Volunteer Board of Director(s)

Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy

Volunteer Board Director(s)

Founded over thirty years ago in recognition that Indigenous people must shape their own strategies to respond to HIV/AIDS and related health challenges, today, Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (Oahas) is an Indigenous-led provincial organization committed to supporting healthy, thriving Indigenous communities by providing culturally grounded education and access to programs and harm reduction services that reduce the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).

Oahas is guided by the principles of Greater Involvement of People living with HIV/AIDS (GIPA), Meaningful Engagement of People living with HIV/AIDS (MEPA), ‘nothing about us without us,’ Indigenous harm reduction, and respect for cultural knowledges and teachings. Oahas embraces values of autonomy and self-determination, accessibility, innovation, justice, connection, accountability, hope, and advocacy. These values are expressed through practices of direct communication, generosity of spirit, and cultural respect. With this ethos as a foundation, Oahas is seeking candidates for nomination to the Oahas Board of Directors, the governance body that provides Oahas with strategic guidance and advice, fiduciary and legal accountability, and community-centred leadership so it can fulfil its mission and work towards its vision.

Board Directors play a central role in advancing Oahas’ mission and strengthening the organization’s ability to serve Indigenous people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, those who have had a Hepatitis C diagnosis and/or persons who use drugs and access harm reduction services. Directors will provide thoughtful leadership in areas such as organizational direction, policy, financial oversight, and strategic planning, while also serving on committees such as Finance, Governance, Executive, or any ad hoc groups established to advance specific priorities. Board Directors can expect to dedicate approximately 10-15 voluntary hours per month to Oahas-related work, including monthly board meetings and committees’ work and participation.

Through this experience, Board Directors will have the chance to deepen their understanding of Indigenous governance, HIV and harm reduction strategies, to practice financial stewardship in the non-profit sector, to build relationships with health-sector and community leaders across Ontario, and to actively participate in meaningful and informed Indigenous community-building initiatives. Ideal candidates will share a strong commitment to Indigenous communities and will contribute to the organization given their practical experience in non-profit governance. Oahas particularly welcomes candidates who wish to enhance their executive Board leadership skills.

Qualifications

Per the Oahas by-laws, Board Directors may be Indigenous or non-Indigenous, although Indigenous candidates may be given preference. At a minimum, all candidates must be eligible for Oahas membership per the Oahas by-laws (2024) and the Oahas Guide to Membership.

Among the qualifications sought in candidates, the incoming leader must have a deep and abiding commitment to GIPA/MEPA principles and the Oahas organizational values, and must believe in the importance of leading with curiosity and respect.

While all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply and, in doing so, share how they see themselves adding value to the Oahas environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are demonstrated by the ideal candidates: A) a positive track record of Indigenous community leadership, collaboration, or advocacy in a similar or related role or sector, B) relevant skills or expertise in one or more of the following: non-profit leadership, board governance, business administration, human resources, health services, or law, C) be independent of the Ministry of Health and organizations with an identical mandate, and not at arm’s length with a current Oahas Director, and D) actively commit to attending monthly Board meetings and serving on at least one committee for a full term.

Eligible Indigenous people who identify as living with HIV (IPHAs), two-spirit, gender fluid/gender non-binary persons, persons with disabilities – both visible and non-visible, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Oahas warmly invites applications from eligible candidates living in northern Ontario, particularly Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury regions, where Oahas’ program sites are located.

How to Apply

Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (Oahas) is partnering with BES Executive Search, a firm committed to ensuring every search mandate engages a pluralistic, inclusive, and intersectional range of candidates. Applicants are guided through what BES calls The BES Experience—a thoughtful, candidate-centred process that provides support and care at every stage of the search.

All interested applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking HERE. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), applicants living with a disability will be provided with accommodation throughout the search process. Should accommodations be required, please inform Urmilla Mahabirsingh by emailing umahabirsingh@bessearch.com.

BES is deeply grateful to all who express interest in this opportunity and recognizes the time and effort that goes into submitting an application. While only those most closely aligned with the position requirements will be contacted for an interview, all applications will be reviewed with care as part of our commitment to providing a respectful and inclusive candidate experience.