Board Member

The African Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychologists and the mental health industry in every African country. The APA seeks to educate Africans and the diaspora about psychology, behavioral health and mental wellness. We seek to promote psychology as a science and support appropriate practice. We hope to foster the education and training of future psychological researchers, practitioners and educators. We act as advocates for the use psychological knowledge and practice to inform public policy and champion the application of psychology to promote human rights, overall health, wellness, dignity and esteem.

For more information, please African Psychological Association’s website at www.theapa.org. 

The Board will support the work of the African Psychological Association and provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by the African Psychological Association’s Managing Director (MD), the Board-MD relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. Specific Board Member responsibilities include:

1) Leadership, governance and oversight

• Serving as a trusted advisor to the MD as s/he develops and the African Psychological Association’s strategic plan

• Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by the African Psychological Association for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings

• Approving the African Psychological Association’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities

• Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the MD

• Assisting the MD and board chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members

• Partnering with the MD and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out

• Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments

• Representing the African Psychological Association to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization

• Ensuring the African Psychological Association’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities the African Psychological Association serves

2) Fundraising

The African Psychological Association’s Board Members will consider the African Psychological Association a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that the African Psychological Association can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, the African Psychological Association expects to have 100 percent of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.

Board Terms/Participation

The African Psychological Association’s Board Members will serve a three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. Board meetings will be held quarterly and committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings. 

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the African Psychological Association’s mission and who has a track record of board leadership. Selected Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector. His/her accomplishments will allow him/her to attract other well-qualified, high-performing Board Members.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector

• A commitment to and understanding of the African Psychological Association’s beneficiaries, preferably based on experience

• Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of the African Psychological Association’s beneficiaries

Service on the African Psychological Association’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties.

BENEFITS

• Opportunity to make a difference in an emerging market and focus on the African Region
• Work with a dynamic team of motivated young people
• Meet and work with like-minded people
• This is an unpaid position with flexible hours that will Boost your portfolio of work experience