Amnesty International Seeking Technology & Innovation Leader for Global Board

Amnesty International Seeking Technology & Innovation Leader for Global Board
Become an International Board Member at Amnesty International – Technology and Innovation Focus
Deadline: Apply by 25 April 2025
Are you passionate about human rights, technology, and innovation? Amnesty International is seeking a new International Board Member with expertise in technology and innovation to join its leadership team. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of the world’s most influential human rights organizations and contribute to its mission of advancing freedom, equality, and justice for all.
Amnesty International Seeking Technology & Innovation Leader for Global Board

As an International Board Member, you will provide strategic guidance, governance, and oversight to ensure Amnesty International continues to lead in the fight for human rights. You will play a pivotal role in navigating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and cybersecurity, while ensuring that Amnesty International’s mission and values are upheld in the digital age.
This article aims to provide you with a detailed understanding of what it means to be an International Board Member at Amnesty International, with a focus on technology and innovation. We will explore the organization’s mission, your expected contributions, and the competencies and qualities that will help you thrive in this leadership role.
About Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a global movement dedicated to defending human rights and confronting injustice. Founded in 1961, Amnesty has been at the forefront of advocating for human rights, freedom, and justice. With over 10 million supporters across the globe, the organization campaigns to protect individuals from abuse, discrimination, and violence. Its work spans more than 70 countries and includes advocacy on key human rights issues such as climate justice, freedom of expression, the protection of refugees, the abolition of the death penalty, and the promotion of gender equality.
The organization’s leadership is provided by the International Board, which serves as the highest governing body of Amnesty International. The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, ensuring that it remains accountable, transparent, and true to its mission and values. Board members are essential leaders who guide the organization through challenges and opportunities, ensuring its long-term success.
Amnesty International has an active volunteer base, comprising dedicated individuals from various backgrounds who bring expertise and experience to the organization. Together, they work towards achieving Amnesty’s vision: a world in which every person enjoys freedom, equality, and justice. The International Board, with a diverse and global composition, plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization.
Role of International Board Member
As an International Board Member at Amnesty International, you will play a critical role in ensuring that the organization remains agile and resilient in a fast-changing world. Your primary focus will be on technology and innovation, areas that are increasingly vital for the organization’s work in defending human rights in the digital age.
The role of an International Board Member is both strategic and operational. You will work alongside other board members to set and monitor the organization’s strategic goals, ensuring that Amnesty International remains at the forefront of global human rights advocacy. You will be expected to bring your expertise to the table, offering independent insights and recommendations on how the organization can leverage emerging technologies to further its mission.
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities of an International Board Member with a focus on technology and innovation are extensive and impactful. Below are some of the core responsibilities you will undertake:
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Strategic Leadership and Oversight
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As a member of the Board, you will help shape the organization’s strategy to address the rapidly evolving digital landscape. You will ensure that Amnesty International capitalizes on new technologies to advance its human rights agenda while mitigating potential risks.
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Your strategic oversight will guide Amnesty in embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, and data analytics to improve its operational efficiency and effectiveness in achieving human rights outcomes.
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Technology Leadership
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You will bring your expertise in technology to help the organization navigate the complexities of digital transformation. This includes advising on the implementation of digital tools and systems that improve organizational performance, enhance transparency, and drive digital resilience.
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A key aspect of this responsibility will be ensuring that Amnesty International uses technology to advocate for human rights while being mindful of the risks posed by digital tools, such as misinformation, surveillance, and violations of privacy.
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Cybersecurity and Digital Resilience
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Cybersecurity is a critical area for any global organization, and Amnesty International is no exception. As a Board Member, you will oversee the organization’s cybersecurity strategy to protect sensitive data, ensure digital security, and maintain trust with supporters and partners.
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You will also work on strengthening digital resilience, helping the organization develop robust measures to protect itself from digital threats, including cyber-attacks, misinformation, and digital repression.
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Human Rights in the Digital Age
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A central responsibility will be to provide guidance on how Amnesty International should address human rights issues in the context of new technologies. You will advise on the risks posed by digital surveillance, AI-driven systems, and social media platforms, and how these can be leveraged to defend human rights.
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You will also help ensure that the organization develops policies and positions on emerging digital threats that affect civil liberties, freedom of expression, and privacy.
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Digital Transformation and Systems Improvement
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As part of the Board, you will guide the organization through its digital transformation journey. This will involve advising on the modernization of systems, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring that Amnesty International remains agile and effective in its advocacy efforts.
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You will also be instrumental in recommending improvements in organizational processes to ensure transparency, accountability, and resilience in the face of new challenges.
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Governance and Accountability
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The International Board is responsible for providing governance and oversight to ensure that Amnesty International complies with its legal obligations, maintains financial integrity, and upholds its ethical values.
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You will contribute to ensuring that the organization is well-governed, transparent, and accountable to its supporters, partners, and stakeholders.
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Key Competencies for the Role
The role of an International Board Member with a focus on technology and innovation requires a unique set of competencies. Below are some of the key attributes that will make you an ideal candidate for this role:
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Expertise in Technology and Innovation
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A deep understanding of technology, including emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain, is essential for the role. You should be well-versed in the challenges and opportunities that these technologies present for global organizations.
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You should also have experience in leading or advising on digital transformation initiatives that have had a measurable impact on organizational performance.
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Human Rights Expertise
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While experience in the nonprofit sector is not mandatory, you should possess a strong understanding of human rights issues and how technology impacts civil liberties, privacy, and freedom of expression.
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Familiarity with the role of technology in shaping public opinion, facilitating advocacy, and addressing human rights violations will be key to contributing effectively to Amnesty International’s mission.
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Global Perspective
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Amnesty International operates in a global context, and as a Board Member, you will need to understand the cultural, political, and social dynamics that shape human rights advocacy in different regions of the world.
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A forward-thinking leader with the ability to navigate global trends in technology and their implications for organizations will be invaluable.
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Leadership and Governance Skills
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You should have a proven track record of leadership in either the private or nonprofit sectors, particularly in technology-related areas.
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Strong governance skills are essential to ensure that Amnesty International remains accountable, transparent, and aligned with its strategic goals.
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Risk Management and Ethical Leadership
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A solid understanding of risk management, particularly in the context of digital security and data privacy, will be crucial. You should be able to assess digital risks and recommend strategies to mitigate them.
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As a member of the Board, you will also be expected to uphold the highest ethical standards, promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of the organization’s work.
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Cross-Cultural Competence
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Given Amnesty International’s global presence, you must be able to navigate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. This includes understanding cultural differences, promoting diversity, and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process.
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Diplomacy and Advocacy
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Strong diplomatic skills are necessary for representing Amnesty International in international settings. You should be able to build relationships with key stakeholders, including governments, donors, and other international organizations, and advocate for human rights in a variety of contexts.
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What’s Involved?
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Role: International Board Member (Technology and Innovation Focus)
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Location: Home-based (not office-based)
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Working Hours: Approx. 2-4 days per month
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Remuneration: Modest remuneration and travel expenses for Board-related activities
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Application Deadline: 25 April 2025
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Nomination Deadline: 8 May 2025
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Election: Members of the Board will be elected at the Global Assembly meeting in July 2025
How to Apply
If you believe you possess the expertise and passion required for this role, please submit your application by 25 April 2025 through the Amnesty International Careers Portal.
Successful candidates will be invited to complete a nomination form and submit it by the nomination deadline of 8 May 2025. Board members will be elected at the Global Assembly in July 2025.
Who Can Apply?
Amnesty International welcomes applications from individuals worldwide, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background. Applicants should be fluent in English, with knowledge of additional languages (especially French or Spanish) being highly desirable.
Candidates with relevant experience external to Amnesty International are strongly encouraged to apply.
Final Thoughts
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a significant impact on global human rights through technology and innovation. As an International Board Member, you will have the chance to shape the future of Amnesty International and contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide.
Apply now and be part of the change!
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