Board Member recruitment

 

1. Introduction and Background

Ipas is a global organization committed to ending preventable deaths and disabilities from unsafe abortions. The Ipas Africa Alliance, a key part of the Ipas Impact Network, provides strategic direction and support for this mission across the East Africa region. The Ipas Africa Alliance Board is a critical leadership body responsible for governance, strategic oversight, resource mobilization, and advocacy.

To ensure the board remains well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), a recent skills mapping exercise has identified a need to fill specific competency gaps. This recruitment seeks to bring a new member to the board who will enhance our capacity in the areas of ICT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Youth Representation, with a strong foundation in SRHR.

2. The Role of the Board Member

The new Board member will be a strategic leader and advocate who brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights across the African continent. This individual will contribute to the board’s overall mission by providing critical insights and guidance, with a particular focus on the identified skill gaps.

3. Key Competencies and Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the following areas:

3.1. Information & Communication Technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Strategic Foresight in Emerging Tech: The ability to anticipate how emerging technologies, particularly AI, may shape the future of reproductive health access and governance.
• Digital Health Innovation: Understanding of how AI and other digital technologies can be ethically and effectively used to expand access to SRHR information and services in diverse African contexts.
• Technology Governance: Capacity to provide oversight on the use of digital platforms, ensuring compliance with data privacy laws and safeguarding user confidentiality, especially regarding sensitive SRHR data.
• Risk Management: The ability to identify and assess potential risks associated with the use of AI in SRHR, such as data bias, privacy breaches, and misinformation, and to develop mitigation strategies.

3.2. Youth Representation and Advocacy

• Lived Youth Experience: Direct experience or a profound insight into the challenges, opportunities, and priorities of young people in accessing SRHR across the region. The ideal candidate will be a young person who can authentically represent this perspective.
• Youth-Centered Lens: The ability to apply a youth-first perspective in strategic decision-making, ensuring that the organization’s strategies reflect the realities and aspirations of young people.
• Youth Advocacy and Influence: Experience in advocating for policies and programs that uplift and protect youth rights, including meaningful participation in SRHR dialogues and initiatives.

3.3. Core Board Competencies In addition to the specific AI and Youth Representation competencies, the successful candidate must demonstrate strengths in the following core areas:

• Strategic Leadership and Vision: The ability to contribute to the overall strategic direction of the Ipas Africa Alliance.
• Expertise in SRHR: A comprehensive understanding of SRHR and reproductive justice issues, including their intersection with other social justice issues.
• Governance and Accountability: Familiarity with non-profit governance, financial oversight, and ethical practices.
• Personal Attributes: High ethical standards, a deep commitment to gender equality and social justice, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to dedicate time and effort to board responsibilities.

4. Candidate Profile

Ipas Africa Alliance is seeking an individual who is:

• A young person (preferably under 35 years old) who brings lived experience and a youth-centered perspective.
• A recognized expert or practitioner in the field of Artificial Intelligence, with a clear understanding of its application and governance, particularly in the context of human rights and social justice.
• Knowledgeable about SRHR issues and deeply committed to reproductive justice in the African context.
• A resident of an East African country, or a person with significant professional or lived experience in the region.
• Committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

5. Board Member Commitments

The selected candidate will be expected to:

• Actively participate in regular board meetings (both in-person and virtual), typically held quarterly.
• Engage in committee work and special projects as needed.
• Adhere to Ipas’s Code of Conduct and all governance policies.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Ipas Africa Alliance, leveraging their network to support the organization’s mission.

6. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A letter of interest (not more than two pages) outlining their motivation for joining the Ipas Africa Alliance Board and how their experience aligns with the competencies and responsibilities described in this TOR.
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) detailing their professional experience, board memberships, and relevant skills.
• The names and contact information of two professional references.

Applications will be received through the portal under “submit a response to this opportunity”  icon by15th August 2025.

Ipas Africa Alliance is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, particularly young people, and those with a strong background in technology, AI, and SRHR.