Organizational & Governance Structure

Arlaadi Council’s organizational and governance structure is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making across all levels. Each body and department plays a vital role in guiding strategy, mobilizing communities, and advancing our mission. This structure allows us to remain inclusive, representative, and responsive to the needs of the people we serve.

Organizational Structure

Component	Description
Governing Board	Include respected intellectuals, elders, professionals, and ex-officials from the Arlaadi region.
Departments	Political & Governance Support; Communications & Fundraising & Resource Mobilization; Community Mobilization & Outreach.
Coalition Building	Bring together different Arlaadi clusters (US, Canada, UK, EU, Gulf, Australia, Somalia, Africa) under one umbrella to overcome fragmentation.

Governance Structure

Body	Function	Composition
Chapter committees	Supreme decision-making body	All members; meets annually
Executive Board	Strategic leadership and oversight	7–11 elected members
Advisory Council	Elders, scholars, and experts who advise but do not vote	Appointed
Secretariat	Day-to-day management	Executive Director + Chapters
Country Chapters	Local mobilization (e.g., USA, UK, Canada)	Chapter committees

General Assembly

The General Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of the Arlaadi Council. Its key duties include:

• Discussing and adopting policies that guide the organization.
• Electing members of the Executive Board.
• Amending the Charter and Bylaws as necessary.
• Reviewing and approving annual reports and financial statements.

A quorum requires one-third (1/3) of registered, voting-eligible members. Decisions are made by simple majority (50% +1), unless otherwise stated. Amendments to the Charter require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.

Executive Board

The Executive Board shall consist of:

Executive Board Members
Chairperson	Vice Chairperson
Secretary General	Deputy Secretary
Treasurer	2–6 Board Members serving as Program Leads

Each Executive Board member serves a three-year term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms in the same position.

• Election Procedures
  • Elections are conducted every three years at the General Assembly.
  • A Nominations Committee vets candidates at least 30 days prior to elections.
  • Voting is held by secret ballot, either physically or through secure electronic platforms.
  • Candidates must have paid membership dues in full and been active members for at least twelve months.
• Executive Board Powers & Duties

  The Executive Board is responsible for:

  • Approving the organization’s strategy and annual work plan.
  • Hiring, supervising, or dismissing the Executive Director.
  • Overseeing financial management, legal compliance, and reputational safeguards.
  • Approving major partnerships, grants, and contracts.
  • Appointing interim officers when vacancies arise.

Executive Board Duties

The Executive Board plays a central role in guiding the vision and ensuring the effective management of Arlaadi Council. Its key responsibilities include:

• Developing strategic plans and policies that align with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.
• Approving annual budgets and fundraising strategies to ensure financial sustainability and growth.
• Overseeing program implementation and evaluating impact across all initiatives.
• Hiring, supporting, and evaluating the Executive Director to provide strong organizational leadership.
• Appointing interim officers when necessary to maintain continuity and effectiveness.
• Building and maintaining external partnerships that strengthen collaboration and expand the organization’s reach.

Secretariat and Day-to-Day Management

The Secretariat manages the organization’s daily operations under the leadership of the Executive Director.

• Executive Director
  • Appointed by the Executive Board, serving as the chief operating officer.
  • Provides leadership in managing departments, staff, and coordination across chapters.
  • Ensures effective implementation of the Council’s strategic priorities.
• Departments

  The Secretariat is responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations and is composed of specialized departments. Each department is led by a Director, appointed by the Executive Director:

  • Governance & Security Support
  • Community Mobilization & Counter-Messaging
  • Resource Mobilization & Finance
  • Communications & Advocacy
  • Monitoring & Evaluation

Partnership with the SouthWest State Government

Arlaadi Council maintains a structured and collaborative relationship with the SouthWest State Government to enhance effectiveness and impact. This partnership is built through:

• Appointed Liaison Officers
• Formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)
• Joint project planning and coordinated initiatives

Funding & Financial Management

To ensure transparency and accountability, the organization follows strict financial management practices:

• All funds are deposited into AGF bank accounts
• Dual signatories are required for any withdrawals
• Audited financial reports are prepared and presented annually

Meetings

The organization conducts regular and emergency meetings to ensure active participation and strong governance:

• General Assembly: convened once per year
• Executive Board: meets quarterly
• Emergency Meetings: may be called by a majority of board members or a designated proportion of members
• Digital Participation: permitted for all major meetings to ensure inclusivity

Amendment of the Charter

Any amendment to the Charter requires a two-thirds majority vote of the General Assembly, with a 30-day advance notice to members.

Dissolution

In the event of dissolution, all assets shall be transferred to a non-profit organization with similar objectives, either in Somalia or internationally, as determined and approved by the General Assembly.