PBI-USA’s National Coordinating Committee (NCC) or Board of Directors is made up of a maximum of 10 members with a combination of expertise related to its governance responsibilities. We are currently recruiting new NCC members with a passion for human rights and nonviolence, especially with a combination of the following skills and experience gained in PBI and/or in other organizations:
Finance | Accounting Media | Communications
As a rights-based organization we seek to have inclusive representation on the NCC. Thus, people with diverse backgrounds, particularly from the Global South, are encouraged to apply.
1. Organizational overview
PBI-USA is a non-governmental organization, which protects human rights and promotes nonviolent conflict transformation. PBI-USA provides protection for threatened human rights defenders and displaced communities striving to promote social justice and human rights in areas of violent conflict.
PBI-USA supports, both directly and indirectly, PBI field operations in Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Indonesia, Mexico and Nepal through volunteer recruitment and support, advocacy, and fundraising. PBI-USA as well as PBI Global and other PBI entities use a non-hierarchical model of organizing and decisions are taken by consensus. For further information see www.pbiusa.org.
The NCC meets monthly by conference call. They are supported by staff and by committees and working groups whose members have specialist expertise and responsibility for particular areas of governance and operations.
The key functions of the NCC are to ensure the following:
➢ That the conduct and activities of PBI-USA are consistent with and advance PBI-USA's mission, norms, and strategic directions
➢ That PBI-USA fulfills its internal and external legal and ethical obligations
➢ That an organizational structure is in place to carry out the strategic oversight, management and operations of PBI-USA
➢ That mechanisms are in place to monitor and evaluate strategic and operational plans and budgets ➢ That PBI-USA has a budget, financial management and operational plan in place and that they are regularly monitored
➢ That policies and procedures are in place and monitored to comply with legal and ethical responsibilities
2. Legal structure
PBI-USA was registered in 1995 as a non-profit corporation in the State of Washington, USA. Our 501(c)(3) registration number is 91-1702845. All NCC members are directors of the PBI-USA non-profit corporation registered in the State of Washington, USA
While PBI-USA and the other 12 country groups are legally separate from PBI Global, all the projects are incorporated in the countries in which they operate and also part of the legal structure and the governance of the international organization (ISEC).
3. Criteria for NCC members
3.1 Essential – general
▪ political awareness and familiarity with global issues relating to peace and human rights
▪ skills in political analysis and capacity to analyze complex situations
▪ commitment to and understanding of the principles and mandate of PBI-USA
▪ experience of and commitment to working with multi-national groups, ideally with Peace Brigades
International
▪ a sound understanding of strategic planning and oversight
▪ able to take part in monthly meetings by conference call
▪ able to serve on the NCC for three years
▪ able to commit an average of at 5 hours per month
▪ fluency in English
3.2 Information relating to specific NCC roles
All members of the NCC take on specific responsibilities to support the function of the organization.
Finance expertise: In addition to being a full member of the NCC, the person with finance expertise will participate in the Finance & Audit Committee. This Committee has oversight responsibilities for budgeting, finance reporting and management across the organization. This group advises the IC on issues of financial planning and accountability and proposes policies and procedures for best practice. Skills and experience required: financial management in NGOs.
Accounting expertise: In addition to being a full IC member and participating in the Finance & Audit Committee, the person with advanced accounting expertise will have oversight over financial accountability, ensuring timely and accurate financial reports and ensuring internal control policies and procedures are being followed. Skills and experience required: accounting experience with an NGO.
4. NCC conference calls and meetings
The NCC meets monthly by conference call. In addition, there is an annual face to face (FTF) meeting when the budget can support the expenses.
5. Why be a member of the NCC?
Past and current members of PBI-USA’s NCC will not deny that being on the NCC is sometimes intense and occasionally demanding, as anyone who works in human rights would understand. However, the NCC is also a space filled with intellectual stimulation and meaningful debate with worldly and engaged colleagues. It is a special opportunity to be part of the decision-making that manages the present and helps shape the future of a global human rights and peace building organization. As an NCC member, you can expect to:
❖ gain skills and experience in the governance and management of an international human rights organization;
❖ gain an understanding of and contribute to the strategic direction and functioning of PBI-USA;
❖ work directly with a highly committed group of people dedicated to putting into practice the protection
of human rights and promotion of nonviolence.
6. Expenses
NCC members are all volunteers and receive no remuneration. Travel and other costs incurred while carrying out NCC work will be covered by PBI-USA.
7. Applications
Please send your CV and a brief statement declaring why you would like to serve on the NCC and how you meet the criteria to: Andrew Miller, pbiusancc@gmail.com.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with representatives from PBI-USA. We regret that we will not be able to respond to unsuccessful applicants.
