Board Secretary at The African Climate Foundation

Purpose

The Board Secretary is pivotal in fostering high standards of governance within the organization, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and supporting the Board of Trustees and its Committees. This role is central to the maintenance of the organization's governance framework, facilitating effective decision-making and enhancing organizational transparency and accountability.

Key Responsibilities will include but not limited to:

Governance and Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to relevant legal and regulatory requirements, updating the Board on changes in governance legislation and best practices.
• Conduct regular statutory reviews, including the examination of constitutional documents and the trust deed against current laws and governance standards.

Board and Committee Facilitation:

• Organize and facilitate Board and Committee meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas in consultation with the ACF’s Executive Director and Chairperson, and managing pre-meeting logistics.
• Liaising with relevant stakeholders within the ACF to prepare board presentations and collate relevant information.
• Produce timely and accurate minutes of meetings, follow up on action items, and ensure secure archiving of governance documentation.

Digital Documentation and Archiving:

• Develop and manage a secure digital archiving system for all governance-related documents, ensuring efficient categorization and real-time access for Trustees and Committee members.
• Identify and integrate technology solutions that streamline governance processes, improve decision-making quality, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Stay informed on technological advancements in corporate governance and recommend tools to enhance Board effectiveness.

Adaptability to Governance Changes:

• Monitor governance trends and regulatory changes, advising the Board on necessary adjustments to practices and procedures.
• Lead the implementation of new governance practices, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of governance excellence.

Professional Development:

• Engage in continuous learning and professional development related to governance, legal compliance, and technology, ensuring skills and knowledge are up to date.

Collaborative Engagement:

• Enhance communication and collaboration between the Board, Committees, and management, serving as a liaison to ensure seamless information flow.
• Support Committees in their governance roles, assisting with documentation and facilitating strategic discussions as necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant professional qualifications, such as a degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 5 years demonstrable experience in a governance or corporate secretarial role, with a thorough understanding of corporate governance principles and compliance requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills and proficiency in digital document management and archiving.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to adapt to changing governance landscapes and integrate new technologies into governance processes.
• Ability to work with a sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Ability to work and maintain strict confidentiality regarding all deliberations of the Board and its Committees, and any sensitive information accessed in the course of their duties.