of the EB in the best interests of the Foundation, with honesty and in good faith towards fellow Members, ACBF employees, Sponsoring Agencies, and the communities within which ACBF operates;
• To fulfill his/her responsibilities under international law and State regulations;
• To use such personal and professional skills, experience & judgment as s/he may possess with integrity & independence to optimize both the short-term & long-term performance of ACBF;
• To play a full part in enabling the EB to arrive at balanced & objective decisions in the performance of its agreed role & functions in line with the ACBF Constitution and the EB rules of procedure;
• To ensure that the objectives of the Foundation, as agreed by the EB, are promptly carried out and to act in a way s/he considers would be most likely to promote the success of ACBF and its mandate as a whole.

Operational Duties:

• To bring knowledge & experience from his/her professional background & qualifications for the benefit of the Foundation & capacity building in Africa as a whole;
• Participate in the approval of rules & regulations as may be necessary for the proper conduct of the affairs of ACBF;
• To participate in the determination of ACBF priorities, approval of programs & operational plans, budget estimates and appointment of external auditors;
• To participate in the establishment of such committees that the EB considers appropriate to assist in its work and to work with colleagues to undertake any specific project agreed by the EB to support the mandate of ACBF;
• To represent ACBF at relevant meetings, conferences and/or other events, as may be requested by the EB from time to time.

PROFILE SPECIFICATION

Required key skills, experience and qualifications:

• Professional experience and relevant qualifications in capacity building & development with a well-rounded awareness of global issues with particular focus on developmental challenges faced by the continent of Africa;
• Professional experience in areas inclusive of international organizations, multinational organizations, background in international economic development, policy planning & budgeting, academia, good governance and project management;
• High visibility within his/her field of profession with the requisite industry experience;
• Advisory skills, good judgment; sound knowledge of global financial issues, risk management, key technologies, international experience & personal networking;
• Excellent knowledge of English language, and working knowledge of French would be an added advantage with overall strong interpersonal & communication skills;
• Recent experience as a director, trustee or committee member in a commercial, voluntary or public sector context;
• An active monitor of management who is able to challenge operations, business models, projects, strategies, project/program performance & leadership development to achieve sustainable competitive advantage;
• Ability to work positively within a team, and support, challenge & work collaboratively with the Chair of the EB, the EB collectively and the BOG.

Required behavioral competencies and qualities:

• The highest level of integrity and unquestionable ethical standards; drive & commitment; and an ability to demonstrate these attributes to others;
• Pragmatic, strategic, tough-minded, able to offer critical review, and adept at giving direct guidance & feedback;
• Must openly speak his/her mind but also have a sense of partnership & of working towards a common goal;
• Must have an inquiring and independent mind, be conscientious & committed to improving the progression of the ACBF mandate;
• He/she must have a mindset that questions rather than simply accepts, coupled with the courage to ask difficult questions in a constructive manner;
• Strong intellectual and analytical abilities; including dynamism, enthusiasm & energy;
• Willingness to devote necessary time and effort and to be an ambassador for ACBF and capacity building.

CLOSING DATE:

Monday 30 November 2016

INTERVIEW PERIOD:

Shortlisted candidates will be advised of interview dates, times and venue thereafter.

CONTACT:

Curriculum Vita and letter applications quoting the reference “Independent Member of the Executive Board /11/16,” , including three (3) referees, setting out the reasons for your interest in the role, and describing how you meet our requirements should be sent to:

The Chairperson of the Board of Govenors
The African Capacity Building Foundation
P.O. Box 1562
HARARE, Zimbabwe
E-mail: Recruitment@acbf-pact.org

FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS WE ARE SEEKING TO ENSURE GENDER BALANCE ON OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD.