ThinkTankers Charter and Code of Ethics

ThinkTankers Charter

This charter outlines the fundamental principles of ThinkTankers and serves as a reference for the commitment of ThinkTankers members.

Principles of Good Governance

Good governance within ThinkTankers involves organizing processes and practices to ensure effective management while prioritizing security, best practices, organizational conditions, and the interests of stakeholders.

The ThinkTank ThinkTankers play a pivotal role in fostering competitiveness by assisting companies and institutions in adopting new organizational and working methods. It is a key tool for African countries to develop economic intelligence.

Member Commitments and Qualifications

Every ThinkTankers member commits to volunteer at least ten (10) days per year to participate in conferences, seminars, training, support, and expertise on behalf of public and private African organizations that request assistance from ThinkTankers.

To become a member and offer expertise, individuals must meet specific human, technical, and professional qualifications.

Remuneration for Funded Projects

In situations where ThinkTankers members are engaged in projects funded by external sources, the following principles shall apply:

 Transparency: The remuneration structure for ThinkTankers engaged in funded projects shall be transparent and clearly defined. All terms and conditions regarding compensation must be communicated to the members involved in advance.

 Fair Compensation: ThinkTankers recognizes the expertise and commitment of its members. Compensation for their services in funded projects shall be fair and commensurate with their qualifications and the complexity of the project.

 Ethical Standards: ThinkTankers members engaged in funded projects must adhere to ethical standards and principles outlined in this Charter, regardless of the source of funding. The commitment to neutrality, independence, and professional conduct remains unchanged.

 Financial Accountability: In cases where ThinkTankers receives funding for a project, the organization shall ensure financial accountability and transparency. Funds allocated for project execution shall be utilized solely for that purpose.

- Conflict of Interest: ThinkTankers members shall disclose any potential conflicts of interest related to the funded project. Transparency in financial and non-financial interests is essential to maintain the integrity of the project.

 Project Oversight: ThinkTankers shall establish mechanisms for project oversight to ensure that funded projects are carried out in accordance with the agreed terms and within the allocated budget.

 Member Voluntarism: While compensation may be provided for funded projects, the voluntary spirit of ThinkTankers remains integral. Members engaged in such projects continue to be motivated by their dedication to the organization’s mission and values.

 Exclusion Criteria: In cases of non-compliance with the remuneration guidelines, ethical standards, or the organization’s principles, ThinkTankers reserves the right to exclude members from participation in funded projects.

Information Sharing and Collaboration

Each ThinkTankers member is committed to regularly contribute reflections and proposals to enhance the collective intelligence of the group. The information provided must be verified and validated. ThinkTankers encourages members to communicate, share, and assist each other as needed.

Adherence to Good Practices and Rules

Human expertise is at the core of ThinkTankers. To ensure its effective operation and the benefit of all members, every ThinkTankers member must adapt to socio-economic, cultural, political, and technological changes. When implementing projects within institutions, ThinkTankers members must adhere to the institution’s confidentiality rules and regulations.

ThinkTankers relies on the participation and engagement of all members, and its effectiveness depends on the quality of work and adherence to the commitments outlined in this Charter.

Ten Guiding Principles

Every ThinkTankers member must:

 Ensure the involvement of decision-makers in projects.
 Accurately identify needs and assist stakeholders in this process.
 Maintain confidentiality with respect to the institutions they support.
 Collaborate with other ThinkTankers members when necessary.
 Evaluate new membership applications to ThinkTankers.
 Adapt deliverables as needed and ensure recipient understanding.
 Maintain discretion regarding missions and protect sensitive information.
 Employ measures to encrypt mission-related information.
 Refrain from manipulation, misinformation, or spreading rumors.
 Remain apolitical and neutral, expressing opinions only in strictly professional contexts.

Ethical Considerations

ThinkTankers members acknowledge the risks associated with information, such as misinformation, destabilization, manipulation, rumors, and espionage. Therefore, all ThinkTankers members are committed to upholding rigorous ethics in their actions.

Values of ThinkTankers

ThinkTankers members uphold the following values:

 Respect for stakeholder anonymity and privacy.
 Opposition to any form of censorship or control that hinders information collection, analysis, or dissemination.
 Dedication to serving others and providing essential and effective expertise.
 Respect for all validated requests, regardless of their importance.
 Collaboration with ThinkTankers members to improve the Think Tank.
 Timely completion of missions in line with best practices and optimal quality.

Evaluation and Oversight

Audits may be conducted with the organizations assisted by ThinkTankers members to assess the quality of interventions. Feedback from organizations on the work of a ThinkTankers expert, whether it involves conferences, seminars, training, diagnostics, audits, or project assistance, is encouraged.

If a ThinkTankers member receives three negative and validated feedbacks from different organizations, they will be automatically excluded.

Use of ThinkTankers Brand

ThinkTankers members are prohibited from using the ThinkTankers brand for personal activities. Any use of the ThinkTankers logo outside the Think Tank’s strict framework must be explicitly approved. Misuse of ThinkTankers for commercial purposes may result in member exclusion.

A member can request the creation of an address in the format @thinktankers.org. The request must be justified. Any abusive use of this address will result in its deletion or, in severe cases, the permanent exclusion of the member.

Application of the Charter

By accepting this charter, ThinkTankers members commit to complying with all rules, ethics, and controls outlined herein.