Volunteer Trustee Position (Treasurer), Reforest Africa

What will you be doing?

Key responsibilities of the roles are: Treasurer

Monitoring the financial standing of the charity and reporting to the Board and CEO regarding cash-flow forecasting, income streams, out-going expenses and the overarching strategic management of the organisation’s financial resources. Developing and overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process and report financial health to the board of trustees at regular intervals. Ensuring that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion. Oversee management of Reforest Africa UK bank account. Liaising with external auditors if necessary on financial issues and ensuring that the organisation’s finances are responsibly managed and invested for the betterment of the organisation’s work and for the beneficiaries it serves. Guiding and advising fellow trustees to formally approve the annual report and audited accounts. Creating greater transparency and accountability to improve resource allocation and charity’s image by adding specific measures as per Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) guidelines. Explaining technicalities of accounts in plain language which is fully understood by the trustees. Developing reserves policy and safeguarding the organisation’s finances. Keeping the board informed of free reserves position regularly and advising to cope with changing circumstances.

What are we looking for?

Selection Criteria (where relevant, skills relating to a specific trustee role have been indicated) Essential

Demonstrated commitment to the values of Reforest Africa. Passion for forests, biodiversity and/or conservation and international development Ability to think creatively to solve challenges arising from work in remote developing country contexts. Proven ability to communicate and explain information clearly to stakeholders such as board members. Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship. Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement. (Treasurer, Secretary) Knowledge of financial accounting and the UK banking system (Treasurer) Excellent organisation skills, minute taking and meeting planning (Secretary) Experience of fundraising and donor relations, particularly trusts, foundations or corporate fundraising (Honorary Fundraiser) Resident in the United Kingdom (Treasurer)

    Desirable

A team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management Experience of living, working or travelling in a developing country Qualified accountant with demonstrated commercial awareness and knowledge. (Treasurer) Skills and experience in one or more areas of non-executive governance and management e.g. strategic planning, business management, financial/accountancy, understanding of HR issues (Treasurer) Legal knowledge (Treasurer / Secretary) Resident in the United Kingdom (Secretary, Honorary Fundraiser)  

What difference will you make?

We are seeking to recruit three trustee positions to help grow this new and exciting charity, with roles to be tailored to the experience of applicants. The current board of trustees is composed of three members who all have a forestry / conservation research background and passion for supporting rural development in Africa. We are now seeking to expand the expertise of the board, specifically aiming to recruit non-forest conservation specialists, but people with complementary expertise in financial management, governance, fundraising and administration.