Potential Board Candidate 2027 Pre-Induction

Board Candidate 2027 Pre-Induction Period

Deadline to apply: 31st of July 2026 at 11:59 SAST

Following the just concluded 2026 Board pre-induction period; we would like to start offering inductions for association members who wish to stand for elections during the 2027 General Assembly.  These inductions will include insight as to how the section and the board work, online governance training, and a chance to see first-hand how the governance of MSF Southern Africa operations.  All sessions will be held online – and we are looking at a time commitment of 10-20 hours per month on average.
 
MSF Southern Africa (MSF SnA) is looking for Three (3) association members to stand as candidates for the MSF Southern Africa board during the 2027 General Assembly to be held in May 2027 (date to be confirmed). 

Our Memorandum of Incorporation (Statutes) (Article. 21.2) state that a simple majority of the Board must have a Medical Background. To uphold that, all 3 of the candidates must have a medical profile. These medical positions are for a 3-year term (2027 – 2030).

Please note that expressing your interest to join the pre-induction period at this time does not mean you must stand for elections in 2027.  It is a chance to show you the work involved so that you can make an informed decision to run as candidate.  Please also note that we will be informing the association of all the candidates who passed through the induction period.
 
To be a candidate, you should:
• Be a paid-up member of MSF Southern Africa Association.
• Be motivated and have enough time to actively participate in the activities of the MSF SnA Board for a 3-year term. These include 4 meetings per year (3 of them in-person and 1 online), Regional Meetings that are usually held in October, the yearly MSF SnA General Assembly, ongoing participation in the various Board Committees that ensure the associative oversight of specific issues, as well as any unplanned meetings in the case of urgent Governance/Associative issues.
• Not be in an employment relationship/contract with MSF.

 
Please note we will ask candidates who apply to avail themselves to attend an all-day board meeting online being held on Friday 14th August, 2026, as a kickoff to the pre-induction period.
 
Board members are tasked with representing the association, following up GA motions, and defending the MSF principles and charter. For this they are accountable to the association members.
The board also takes ultimate responsibility for the MSF SnA Executive/Offices in Johannesburg & Cape Town. They have oversight of the Executive budget and activities and are liable for any decisions made.
The terms of reference of the board are stated in the section below:

Terms of Reference of the Board
Board members are elected for a term of three years. They direct and represent the association of MSF Southern Africa. All actions of the board will be guided by; support and protect the principles of MSF as laid down in the MSF Charter and formulated in the Chantilly and La Mancha statements as well as defined in the MSF SnA Association Memorandum of Incorporation (statutes).
They have final responsibility for all actions executed in the name of MSF Southern Africa including actions delegated to the general director (GD) and/or the executive. They are accountable to the members of the MSF SnA association and the MSF patients and donors.

The board respects and follows up the decisions and motions passed in the General Assemblies.
 
The board monitors the implementation of MSF principles, Charter and statutes in the Annual Plan.  The Annual Plan and budget should be submitted by the executive to the Board for approval. Convene and prepare the topics for the General Assembly in collaboration with the board and the executive. All board members are encouraged to reach out to the association members, participate in, and contribute to Field Association Debates.

• The board members represent the association in meetings, conferences, and General Assemblies of other entities as well as externally.
• The board members collaborate with the Association and Board Support Department.
• The board members select the International General Assembly (IGA) representatives.
• The board members select the MSF Ubuntu Council representatives from MSF SnA.

Board members’ individual responsibilities:  
All board members are able to carry out board duties as above.

• The board members make a commitment to be available throughout the year for meetings in Johannesburg, preparation, follow-up and engage in email and telephonic discussion, attend external meetings and liaise with interesting organizations and personalities.


• The board members will make themselves available for a minimum of 3 in-person and 2 online board meetings in Johannesburg per year, and over and above if necessary.


• The board members can show a confirmation from their employer where applicable that they have been given the flexibility to attend necessary meetings.


• Being a board member does not conflict with the employers’ policy (e.g., conflict of interest).
  The board member must disclose any conflict of interest during board proceedings.


• Together with the treasurer the board members follow the financial development of MSF SnA, maintain financial oversight and carry the association`s financial responsibility.


• The board members carry on strategic discussions and remain updated on the executive work of the MSF Southern Africa Executive, MSF`s work in the region and beyond.


• The board members are prepared to take on special portfolios.


• The board members assist in the preparation and realization of the General Assembly


• The board members share relevant information with other members of the board and with the association.


• All board members are encouraged to and should, if possible, represent the MSF SnA board at other sections’ General Assemblies and FAD`s.


• The board members should uphold a sound and fresh knowledge and understanding of both relevant international debates as well as particular Southern African regional contexts.

Board members take part in the decision-making process by:

• Participating actively and regularly in the board meetings, teleconferences etc.
•  Keeping close contact with other board members by mail and telephone.
•  Keeping in touch with and seeking exchange with other board members, association members, executive staff and international members of MSF.

The board members support other board officials in fulfilling their specific tasks.