ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE YALI AFRICA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRPERSON

YALI AFRICA COMPANY LIMITED

About us

YALI Africa, https://yaliafrica.com/, is seeking a dynamic leader with pan-African experience to guide the vision and implementation of a high-level and well established sub-Saharan African youth development program as members of the YALI Africa Board of Directors.

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), https://yali.state.gov/, is the U.S. government’s signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders through three distinct activities: the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the YALI Regional Leadership Centers (RLC) based in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa, and the YALI Network. USAID is planning for the next decade of support to promote effective public administration, foster entrepreneurship and business opportunities, and cultivate civic leadership.

YALI Africa was conceived by the four YALI RLCs to build upon their work to create a pan-sub-Saharan Africa entity that supports their efforts to offer comprehensive and harmonized leadership training programs in 49 countries, build awareness of what YALI offers to reach more youth and partners, and create additional opportunities for YALI alumni post-training.

To achieve its strategic objectives, YALI Africa will be led by a Board of Directors composed of competent, diverse, and qualified members from across Africa and the diaspora. As such, YALI Africa is seeking qualified leaders on the continent and in the diaspora to serve on the YALI Africa Board of Directors and be part of a dynamic team that will make YALI Africa the premier pan-sub-Saharan African youth-focused organization on the continent.

During the initial years when YALI Africa is being established, the Chairperson will work closely with the Young African Leaders Initiative Legacy Localization (YALI Legacy Localization) activity funded by USAID Washington and managed by Arizona State University. YALI Legacy Localization’s mission is to ensure the prosperity of YALI Africa, a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) that was registered in Ghana in 2019 and renewed in June 2024, by collectively directing its affairs while meeting the interests of shareholders and relevant stakeholders.

Position Overview

The YALI Africa Board of Directors Chairperson should have dynamic experience as a pan-African leader with expertise in the private sector, philanthropy, and donor and development sectors. The inaugural board will lead the way in establishing the vision of YALI Africa, so the chairperson should be a visionary with the ability to build coalitions. The ideal candidate is a seasoned, bilingual (English and French or Portuguese) leader, who has a proven track record in leading and managing successful organizations and functioning boards. The chairperson must harness and execute a clear pan-African vision for African youth in all sectors with a special focus on enterprise, civic education, and public policy.

The chairperson will provide visionary leadership, ensure effective governance, and foster productive relationships among the board, senior management, and stakeholders. This individual must possess diverse social networks across the globe and command a hearing across the continent. Their reputation should elevate the YALI Africa brand simply by their presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level leadership to the board, ensuring that the board functions effectively and fulfills its obligations.
• Lead the team in providing strategic direction and ensuring a stable resource base for YALI Africa.
• Effectively guide board and stakeholder meetings, ensuring they occur regularly, at least on a quarterly basis.
• Provide leadership and oversight to YALI Africa’s managing director and the entire secretariat.
• Motivate and inspire other board members.
• Act as a liaison between the board and the YALI Africa secretariat.
• Ensure regular assessment of board members, committees of the board, and the board as a whole.
• Uphold and promote good governance practices in collaboration with the Corporate Governance Committee.
• Provide strategic assistance on major policy issues and represent the corporation at senior industry or government levels.

Qualifications

• Proven pan-African leadership experience in a senior executive or board position, preferably with a background in the private sector or the philanthropic space.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster effective collaboration among board members and with senior management.
• Independent, with the ability to comply with all applicable regulatory and stock exchange requirements.
• Bilingual in English and French or Portuguese with bilingual work experience across the African region.
• Solid leadership and management experience with a good track record as a successful executive.
• Relevant qualifications to understand and lead a diverse board.
• Social, financial, and personal capital to engage with stakeholders and an understanding of inclusive and consultative mechanisms.

Appointment and Term

The chairperson can be based anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa and will be appointed for a three-year term, renewable for one additional term, ensuring alignment with YALI Africa’s strategic goals and governance standards.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a leading organization committed to transforming lives in Africa through youth leadership development and training.
• Engage with a dedicated and experienced board of directors.
• Contribute to the success and sustainability of YALI Africa, and the impact of YALI alumni.