About The Darbon Institute

The Darbon Institute is a not-for-profit organisation working to protect everyone’s right to bodily integrity and autonomy. This includes educating the public, medical profession, and government about the harms of non-consensual, medically unnecessary alterations of people’s bodies, such as male and female genital cutting/mutilation.

Through our work, supported by our core values of justice, inclusion, equality, courage, collaboration, and integrity, we aim to bring these out-dated and harmful practices to an end so that all children remain whole.

The Darbon Institute is a registered Australian Charity and is in the process of securing Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status in Australia. 

The Role(s)

The Darbon Institute is seeking to appoint the following positions to its volunteer Board of Directors:

• General Directors - to guide and develop our business growth and efficiency. We are looking for people with background, skills and experience in: 
  • Strategic planning.
  • Midwifery or medical expertise.
  • Business development and efficiency.
  • Budgeting.
  • Networking and stakeholder engagement.
  • Brand development and positioning.
  • Policy and advocacy.

Knowledge & Skills

Ideally, candidates will possess: 

• At least 3 years of experience in a similar position, preferably in the non-profit sector;
• A tertiary degree or qualification in a relevant field (e.g., law, medicine, public health, communications).
• Financial, legal, administrative or communications skills.

Roles & Responsibilities

Strategy and planning - contributing to the long-term development and sustainability of The Darbon Institute and its activities with a focus on risk management.

Accountability - ensuring The Darbon Institute meets its legal and governance obligations. 

Representation - advocating for The Darbon Institute (and the communities in which we work) to partners and donors.

Resourcing - securing financial support and pro-bono/in-kind products and services to benefit The Darbon Institute. 

Additional Desirable Attributes

• An understanding of the not-for-profit sector and membership-based organisations in Australia.
• A history of working on human rights, child rights and/or associated issues in either a business, government or civil society capacity.
• A strong existing network that can help drive opportunities and outcomes for the organisation.
• Previous governance experience and/or relevant governance qualifications.

Time Commitment

The Darbon Institute Board members are eligible for re-appointment every three years up to a maximum of nine years continuous service. Service on the board is of a voluntary nature. Board members are currently responsible for the governance and management of operational activities given the organisation has no employed staff. 

• Attend (via Zoom) monthly scheduled Board meetings of approximately 1 hour each, as well as additional meetings from time to time that may be required throughout the year.
• Attend the AGM once per year for up to 2 hours. This will either be in-person or via Zoom (depending on COVID restrictions and the associated situation at the time).
• Contribute, on average, a minimum of 8 hours per month in addition to board meetings to network, promote and explore opportunities for the organisation.
• Undertake special projects and assignments in conjunction with other Board members to assist in progressing the organisation’s purpose and mission.

For more information, visit www.darboninstitute.org, or call Jonathan Meddings on 0437 435 091.