Events volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Stokenchurch, buckinghamshire

Equal Aqua is seeking a Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive substantial income growth as the organisation scales towards a seven-figure annual income. The role involves actively leveraging networks to open doors to major donors, corporate partners and grant-makers, initiating high-value funding conversations and developing new income streams. The Trustee will help shape and oversee the organisation’s long-term fundraising strategy, support the cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, mentor the fundraising team and strengthen proposals and donor engagement. Acting as an ambassador for the organisation, they will also help raise Equal Aqua’s profile within influential networks while ensuring strong governance, accountability and performance through the Board and Fundraising Committee. The ideal candidate will bring senior-level fundraising experience, strong sector knowledge in areas such as WASH, climate or international development, and a network capable of unlocking significant new funding opportunities.

Equal Aqua is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; Equal Aqua Uganda is a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both). Both operate equally and in unison. The purpose of EAU is to enable communities in Uganda to have access to safe and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. EAU supports schools and communities facing the greatest WASH inequalities by providing water tanks and filters, running classes and workshops, and empowering young people to be WASH change makers in their community. The current Board of Trustees, consisting of 5 members based in UK and Uganda, provides guidance to the volunteer EAU management team as well as supporting the implementing volunteers based in UK, Uganda and other countries.

The objectives of EAU are, in Uganda, to:

1. To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda

2. To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples

3. To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change

The role of trustees is:

1. Sculpt and maintain EAU’s vision, mission, objectives and values.

2. Act as ‘critical friends’ in the development of EAU’s policy, programming and planning.

3. Actively champion EAU externally, opening doors to people and organisations that can support our cause, fostering awareness and engagement in the UK, Uganda and internationally.

4. Support in particular with income generation activities, advising and supporting delivery of major campaigns and helping to build EAU’s donor and partner base.

5. Establish and maintain systems for reporting and monitoring.

6. Ensure that the financial affairs of the organisation are conducted properly and are accurately reported.

7. Manage risk and ensure compliance and accountability with the governing document (EAU Constitution), external regulators and the law (UK and Uganda).

8. Safeguard EAU’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation.

Ensure EAU has the appropriate structure and resources to deliver the above.

Trustee Responsibilities:

1. To attend and contribute to EAU Board of Trustee meetings, held at least on a quarterly basis. To work with EAU management to set an agenda in advance of this meeting.

2. Currently, Trustees will hold the position for a maximum of 3 years. This length of trusteeship will be reviewed with the aim of staggering Trustee terms to ensure a smooth transition between board members.

3. To support the recruitment of additional trustees, from diverse backgrounds and providing a range of expertise.

4. To offer personal expertise and skills in select areas for the benefit of EAU. This may include legal, management, practical, fundraising, marketing or other relevant areas.

5. To offer advice and feedback on EAU’s main fundraising programmes, e.g. events and grant applications.

Additional Responsibilities of Trustee with fundraising expertise

To provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive significant and sustainable income growth for Equal Aqua, with the ambition of building towards a seven-figure annual income.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fundraising Leadership
   Provide Board-level oversight and strategic direction for the development and execution of an ambitious, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with EAU’s growth plans, ensuring clear pathways to seven-figure annual income.
2. Active Income Generation & Network Mobilisation
   Proactively generate income by leveraging personal and professional networks to:
   • Open doors to high-value donors, grant-makers, corporates and philanthropic partners
   • Introduce EAU to influential individuals and decision-makers
   • Initiate and nurture strategic funding conversations
   • Identify and pursue new income streams and partnership opportunities

This role requires active relationship-building and direct contribution to income growth, not solely advisory input.

1. Pipeline Development & High-Value Fundraising
   Support the identification, cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and major donors. Where appropriate, personally lead or co-lead high-value approaches.
2. Committee Leadership & Support
   Provide experienced guidance to the Fundraising Committee and fundraising volunteers, strengthening capability, confidence and performance across the team.
3. Hands-On Mentorship & Quality Assurance
   Offer practical, hands-on support to fundraising volunteers, including:
   • Reviewing and strengthening proposals and pitch materials
   • Advising on donor strategy and positioning
   • Supporting preparation for high-stakes meetings and presentations
4. Visibility & Advocacy
   Act as an ambassador for EAU, raising the organisation’s profile in relevant networks, events and forums, and positioning EAU as a credible, high-impact partner.
5. Governance & Accountability
   Attend quarterly Fundraising Committee meetings (one of EAU’s management committees) and relevant Board meetings, ensuring clear income targets, performance monitoring and accountability for results.

Desired Background and expertise of Trustee with Fundraising expertise.

 Senior Fundraising Experience

• A substantial track record (ideally 5+ years) in charity fundraising, with experience operating at a strategic level. This should include demonstrable success in securing significant income from one or more of the following: trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, institutional funders or high-net-worth individuals. Experience supporting organisations through periods of income growth or scale-up is highly desirable. International development experience is strongly preferred.

• Sector-Relevant Knowledge
  Strong understanding of fundraising dynamics and donor priorities within one or more of Equal Aqua’s core thematic areas, including:
  • WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
  • Climate and environmental sustainability
  • Menstrual health and gender equality
  • Rural enterprise and livelihoods
  • International development

Familiarity with the funding landscape in these sectors – including trends, key funders and partnership models – would be a significant advantage.

• Network & Influence
  An established professional network that can be activated in support of Equal Aqua’s growth ambitions, with the credibility and confidence to engage senior decision-makers and prospective funders.

• Strategic & Commercial Acumen
  The ability to think entrepreneurially about income generation, identify new revenue opportunities, and contribute to building a diversified and resilient funding portfolio.

Position: Director of Corporate Partnerships

Location: Remote/Homebased
Commitment: Volunteer (10hr/week)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

About Us:

We are a globally focused non-profit organisation, grounded in Christian values, committed to helping communities grow through education, empowerment, and poverty relief. Our programmes support families, strengthen livelihoods, and build resilience by responding to real community needs.

Through long-term partnerships and sustainable approaches, we create opportunities that encourage self-reliance and deliver lasting impact, helping individuals and families move toward stability, dignity, and a better future.

Why Join Us?

Join Project Yananai and be part of something bigger than a role. As a growing, purpose-driven organisation working across multiple countries, we offer the opportunity to shape meaningful change while developing your career, skills and experience.

Here, your voice matters. Your ideas help shape direction, and your work delivers visible, real-world impact. You’ll collaborate with a diverse, global team, gain exposure to strategic initiatives, and grow through hands-on experience in a dynamic, evolving environment.

We recognise the importance of flexibility. Our approach to working hours supports you to contribute in a way that works alongside your personal and professional commitments, within a collaborative and outcome-focused environment.

If you are motivated by purpose, energised by pace, and want to contribute to something truly meaningful, we’d love to hear from you!

The Role:

As our Director of Corporate Partnerships, you will lead the strategic development and growth of our global portfolio of corporate partnerships. You will identify, secure, and steward high-value, multi-dimensional partnerships that provide financial, technical, and in-kind support to the organisation and its National Management Teams.

With a strong focus on innovation and impact, you will build partnerships that not only generate funding but also deliver technical expertise, capacity building, and shared value across all countries of operation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Partnership Development

• Develop and deliver a global corporate partnerships strategy aligned with organisational priorities.

• Identify and prioritise partners across sectors and geographies.

• Create compelling partnership propositions that drive mutual value and long-term engagement.

Technical Resourcing & Capacity Support

• Build partnership models focused on skills transfer, technical expertise, and capacity building.

• Negotiate agreements securing pro bono support, secondments, advisory services, and knowledge transfer.

• Work with National Management Teams to identify and meet technical and operational needs.

Relationship Management & Stewardship

• Manage key corporate relationships to ensure engagement and long-term support.

• Oversee delivery of partnership commitments, reporting, and recognition.

• Implement stewardship plans including communications, impact reporting, and engagement events.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with leadership, trustees, and country teams to align partnerships with priorities.

• Work with programme, communications, and fundraising teams to integrate opportunities.

• Champion corporate partnerships internally, building organisational capability.

Governance, Reporting & Learning

• Set and monitor KPIs for partnership performance and impact.

• Report to leadership and Board on pipeline, outcomes, and strategy.

• Ensure compliance with policies, ethics, and regulations.

• Promote continuous learning and best practice in corporate engagement.

Representation & Advocacy

• Represent the organisation at international forums and stakeholder meetings.

• Advocate for private sector engagement in sustainable development.

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• 10+ years’ experience in corporate partnerships or business development, including 5+ years in senior roles.

• Proven success managing high-value, complex partnerships with corporates or foundations.

• Strong experience negotiating agreements involving technical support or capacity building.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing skills.

• Strong strategic and commercial thinking.

• Outstanding communication and proposal-writing ability.

• Collaborative, cross-cultural, and globally minded.

• Innovative, solutions-focused, and mission-aligned.

Desirable

• Experience in relevant sectors (education, technology, sustainability, humanitarian).

• Knowledge of India, South Africa, Zambia, or Zimbabwe contexts.

• Experience in capacity building or pro bono programme delivery.

Key Relationships

CEO, Global Executive Leadership Team, National Management Teams, corporate partners, and sector stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

• Contribute to a mission-driven organisation making global impact

• Flexible volunteering model supporting work-life balance

• Opportunity for leadership development and growth

Empower communities. Transform lives. Make a positive and sustainable difference!

Project Yananai is a UK registered charity (1209060) and an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Position: Mission Funding Executive

Location: UK/Remote
Commitment: Volunteer (10hr/week)

Reports to: Country Director
Role Type: Senior Management Team (SMT) Member

About Us

We are a globally focused non-profit organisation, grounded in Christian values, committed to helping communities grow through education, empowerment, and poverty relief. Our programmes support families, strengthen livelihoods, and build resilience by responding to real community needs.

Through long-term partnerships and sustainable approaches, we create opportunities that encourage self-reliance and deliver lasting impact, helping individuals and families move toward stability, dignity, and a better future.

Why Join Us?

Join Project Yananai and be part of something bigger than a role. As a growing, purpose-driven organisation working across multiple countries, we offer the opportunity to shape meaningful change while developing your career, skills and experience.

Here, your voice matters. Your ideas help shape direction, and your work delivers visible, real-world impact. You’ll collaborate with a diverse, global team, gain exposure to strategic initiatives, and grow through hands-on experience in a dynamic, evolving environment.

We recognise the importance of flexibility. Our approach to working hours supports you to contribute in a way that works alongside your personal and professional commitments, within a collaborative and outcome-focused environment.

If you are motivated by purpose, energised by pace, and want to contribute to something truly meaningful, we’d love to hear from you!

The Role

As Mission Funding Executive, you will lead resource mobilisation for Project Yananai in UK/Global, ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our programmes. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will shape strategy, secure diverse funding streams, and build strong donor and partner relationships to power our mission.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a national fundraising and resource mobilisation strategy aligned with organisational goals.

• Contribute to strategic planning and leadership as part of the Senior Management Team.

Donor & Partner Engagement

• Build and manage relationships with donors, corporates, foundations, and government partners.

• Represent the organisation at meetings, events, and networking opportunities.

• Lead donor stewardship, retention, and engagement activities.

Proposal Development & Reporting

• Oversee high-quality proposals, grant applications, and concept notes.

• Ensure timely, accurate donor reporting (financial and narrative).

• Maintain clear records of funding agreements and requirements.

Innovation & Opportunity Development

• Identify new funding opportunities, including innovative financing models.

• Work with communications and programme teams to develop compelling cases for support.

Financial Planning & Compliance

• Collaborate on budgeting and monitor grant expenditure.

• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, donor requirements, and local regulations.

Capacity Building & Collaboration

• Strengthen internal fundraising capability through training and mentoring.

• Promote collaboration, transparency, and accountability across teams.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate risks related to funding, donor dependency, and reputation.

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience in fundraising, business development, or resource mobilisation within non-profit, NGO, or mission-driven environments.

• Demonstrated success securing funding from diverse sources (institutional, corporate, foundation, government).

• Strong experience in proposal development, grant management, and donor reporting.

• Experience contributing to senior leadership or management teams.

• Relevant degree in fundraising, development, business, social sciences, or related field.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, financial planning, and project management ability.

• Knowledge of the South African funding landscape and regulatory environment.

• Collaborative, proactive, and results-driven approach.

• Strong alignment with Project Yananai’s mission and values.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in sustaining and scaling impactful programmes

• Work with a passionate, mission-driven global team

• Gain leadership experience and opportunities for growth

Empower communities. Transform lives. Make a positive and sustainable difference!

Project Yananai is a UK registered charity (1209060) and an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.