The Client
ADD International is a participatory grant-maker for disability justice. They support disability justice organisations and activists with funding and leadership skills to build powerful movements for change.
Key Objectives
Oxford HR was engaged by the Board and Co-CEOs of ADD International to lead the search and recruitment for their new Co-Chair. With the current Co-Chairs reaching the end of their terms and one trustee stepping up as the UK-based Co-Chair, ADD sought to fill the other Co-Chair position with an individual based in Africa or Asia. The ideal candidate would complement the existing Co-Chair, bringing expertise and lived experience to support ADD’s bold 10-year strategy of increasing the flow of funding to disability justice activists and organisations, and supporting their leadership.
The role required someone who aligned with ADD’s commitment to centering lived experience in leadership and supporting its commitment to have over 50% of staff and board members with lived experience by 2030. It was also essential that the candidate embodied ADD’s values, supported power-shifting initiatives, and would thrive in a co-leadership model.
Services
- Executive Search
- Board & Advisory
The process culminated in the successful appointment of Yetneberesh Nigussie Molla, a distinguished disability professional from Ethiopia, with over 17 years of senior-level experience. As a passionate lawyer with lived experience of disability engaged in global and regional advocacy, Yetneberesh has made a significant impact in reducing discrimination towards persons with disabilities. She is currently UNICEF’s Children with Disabilities Programme Specialist for Eastern and Southern Africa, is a joint winner of the Rights Livelihood Award 2017 and the Spirit of Hellen Keller award 2018, and has been recognised by the World Economic Forum as one of the most influential young Global Leaders in 2020.
ADD International were delighted with the outcome, recognising Yetneberesh’s exceptional experience and alignment with their transformative vision.
“We wanted to make sure that we got the best potential candidates for the Co-Chair role to work alongside Liz Sayce… We needed someone who was passionate about ADD and the changes we are making, as well as a good match for Liz that complemented her skills and experience.”
Mary Ann Clements
Co-Chief Executive Officer, ADD International
The appointed Co-Chair, Yetneberesh Nigussie Molla expressed her excitement about contributing to ADD International’s vision and driving transformative change in the disability sector.
”I joined the organisation because of my strong belief in a rights-based approach to disability and community-driven solutions to problems faced by the community. My lived experience with disability, combined with governance expertise, will enable me to work collaboratively with other board members to shape the future of grant-making and empower communities. In my role as Co-Chair of the board, I want to establish governance practices that reflect the organisation’s values and make it fit for purpose in collaboration with my fellow board members.
Yetneberesh Nigussie MollaCo-Chair, ADD International
On working with Oxford HR, Mary Ann commented that:
“Oxford HR were an excellent partner in this process. They worked to ensure a clear brief and then worked closely with us to source an excellent list of potential candidates. We were impressed with the attention they paid to each candidate through the process, reflecting ADD’s values and ways of working.”
Our Consultant Nicola Hogarth provided personalised support to ensure Yetneberesh Nigussie Molla was confident and prepared throughout the competitive recruitment process.
”The support I received from Oxford HR during the recruitment was fabulous. In my busy and tight schedule, I was provided with tips and ways of navigating to the process and tools provided. I also was reassured about the support I could receive, and any clarity needed during and after the recruitment. Had it not been for the help provided by Oxford HR, I might have not been able to finalize the recruitment process which I would say was highly competitive for such voluntary position.
Yetneberesh Nigussie MollaCo-Chair, ADD International
With the new Co-Chair in place, ADD International is advancing its strategic framework, Mtiririko, growing participatory grant-making and launching a Leadership Academy.
“Working with our new Co-Chairs, we are excited about bringing Mtiririko to life. We’re piloting grant-making streams in six countries, consolidating our participatory approach, and launching our Leadership Academy to support grassroots leaders.”
Mary Ann Clements
Co-Chief Executive Officer, ADD International
