Governance Manager

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

Job Title

Governance Manager

Department

Corporate Governance

Incumbent

(Name of current job holder)

Reports to

(Supervisor’s job title)

COO

Job Role Required Location

Dar, Tanzania (or based on location of CEO/COO)

Job Role Level

(as required)

Senior

• Job Role Level
• (as being performed)

Senior

POSITION OBJECTIVE (overall purpose of position)

The Governance Manager Is the steward of organizational integrity and governance excellence.

They lead efforts to strengthen Board and committee operations, ensure compliance across Ubongo's jurisdictions (Tanzania, USA, South Africa), support strategic alignment with the nonprofit’s mission and execution thereof

They ensure the organization complies with legal governance requirements, maintains transparent operations, and functions efficiently by facilitating clear communication and credibility between the Board and Executive team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Board Governance Management

Develop and manage (update as needed) governance frameworks and best practices that enhance the board's effectiveness, accountability, and impact on organizational performance.

Perform company secretarial (administration) duties for Ubongo International, Ubongo Learning, and Ubongo South Africa, including but not limited to drafting the annual work plan, organising board meetings, taking and circulating minutes, drafting resolutions, organizing elections or orientations for new trustees

Develop and maintain up-to-date records and implementation of bylaws, board policies, charters, and delegated authorities, in compliance with the laws of the respective countries, ensuring that the organization operates ethically and in alignment with its mission.

Provide legal advice and input for the boards, including interpretation and implementation of bylaws and regulations.

Maintain the delegations of authority for all entities.

Develop and oversee the implementation of performance assessment for both the Board and CEO performance, ensuring that key performance indicators are identified, tracked, and regularly reported to the board.

Develop and deliver training and development programs for the board of directors, executive leadership, and other stakeholders on governance, performance assessment, and accountability matters.

Lead board member onboarding, training, engagement and rotation planning, and maintain board registers.

Manage the governance platform for Board and Executive team

Work with the Executive Team to ensure the board is informed of key developments, risks, and opportunities in the organization.

Operational Governance

Ensure Ubongo adheres to local NGO laws, NGO registry requirements, and statutory reporting obligations for good governance

Identifying operational risks, overseeing internal governance audits, and ensuring the organization remains transparent to donors and the public for credible governance

Clarify accountability structures (Board and staff), set appropriate governance tiers and reporting requirements for partnerships, and produce an assurance summary to the Board, with waterproof data evidence

Monitor compliance with governance frameworks and procedures, and ensure that the organisation remains up-to-date with any changes in the legal and regulatory landscape.

Provide regulatory and compliance guidance to the Objective Key Results functions and address queries from the same;

Support the implementation of creating a culture of good governance and compliance.

Company Wide Responsibilities

Exemplify Ubongoers principles and norms

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED (Minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours to perform the job)

Physical

No special requirements

Education

A relevant bachelor’s degree in law, business, accounting, management, or finance or a professional Certificate in CCEP, ICSA, CGEIT, ICA etc.

Experience

At least five years of experience in corporate governance, risk management, or compliance

Experience in corporate governance.

Skills

Excellent project management skills and the ability to be methodical and diligent.

Knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework and corporate governance principles and practices for non-profit organizations in Tanzania. Familiarity with in these same competencies for South Africa, or Texas desirable.

Knowledge of best practices in corporate governance, including board structures, policies and procedures, and performance assessment frameworks.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including collaborating and building relationships across departments and geographies.

Analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide insights to inform decision-making.

Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Strong facilitation, presentation, and training skills.

Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Experience in board engagement, communication, and relationship-building is a must.