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TOR: Engagement of an Executive Search Firm for Board Recruitment- Ubongo International

Ubongo

Earth

Posted on Jul 30, 2026

BACKGROUND

Ubongo International ("Ubongo") is a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming children's learning across Africa through engaging, localized educational media. Through animation, digital technologies, radio, television, and other innovative platforms, Ubongo reaches millions of children with high-quality educational content designed to improve learning outcomes and life skills.

As part of its continued governance strengthening and long-term strategic growth, the Board seeks to appoint an Executive Search Firm to identify and recruit exceptional candidates to serve as Independent Directors on the Board.

The engagement aims to strengthen the Board's collective expertise by attracting highly qualified leaders with experience in strategic sectors that will support Ubongo's mission, innovation agenda, sustainability, and future growth.

SUMMARY SERVICES NEEDED

Conduct a comprehensive search for highly qualified Board candidates.
Identify candidates whose experience aligns with Ubongo's strategic priorities.
Assess candidates against agreed competency and governance criteria.
Deliver a shortlist of exceptional candidates for final Board consideration
Support the Board in interviews and successful placement of Board Member

DETAILED SCOPE OF WORK

The Executive Search Firm shall be responsible for undertaking the following activities.

Phase I – Discovery and Planning

Meet with the CEO and Governance Team to understand:
- Ubongo's mission, vision and strategy;
- governance structure;
- organisational culture;
- Board composition;
- strategic priorities;
- desired Board dynamics.
Review relevant governance documents including:
- Bylaws;
- Board Skills Matrix;
- Strategic Plan;
- Board Committee Structure;
- Member Role Description;
- Board Expectations.
Develop an agreed recruitment strategy and project plan.

Phase II – Market Mapping and Candidate Identification

The firm shall undertake a proactive global search to identify highly qualified individuals through:
- Executive search methodologies;
- International professional networks;
- Governance networks;
- Technology and innovation communities;
- Philanthropic and nonprofit networks;
- Global education networks;
- Referrals;
- Industry mapping;
- Diversity-focused talent pools.
The search should include candidates from North America, Europe, Africa and other relevant international markets
The candidates search should include diversity in gender, geography, backgrounds and ethnicity

Phase III – Candidate Assessment

The firm shall:
- Conduct detailed interviews.
- Assess leadership capabilities.
- Evaluate governance experience
- Assess cultural alignment with Ubongo.
- Verify technical expertise.
- Assess commitment to nonprofit governance.
- Confirm availability and willingness to serve.
Assessment should include evaluation of:
- Strategic leadership
- Integrity
- Independence
- Governance capability
- Collaborative leadership
- Diversity of perspective
- Mission alignment
- Time commitment
- International experiencE
- Commitment to non-profit experience

Phase IV – Due Diligence

The firm shall undertake appropriate due diligence including:
- Professional reference checks;
- Employment verification;
- Reputation assessment;
- Conflict of interest review;
- Public records review;
- Governance history;
- Regulatory or legal issues (where applicable).

Phase V – Shortlisting

The firm shall provide:
- Longlist of candidates.
- Shortlist of recommended candidates.
- Candidate assessment reports.
- Summary of strengths and development areas.
- Recommendation on suitability.
- Diversity analysis.
- Skills mapping against Board requirements.

Phase VI – Interview Support

The firm shall:
- Coordinate interviews.
- Prepare interview schedules.
- Provide interview briefing notes.
- Support interview logistics.
- Consolidate interview feedback.
- Assist with final recommendations.

Phase VII – Appointment Support

Support the Board through:
- Candidate engagement.
- Offer discussions.
- Appointment documentation.
- Onboarding coordination.
- Transition support where necessary.

BOARD MEMBER BACKGROUND AND SKILLS

The search shall prioritise candidates possessing demonstrated executive leadership and strategic expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Technology & Artificial Intelligence: Experience leveraging emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, automation, and technology-enabled innovation to improve organisational performance, educational delivery, and operational efficiency.
Product Strategy & Innovation: Expertise in product development, product lifecycle management, customer-centric design, innovation strategy, digital products, and scaling products across multiple markets.
Animation & Content Production: Senior leadership experience in animation studios, media production, creative industries, educational content development, storytelling, digital media, or entertainment platforms.
Market Entry & Expansion: Experience leading organisational growth into new markets, scaling international operations, strategic partnerships, localisation strategies, market development, and sustainable expansion.
Data Analytics & Insights: Expertise in advanced analytics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, data strategy, predictive analytics, impact measurement, and evidence-based decision-making.

TIMELINE

The assignment is expected to be completed within 6–8 weeks from commencement, with indicative milestones as follows:

Activity Timeline

Kick-off Meeting Week 1

Search Strategy Week 1

Candidate Search Weeks 2–3

Candidate Assessments Weeks 4–5

Shortlist Submission Week 5

Board Interviews Weeks 6–7

Appointment Support Weeks 8–10

REPORTING ARRANGEMENT

The Executive Search Firm shall report directly to the Chair of the Nomination, Remuneration and Governance Committee, working closely with the Group Governance, Risk, Compliance and Legal Manager (Organisation Secretary), who will serve as the primary liaison throughout the engagement.

Regular progress updates shall be provided throughout the assignment.

The Executive Search Firm shall disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest before and throughout the engagement and implement appropriate measures to manage any identified conflicts.

REQUIRED PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Interested firms should submit: