Independent Chair of Africa Partnership Board- Hub Cymru Africa

Hub Cymru Africa is seeking an independent Chair for its Partnership Board.

Hub Cymru Africa is Wales’ leading international development and global solidarity organisation. We were formed in April 2015 to bring together the work of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, Fair Trade Wales, Wales and Africa Health Links Network and the Sub-Saharan Advisory Panel. We support organisations across Wales in building sustainable links and projects in partnership with organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the last two years, we have seen significant changes in our work and embarked on a new strategic period. As part of these processes, we committed to reviewing our governance and giving us a stronger foundation to move forward. We seek to appoint a new Chair who can help us deliver on this commitment and our collective vision.

Currently, the partnership board comprises two trustees from each participating organisation. It is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of a programme of activities supporting international development initiatives in Wales. The board’s work is outlined in a detailed partnership agreement document signed by all parties. In particular, the partnership agreement outlines the specific functions of the Chair:

• Ensure that the Board carries out its responsibilities
• Represent the Board where needed for any discussions with the Welsh Government, WCIA Board of Trustees or other official business 
• Convene and chair the Board’s meetings
• Adjudicate where requested in disputes between Partners 
• Line Management of the Head of Partnership.

Alongside the specific functions of the chair, we believe a skills and knowledge set is needed to ensure the Chair is able to help us deliver our Vision, Mission, and Strategy.

Person Specification

E = essential; D = desirable

• Knowledge of international affairs or locally led development (E)
• Knowledgeable of the third sector in Wales (D)
• A solid commitment to race equality and anti-racist practice (E)
• Proven leadership skills, including significant experience working with Boards (E)
• Brokering/negotiation skills (E)
• Proven experience of working with complex organisations with multiple funders (E)
• Ability to dedicate time, enthusiasm and energy to support the Hub Cymru Africa Partnership, including attending events and conferences and the workings of the board.  (E) 
• Ability to clearly and confidently represent the partnership in public (E)
• Experience in managing direct reports (E).

Due to the independent nature of this position, the Partnership Board is not able to consider applications from people who have been staff or trustees of any of the partner organisations listed above within the last two years or from groups receiving funding from any of these organisations. The person must also be independent of the Welsh Government as the principal donor to the Partnership.Applicants interested in this position should provide a CV and Cover letter outlining why they are applying for the role and, using the person specification, outlining the skills that they will bring. These should be sent to enquiries@hubcymruafrica.wales by 09:00 GMT on 12^th of July 2024.

You can view the full candidate pack here