Board of Directors at Habitat for Humanity Tanzania

Habitat for Humanity Tanzania is locally registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), which is affiliated to Habitat for Humanity International – a global non-profit housing organization. Habitat for Humanity Tanzania found in 1986 with a vision to see every Tanzanian has a decent place to live.

Over the past 39 years, HFHT has positively impacted:

• 54,585 people through housing construction and home improvement projects.
• 51,115 people through Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), climate mitigation, and livelihood training.
• 40,000+ people through advocacy work since 2022, including housing microfinance and direct construction initiatives.

HFHT currently operates in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Pwani, and Manyara. As outlined in our

2025-2030 Business Plan, our programmatic focus areas include: Habitability, Affordability, Basic Services, Secure Land Tenure and HDRR- Housing Disaster Recovery and Resilience

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, which meets quarterly and operates through three committees:

• Finance and Fundraising Committee
• Strategy and Business Development Committee
• Governance and Human Resources Committee

An effective board is a key driver of organizational success. HFHT is seeking highly qualified, engaged, and enthusiastic individuals to strengthen the governance of the organization. The goal is to have a diverse, skilled, and committed Board that will ensure strategic oversight, fundraising support, and risk management.

Scope of Work 

Roles & Responsibilities of the Board

The Board of Directors is collectively responsible for the governance, strategic direction, and oversight of HFHT. Members are expected to actively contribute their skills, experience, and leadership to strengthen the organization.

General Duties of the Board Members 

Each board member is expected to:

• Attend and actively participate in all quarterly board meetings Serve on at least one board committee.
• Contribute financially to HFHT annually.
• Support board decisions, even in cases where they may have voted against them.
• Be an ambassador for HFHT, promoting its mission and expanding its network of partners and supporters.

Specific Responsibilities of the Board Governance & Compliance

• Ensure HFHT operates in compliance with legal, regulatory, and financial reporting requirements.
• Uphold the core governance principles outlined in HFHT’s Constitution and policies.
• Provide oversight on risk management and financial accountability.

Strategic Oversight & Organizational Performance

• Provide strategic direction for the organization’s vision and mission.
• Monitor and evaluate HFHT’s impact, programs, and operations.
• Ensure the board reviews and approves the annual business plan, budgets, and strategic priorities.

Executive Leadership & Board-Staff Partnership

• Work in partnership with the National Director and senior leadership to achieve organizational goals.
• Ensure board resolutions and decisions are effectively implemented.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to HFHT’s leadership team.

Fundraising & Resource Mobilization

• Support fundraising efforts and donor engagement to ensure financial sustainability.
• Leverage personal and professional networks to attract potential funders, partners, and investors.

Advocacy & External Engagement

• Represent HFHT’s mission and interests at national and international levels.
• Build strategic partnerships with government, NGOs, private sector, and community organizations.
• Advocate for affordable housing policies and community development initiatives.

Board Development & Effectiveness

• Ensure HFHT’s Board remains effective by recruiting highly skilled and diverse board members.
• Participate in periodic board training and performance evaluations.
• Sign a Board Member Commitment Agreement, demonstrating their dedication to HFHT’s mission and governance standards.

Qualifications & Key Competencies

HFHT is seeking highly accomplished professionals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising & Resource Mobilization
• Strategic Partnership Engagement & Development
• Finance, Accounting & Risk Management
• Housing Finance & Affordable Housing Programs

Additional Board Member Requirements

• Extensive executive leadership experience in business, government, or the NGO sector.
• Highly respected and regarded as an expert in development, housing, or nonprofit management.
• A strong commitment to HFHT’s mission and the ability to advocate for its beneficiaries.
• Ability to strengthen the organization through professional expertise and strategic guidance.
• Availability to attend board meetings and actively contribute to decision-making.
• Ability to bring diversity to the Board in terms of age, gender, expertise, and cultural background.
• Passionate about social change, affordable housing, and community development.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, able to see the bigger picture and long-term vision of HFHT.
• Experienced in people management, teamwork, and leadership development.
• Well-versed in NGO governance and nonprofit sector regulations.

Remuneration & Commitment

• Board members are expected to attend all board meetings, read board papers in advance, and actively participate in discussions.
• Board membership is voluntary, but members will receive a reasonable travel allowance for attending meetings, as determined by HFHT.