SUMMARY:

We are currently seeking to appoint new Board members to join the International Board of Amnesty International. As a Board member, you are a committed individual who will bring your expertise and skills to help us deliver our ambitious strategy and advance our mission and vision of a world in which every person enjoys freedom, equality and justice.

Ours is an active organization made up of inspiring and dedicated volunteers from all walks of life who bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the organization and are passionate about defending human rights. International Board members serve as essential leaders and decision-makers and play a vital role in ensuring effective organizational management, long-term impact and success.

We would like to hear from candidates from a variety of professional backgrounds and with particular experience in technology and innovation. The role of International Board member is modestly remunerated, expenses for travel on Amnesty business are also reimbursed.

There are currently International Board members from Australia, Chile, Denmark, New Zealand, Thailand and Zimbabwe. Interested individuals resident in any of these six countries are not eligible to apply this year.

For more information about the International Board please visit: https://www.amnesty.org/en/about-us/international-board/

PROFILE

We are looking for a suitably qualified and motivated International Board Member with expertise in technology and innovation within a commercial or non-profit international organization. Experience in the non-profit sector is welcomed but not essential.

As a member of the International Board you will play a critical role in guiding the organization through the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies. To succeed in this role, you will have a deep understanding of digital transformation, data analytics and the evolving technological landscape, ensuring the organization remains agile, resilient and aligned with its strategic goals.

Key competencies include:

• Global Trends and Strategic Knowledge: A forward-thinking leader abreast of global trends and emerging technologies to ensure the organization not only mitigates risks but also capitalizes on technology-driven opportunities to advance its mission in a complex, rapidly changing global landscape.
• Technology Leadership: Experience in assessing and leveraging technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), the metaverse and data driven decision-making to drive organizational growth and impact.
• Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience: Expertise in safeguarding organizations against cyber threats, overseeing cybersecurity measures and strengthening defenses against misinformation, disinformation and other digital risks.
• Digital Transformation and Systems Improvement: Experience in leading or advising on digital transformation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, transparency and organizational resilience.
• Human Rights in the Digital Age: Has a comprehensive understanding of both online and offline human rights issues, digital surveillance and how AI-driven systems impact civil society, privacy and freedom of expression.
• Civic Space and Technology: Understands how digital tools both limit and expand civic space, with the ability to shape strategies that counter repression while leveraging technology for advocacy, mobilization and secure communication.
• Cross-cultural competence: Ability to navigate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrates a proactive commitment to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Risk management: Comprehensive grasp of the financial, operational, environmental, social and governance risks linked to organizations with a presence in multiple locations.
• Ethical leadership: Committed to promoting and enabling principled and value driven leadership, operating with integrity, openness and transparency.
• Diplomacy: Strong diplomatic skills to represent the organization effectively in international settings. Provides an independent perspective gained from working in other international organizations to positively challenge the organization.

WHAT'S INVOLVED?

The International Board is made up of nine members including the International Treasurer, who are elected to office for a three-year term with a maximum of two consecutive terms by the Global Assembly, Amnesty International's highest governing body.

As an International Board member you will play a key role in setting and monitoring the strategic direction of Amnesty International and ensuring the organization lives up to its shared vision, aims, and values.

For a detailed role and person description please view the attachment at the bottom of the page.  

Key governance responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensuring Amnesty International complies with its governing documents (the Articles of Association), UK company law, charity law, the Amnesty International Statute any other relevant legislation or regulations;
• Providing high-quality, independent fiduciary oversight of Amnesty International's financial resources;
• Discharging responsibility for strategic leadership, accountability for managing institutional risks, whether financial, operational, reputational, environmental, sector-related or legal;
• Ensuring transparency and accountability and actively holding International Secretariat management to account for delivering the organization's strategy;
• Appointing and supporting the Secretary General and monitoring their performance;
• Acting as a responsible employer by ensuring there are appropriate policies and procedures in place to care for the welfare of International Secretariat staff, including a safeguarding policy across the organization;
• Reviewing organizational health indicators and performance information.

HOW TO APPLY

If you believe you possess the skills and qualities needed to succeed in this role please click the ‘Apply for this role' button below and send us your application by no later than 25 April.

Accepted candidates will be asked to complete a nomination form which must be submitted by the nominations deadline of 8 May 2025. Members of the International Board will be elected at the Global Assembly meeting in July 2025.

If you have any questions about the application process please contact committees@amnesty.org.

WHO CAN APPLY?

To encourage geographical diversity, Amnesty International's Statute states that there cannot be more than one elected member from any country on the International Board (see Article 24).

Our diversity is one of our strongest assets. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, physical ability, faith or other elements of identity or background from all around the world. The official working language of the International Board is English. The ability to work in other languages – especially French and Spanish – in addition to a fluent command of English is highly desirable.

Candidates with relevant experience external to Amnesty International are especially encouraged to apply.