Engineers Without Borders Canada is a youth-led global development organization rooted in the transformative power of engineering for good.
For over 25 years, EWB has invested in people to drive systemic change, mobilizing the engineering community to tackle global challenges through community-driven collaboration. Through leadership development, innovative programs, policy and advocacy, and a national network of chapters and alumni, we equip the next generation of socially engaged engineers to build a more equitable and sustainable world at home and abroad.
The Board of Directors
EWB is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Our board of directors comprises leaders from a number of sectors, both private and not for profit.
Our board members champion the importance of exceptional board leadership and believe that each and every organization needs a strong and effective board to fully realize its potential for good. In addition to the standard roles and responsibilities of a board member, our board members are active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and are fully engaged in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for EWB to advance its mission.
Our Board Selection Committee reviews the Board’s competence, skills and diversity regularly and recruits for specific positions which are presented to EWB Membership for election. The Board of Directors meets on a quarterly basis, and runs a series of key Board Committees throughout the year, in close collaboration with EWB’s CEO.
Board Volunteer Position Overview:
We are excited to welcome new Directors with a passion and commitment to global development and a thirst and curiosity to find new approaches to addressing poverty and inequality globally through innovative and experiential programs both here in Canada and abroad.
Responsibilities:
- Regularly attend and actively participate in quarterly Board meetings.
- Regularly attend and actively participate in at least one Board Committee. Committees include the Finance & Audit Committee, Governance Committee, Community Development Committee, and the Health, Safety and Wellness Committee.
- Provide input in the development, management, and evaluation of policies, strategic plans, and business plans.
- Working as board:
- monitor organizational finances including the approval of yearly budgets.
- assess and mitigate risks facing the organisation.
- ensure EWB Canada is in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- advocate for and positively represent EWB Canada to the general public.
- Participate in fundraising activities and initiatives in a manner commensurate with your ability.
EWB strives to achieve a balanced and diverse set of perspectives on our Board from the viewpoint of gender, racial and ethnic. We strongly encourage candidates who identify as women, non-binary, people of colour, Black and Indigenous candidates to apply.
At this time, we are welcoming applicants with the following experience and skills:
- A strong understanding and excitement for Board Governance, with previous experience sitting on other boards.
- Financial Management experience and expertise, (Canadian CPA designation desirable) with an understanding of the regulations applicable to Canadian charities.
- Experience as a board chair or senior executive, preferably in a global member-based organisation.
- Experience in non-profit organization management.
- Experience in the engineering sector, in particular in leadership positions.
- Experience being a part of the EWB community, and an understanding of EWB’s ecosystem.
- Candidates who are bilingual in French.
- Lived experience in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, or South Africa
Time Commitment:
- Quarterly meetings (10-20 hours per quarter, including reading board materials).
- 5 hours per month on average for committee work (depending on number of committees involved in; fluctuates month to month depending on workload).
- Participation at our Annual General Meeting (March or April every year)
Location:
The majority of our meetings take place virtually through zoom and across various time zones. In-person meetings generally take place at key EWB meetings, such as xChange conference, and the Annual General Meeting.
Location of the applicant is not a barrier to successful application. EWB is conscious about time differences when scheduling meetings, and will do our best to schedule meetings at a suitable time for all.
Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equality
EWB embraces diverse cultures, heritages, experiences and opinions in efforts to enrich our programmes and foster inclusive decision making. EWB is committed to providing inclusive, barrier-free employment free from discrimination, and to hiring diverse candidates.
EWB believes that gender discrimination is a root cause of global poverty and economic inequality, and the achievement of gender equality is integral to our mission of achieving systemic change and creating a more just society. We seek to achieve a vision of a more equitable society, inherent to which is the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, class, ethnicity, disability, age or another status.
How to Apply:
Reach out to boardchair@ewb.ca to learn more or put your name forward. Please submit a resume and a brief statement of interest (250 words max).
