Volunteer roles for the International Development sector

Shanzu Technologies

We build affordable digital solutions for underserved communities to access essential services.

Social Media Manager

The Social Media Manager is responsible for growing Shanzu Technologies’ social media presence by increasing reach, engagement, and brand visibility across digital platforms.

They create and manage content that clearly and engagingly communicates the company’s work, products, and impact.

They also ensure consistency by developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all social media activities, including content creation, posting, and reporting.

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Ignite Youth Future

We equip Tanzanian students and graduates with career skills, mentorship, networks, and wellbeing support.

Career Advisor

We are looking for a passionate volunteer to support our growing online career platform by reviewing CVs, cover letters, and guiding young job seekers to improve their employability. Ideal candidates may have experience in HR, recruitment, career coaching, or talent development.

• Review and provide feedback on CVs/resumes and cover letters

• Offer career guidance based on individual goals, skills, and interests

• Support users with job search strategies and application readiness

• Share interview preparation tips and professional insights

• Identify common challenges faced by job seekers and recommend solutions

• Contribute ideas to improve the platform’s career support services

• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and timely communication

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Lead Me Back Foundation

We pair guardians with vulnerable students to provide uniforms, shoes and supplies for quality education.

Strategic Vision Development Assistant

Role Summary
The Lead Me Back Foundation is developing its next strategic vision to scale impact for vulnerable children across Zambia. We are seeking a highly analytical and purpose-driven individual to support this process through data-driven insights, structured thinking, and strategic coordination.

This role sits at the intersection of research, strategy, and execution. The selected candidate will work closely with leadership to shape the foundation’s long-term direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support data collection efforts across programs, stakeholders, and external benchmarks
• Conduct data analysis and synthesis, translating insights into clear strategic implications
• Support the design and facilitation of strategic planning sessions
• Document key discussions, frameworks, and decisions into structured outputs
• Contribute to strategy development, including identifying priorities, risks, and opportunities

Ideal Profile

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Experience with research, M&E, or strategy work is an advantage
• Excellent writing and documentation ability
• High ownership, attention to detail, and intellectual curiosity. 
  **What You Will Gain**
• Direct exposure to high-level strategic decision-making in a growing foundation
• Opportunity to contribute to a vision that impacts thousands of children
• Mentorship and close collaboration with leadership
• A portfolio of real strategic work, not just operational tasks

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

One-off project

Wekume

We provide Ugandan students anonymous reproductive health services, entrepreneurship support, and exchange opportunities via mobile.

Marketing Strategist

About Wekume 
Wekume-meaning "Protect Yourself" in Luganda-is a dynamic, volunteer-powered startup revolutionizing reproductive health for Uganda’s university students. Through our innovative mobile app, we break down barriers of stigma and limited access by offering essential services and information right at students’ fingertips. Key features like SafeChat for anonymous consultations, QuickTest diagnostics, a student-focused marketplace, and other empowering resources enable youth to make confident, informed health decisions.
As a fast-growing initiative, Wekume thrives on the energy of passionate, self-driven volunteers. All roles are remote and volunteer-based, giving you the chance to shape a transformative movement that’s changing lives across Uganda.
Key Benefits of Volunteering with Wekume:

• Gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup transforming reproductive health education in Uganda.
• Make meaningful impact by helping to overcome stigma and improve access to vital health resources for university students and youth.
• Sharpen your communication, collaboration, and digital outreach skills while contributing to a cutting-edge health tech platform.
• Gain valuable experience in nonprofit marketing, digital fundraising, and web design.
• Build your portfolio with a meaningful project.
• Flexible, remote volunteering opportunity.

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic and creative Marketing Strategist to lead the development and execution of Wekume’s marketing initiatives. This role will play a key part in increasing brand awareness, driving user engagement, and supporting fundraising and growth efforts.
You will work closely with the communications and operations teams to design campaigns that resonate with our audience and amplify our mission.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy & Planning

• Lead the development and implementation of Wekume’s marketing strategy aligned with organisational goals
• Identify target audiences and define clear positioning and messaging
• Develop campaign plans to drive awareness, engagement, and user acquisition

Campaign Management

• Plan, execute, and optimise marketing campaigns across digital channels
• Collaborate with the communications team to deliver cohesive and impactful campaigns
• Support fundraising and awareness initiatives through targeted marketing efforts

Brand & Growth

• Strengthen Wekume’s brand identity and ensure consistency across all channels
• Identify opportunities to expand reach and grow Wekume’s user base
• Monitor trends and recommend innovative approaches to increase visibility

Performance & Insights

• Track, analyse, and report on campaign performance and key marketing metrics
• Use insights to refine strategies and improve effectiveness
• Provide data-driven recommendations to support decision-making

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with cross-functional teams including communications, product, and partnerships
• Support alignment of marketing efforts with organisational priorities
• Contribute to a collaborative and impact-driven team culture

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience in marketing, digital marketing, or brand strategy (non-profit or social impact experience is a plus)
• Strong understanding of digital marketing channels (social media, email, content, etc.)
• Ability to develop and execute strategic marketing plans
• Analytical mindset with experience using data to inform decisions
• Excellent communication and organisational skills

Desirable

• Experience in growth marketing or user acquisition strategies
• Familiarity with marketing tools (e.g. Google Analytics, social media insights, email platforms)
• Experience working with start-ups or volunteer teams
• Passion for public health, youth empowerment, or social impact

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strategic and creative thinker
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Collaborative and adaptable
• Results-driven with strong attention to detail
• Passionate about Wekume’s mission and impact

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Farming By Faith

We connect landowners and emerging agripreneurs with education, partners, and deals to build sustainable farms.

Agricultural Specialist

Farming By Faith is building a digital platform to help emerging farmers get access to land, resources and capital. We are looking to build out a robust land linking platform model and payments model for an FBF token but need business help to define the agriculture business problem in South Africa and other African countries.

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

One-off project

Social Friday

We transform Fridays into scalable social-impact days by connecting companies, nonprofits and volunteers.

Student Lead

Join Us as Student Lead and ignite the Social Friday spirit on campuses worldwide

Location: UK and North America (remote-friendly)
Role Type: Leadership 
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (with dotted line to CEO) Department: Community & Academia Outreach

About Social Friday Social Friday is a global lifestyle movement that inspires people to connect, collaborate, and create impact every Friday. We’re now looking for a dynamic Student Lead to champion Social Friday across universities worldwide—making it both a campus tradition and a subject of academic debate and research.

Role Purpose The Student Lead sparks energy among students and academia, positioning Social Friday as a lived experience and an academic subject. You’ll mobilize student communities, build bridges with professors, and create visibility and credibility that drive long-term impact.

Key Accountabilities

• Inspire and mobilize students to host and join Social Friday events on campuses.
• Advocate for Social Friday in seminars, lectures, and conferences.
• Build relationships with professors and faculties to encourage research and publications.
• Promote Social Friday as a subject for theses, master’s work, and PhD studies.
• Create and guide a global student ambassador network.
• Document and share student-led experiences to increase visibility and recognition.

Core Competencies

• Inspiration – Sparks belonging and energy among students. Leadership – Mobilizes and empowers student communities.
• Advocacy – Positions Social Friday as lifestyle and academic subject.
• Networking – Builds bridges between students, professors, and universities.
• Cultural Awareness – Connects across diverse academic settings with openness.

Skills & Experience Essential:

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Experience in student initiatives or leadership roles.
• Ability to motivate and engage diverse student groups.
• Understanding of university structures and academic environments. Desirable: 
• Experience building youth networks or movements.
• Familiarity with academic research processes.
• International or cross-cultural exposure.

Success Indicators 

• Growth in universities actively involved with Social Friday.
• Student-led theses or research projects initiated.
• Expansion of the student ambassador network.
• Positive feedback from students and academic partners. 
• Mentions of Social Friday in academic discussions or publications.

Are you ready to inspire the next generation of changemakers? Apply now and help make Social Friday a global campus lifestyle and academic movement.

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Social Friday

We transform Fridays into scalable social-impact days by connecting companies, nonprofits and volunteers.

PR Director

Join us as PR Director and help us to shape Social Friday’s global story

Location:  North America (remote-friendly)
Role Type: Leadership
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (with dotted line to CEO)

About Social Friday Social Friday is more than a movement—it’s a lifestyle brand inspiring people worldwide to connect, collaborate, and create positive impact every Friday.
We’re now seeking a visionary PR Director to amplify our voice globally and ensure our story resonates across cultures, markets, and media platforms.

Role Purpose As PR Director, you will be the architect of Social Friday’s public image. You’ll design and execute global PR strategies, build trusted media relationships, and craft compelling narratives that strengthen our credibility and recognition worldwide. This is your chance to shape how millions experience Social Friday.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead a global PR strategy positioning Social Friday as an innovative lifestyle movement.
• Create compelling narratives, press releases, and stories that inspire international audiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media, influencers, and opinion leaders.
• Secure consistent coverage across major outlets to boost visibility.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Brand & Marketing Director to align PR with brand vision.
• Prepare and brief spokespeople for interviews and public appearances.
• Monitor global media trends and identify opportunities for Social Friday to join key conversations.
• Manage PR crises with professionalism, safeguarding our reputation.
• Drive PR for flagship projects including our Platform launch, Academy, Music Project, Fashion Collection, and TV “Project U?”.

Core Competencies

• Storytelling: Inspires and engages global audiences.
• Media Relations: Builds trusted partnerships with journalists and outlets.
• Strategic Communication: Aligns PR with mission and growth.
• Networking: Leverages global connections to amplify reach.
• Resilience: Navigates challenges with clarity and confidence.
• Results Orientation: Delivers visibility and trust-building outcomes.

Skills & Experience Essential:

• Proven experience in global PR, media relations, or communications leadership.
• Strong international media network.
• Track record of securing international press coverage.
• Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to manage campaigns end-to-end.

Desirable:

• Experience in non-profit, lifestyle, or social impact branding.
• Crisis communication and reputation management expertise.
• Cross-cultural communication experience.

Success Indicators

• International media coverage secured within 3 months.
• Regular presence in leading global outlets.
• Growth in brand credibility and recognition.
• High-quality press materials consistently delivered.
• Expanded media networks and partnerships.
  **Are you ready to shape a global lifestyle brand?** Apply now and help us make Social Friday a household name across the world.

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Lead Me Back Foundation

We pair guardians with vulnerable students to provide uniforms, shoes and supplies for quality education.

Grant Writer

We are looking for a dedicated Grant Writer to help us secure the resources that keep children in school, nourished, healthy, and prepared for the future.

In this role, you will support the development of grant proposals, funding applications, and concept notes that communicate the real challenges children face and the impact of our work across education, nutrition, health, and climate literacy. Your writing will directly influence our ability to reach more children and sustain life changing programs.

This role is ideal for someone who believes strong storytelling and clear data can open doors. You will work closely with our leadership team to translate community realities into compelling proposals that funders can understand and support.

By volunteering as a Grant Writer with Lead Me Back Foundation, you are not just writing applications. You are helping unlock opportunities for children who depend on consistent support to learn, grow, and thrive.

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

Sembeza Africa

We deliver Quality Physical Education using sports and Traditional African Games to empower Ugandan youth.

Copywriter

Are you passionate about children, stories and writing, Sembeza Africa is looking for a copywriter who is able to

• Write, edit, and continuously improve all website content
• Turn raw program data and field updates into engaging impact stories and impact reports
• Support grant applications and develop proposals and funding materials that clearly connect activities to impact
• Create clear, consistent messaging for campaigns and events across all communication channels
• Develop newsletters that keep partners, donors, and supporters informed and engaged
• Write clear, compelling copy for brochures, flyers, banners, and other print or digital promotional assets
• Write press releases, media briefs, and external announcements for key milestones or events
• Develop internal writing guidelines and templates to maintain and enforce Sembeza Africa’s brand voice across all content
• Identify content gaps and proactively improve how Sembeza Africa communicates its work

Skills and Qualifications

• Have proven experience in copywriting, content writing, or communications.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to produce engaging content.
• Understanding of storytelling for impact, fundraising, and audience engagement.
• Basic knowledge of SEO and digital content best practices.
• Strong research skills to support accurate and informed content creation.
• Proactive and takes initiative without waiting for instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and a high standard for quality.
• Good communicator and able to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for work delivered.
• Adaptable and able to handle shifting priorities.
• Able to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Available to attend at least 75% of internal meetings**.**

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Grace to Grow Mentorship & Training Limited

We empower marginalized women through faith-based leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurial training, and mental-health support.

Strategic Brand & PR Lead (Global Leadership Strategy)

About the Role

We are looking for a visionary Brand & PR Strategist to help transition an established media personality and 8x author into the preeminent Global Leadership Strategist. As the CEO of Grace to Grow, I am shifting my focus toward high-level mentorship, international speaking, and curated leadership experiences (including our flagship LeadHerShip Cruise).

Your mission will be to ensure that my digital footprint, professional narrative, and media presence reflect Authority, EQ, and Global Impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Narrative Re-Positioning: Audit current assets to pivot the brand from "Media Host" to "Global Leadership Authority," integrating legacy achievements as social proof.
• PR & Media Strategy: Identify and outreach to high-level leadership publications and podcasts to secure guest features and thought-leadership placements.
• Digital Brand Alignment: provide strategic input on the brand "look and feel", ensuring the copy and design resonate with high-value leaders.
• Speaker Branding: Create a "Speaker One-Sheet" and professional bios tailored for international stages and corporate partnerships.
• Content Pillars: Help define a streamlined LinkedIn and content strategy that focuses on purpose-driven leadership.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience in Executive Branding, B2B PR, or Luxury Marketing.
• Exceptional copywriting skills with a focus on authority and "prestige" tone.
• An understanding of the Global Leadership landscape.
• Ability to think strategically—we aren't just looking for "posts," we are looking for positioning.

Application Question: If you were tasked with transitioning a well-known media personality into a Global Leadership Strategist, what is the first thing you would change about their current 'Bio' to ensure they are perceived as a high-level authority rather than a content creator?

Impact of Your Work

By volunteering with Grace to Grow, you are helping empower a community of high-level female leaders to thrive in their purpose. You will play a direct role in scaling a brand that bridges the gap between professional excellence and personal well-being on a global scale.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Boys Champions

We equip boys and men with healthier masculinity to prevent gender-based violence and mental health crises.

Senior Grant Writer & Proposal Development Specialist

We are seeking a high-level Grant Writer to support the development of compelling, funder-ready proposals for institutional and global funding opportunities.

What You Will Do

• Lead the drafting and refinement of grant proposals, concept notes, and LOIs
• Translate program ideas into fundable, structured proposals
• Align proposals with specific funder priorities and requirements
• Work closely with leadership to shape narrative, positioning, and evidence
• Ensure clarity, coherence, and competitiveness across all submissions
• Support the development of proposal templates and reusable content

What We Are Looking For

• Proven track record of writing successful grant proposals (this is critical)
• Strong ability to structure ideas into clear, compelling narratives
• Deep understanding of what funders look for
• Ability to work independently with minimal hand-holding
• High attention to detail and deadlines

What We Are Looking For

• Proven track record of writing successful grant proposals (this is critical)
• Strong ability to structure ideas into clear, compelling narratives
• Deep understanding of what funders look for
• Ability to work independently with minimal hand-holding
• High attention to detail and deadlines

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Chetacare

We deliver predictive chronic disease management to African patients through continuous monitoring between clinic visits.

Social Media Manager (Linkedin, Instagram, Twitter)

About Chetacare
Chetacare is a predictive chronic disease management platform built for Africa. We help patients living with hypertension and diabetes stay consistent with their medications, access clinical care remotely, and get triaged by real humans when it matters most. We reach patients through a mobile app, WhatsApp, and an IVR voice system, so no one is left out, regardless of their device or digital literacy.
We need a voice as strong as our mission.

Role description
As our Volunteer Social Media Manager, you will own Chetacare's presence across LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter/X. You will be the person who turns our story, the patients we reach, the emergencies we prevent, the communities we serve into content that informs, moves, and grows our audience.
This is not a content scheduling role. This is a storytelling role. We want someone who understands that behind every data point is a human life, and who knows how to make that land online.

What you will be doing

• Managing and growing Chetacare's LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter/X accounts
• Developing and executing a monthly content calendar across all three platforms
• Writing captions, threads, and posts that are clear, human, and on-brand
• Sharing Chetacare's impact stories, health statistics, and platform updates in engaging formats
• Engaging with followers, responding to comments, and building community
• Tracking performance metrics and sharing monthly insights with the team
• Collaborating with our graphic designer to align visuals and copy
• Staying current with conversations around African health, digital health, and global health equity

What we are looking for

• Demonstrated experience managing social media accounts, ideally for a brand, NGO, startup, or campaign in Africa.
• Strong writing skills, you can adapt your tone across platforms without losing the human touch
• Understanding of what performs on LinkedIn vs Instagram vs Twitter/X
• Comfortable with scheduling tools
• Self-starter who can work independently in an async, remote environment
• Genuine interest in healthcare, African innovation, or social impact

Bonus if you have:

• Experience in health communications, global health, or development sector content
• Basic graphic design skills or familiarity with Canva
• A strong understanding of African digital communities

What you will gain

• Hands-on experience managing social media for a real-world healthtech startup
• A measurable track record of growing and engaging a mission-driven audience
• A strong reference letter and LinkedIn recommendation upon completion
• Collaboration with a passionate international team
• The satisfaction of using your skills to contribute to better health outcomes across Africa

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

We believe that every child should have access to a quality education at a safe, inclusive school, with the opportunity to become a truly global citizen… do you too?

It’s an incredibly exciting time at African Adventures Foundation as we develop the vital programmes we deliver at the 34 partner schools we work with in Ghana, Kenya, and Zanzibar.

We have ambitious plans to help drive greater impact at our partner schools and are looking to strengthen our existing Trustee Board that’s full of energy and experience!

Do you have experience in charity governance, delivering projects in an African culture and context, or delivering WASH or female empowerment/education/menstrual health programmes?

If so, read on… we’d be keen to hear from you about becoming one of our amazing volunteer trustees! 

Introduction to African Adventures Foundation

African Adventures Foundation is a registered charity set up in 2013 to provide support to 34 schools in developing areas of Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.

These schools provide education, health and food security, and social support to young people whose access to these basic services would otherwise be very limited. African Adventures Foundation helps by funding food security programmes, the construction of important school facilities, and hygiene projects that will benefit children’s health and education.

Our mission is to provide more children with a quality education and better opportunities in life.

 All trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing its management and operation. They must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements.

About the role

The Fundraising Trustee provides strategic oversight of fundraising activities for African Adventures Foundation. The role ensures the charity develops sustainable income streams while maintaining high ethical and regulatory standards. Working with fellow trustees and staff, the Fundraising Trustee helps develop fundraising strategies, identify opportunities for income generation, and ensure fundraising activities comply with relevant regulations and best practice guidance. 

As an ambassador, they also support external stakeholder and donor activities ensuring compliance to the standards required.

Key Responsibilities  

Fundraising Strategy 

• Lead the development and oversight of AAF’s fundraising strategy to support its mission and long-term sustainability. 

• Identify and develop diverse income streams including donations, grants, partnerships, and events. 

• Support the Board in setting realistic fundraising targets and monitoring progress against them. 

• Provide strategic guidance on fundraising campaigns and initiatives. 

Fundraising Oversight 

• Monitor fundraising performance. 

• Directly support the Foundation Manager to drive income and delivery of our fundraising strategy and income targets. 

• Encourage trustees and volunteers to actively support fundraising efforts and act as ambassadors for the charity. 

• Identify opportunities for collaboration with partners, sponsors, and supporters. 

Compliance and Best Practice 

• Ensure fundraising activities comply with relevant legislation and regulatory guidance. 

• Ensure adherence to fundraising standards set by the Fundraising Regulator. 

• Support compliance with regulatory expectations from the Charity Commission for England and Wales and other relevant legislation. 

• Ensure fundraising activities are ethical, transparent, and aligned with the charity’s values. 

Governance and Board Participation 

• Attend and actively participate in Trustee meetings. 

• Contribute to the overall governance, strategic direction, and sustainability of the charity. 

• Work collaboratively with the Treasurer and other trustees to ensure fundraising income is properly tracked and reported. 

What we are looking for 

• Experience in fundraising, income generation, partnerships, or business development. 

• Strategic thinking and ability to identify opportunities for sustainable income growth. 

• Understanding of ethical fundraising practices. 

• Ability to build relationships with donors, partners, and supporters. 

• Commitment to the mission and values of the charity. 

• Experience fundraising in the charity or nonprofit sector. 

• Ideally have knowledge of UK fundraising regulation and guidance from the Fundraising Regulator. 

• Experience developing or supporting fundraising campaigns or events. 

• Experience working as a trustee or board member. 

Terms of appointment 

Terms of office 

• Trustees are appointed for a 2-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 6 years. 

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

Time commitment (Estimated at one day per month, but can vary) 

• Attend the board meetings – a mix of online and in person. 

• Additional time to support fundraising initiatives, partnerships, and strategy development. 

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

Responsibilities & Principles of all AAF trustee roles: 

• Support and provide advice on AAF’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities.

• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation. 

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation. 

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored, and controlled effectively. 

• Provide support and challenge to the AAF executive and team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. 

• Keep abreast of changes in AAF’s operating environment. 

• Contribute to reviews of African Adventures Foundation’s own governance. 

• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions. 

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect African Adventures Foundation’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests. 

• Contribute to the broader promotion of African Adventures Foundation’s objects, aims, and reputation by applying your skills, expertise and knowledge. 

 Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees 

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees, and to act in the best interests of the organisation. 

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. 

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

• A strong personal commitment to good financial management, and zero tolerance for corruption and misappropriation of our donors funds. 

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission. 

• Willingness to lead according to African Adventures Foundation’s values. 

We believe that every child should have access to a quality education at a safe, inclusive school, with the opportunity to become a truly global citizen… do you too?

It’s an incredibly exciting time at African Adventures Foundation as we develop the vital programmes we deliver at the 34 partner schools we work with in Ghana, Kenya, and Zanzibar.

We have ambitious plans to help drive greater impact at our partner schools and are looking to strengthen our existing Trustee Board that’s full of energy and experience!

 Do you have experience in charity governance, delivering projects in an African culture and context, or delivering WASH or female empowerment/education/menstrual health programmes?

If so, read on… we’d be keen to hear from you about becoming one of our amazing volunteer trustees! 

Introduction to African Adventures Foundation

African Adventures Foundation is a registered charity set up in 2013 to provide support to 34 schools in developing areas of Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.

These schools provide education, health and food security, and social support to young people whose access to these basic services would otherwise be very limited. African Adventures Foundation helps by funding food security programmes, the construction of important school facilities, and hygiene projects that will benefit children’s health and education.

Our mission is to provide more children with a quality education and better opportunities in life.

 All trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing its management and operation. They must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements.

About the role

The Secretary supports the effective governance and administration of the African Adventures Foundation. The role ensures that the Board of Trustees operates efficiently, meetings are properly organised and recorded, and the charity complies with regulatory and administrative requirements. The Secretary works closely with the Global Chair, Treasurer, and other Trustees to ensure the charity follows best practice in governance and maintains accurate records.

As an ambassador, they also support external stakeholder and donor activities ensuring compliance to the standards required. 

Key Responsibilities 

Governance and Administration

• Support the Global Chair in ensuring AAF is effectively governed and operates in line with its governing document.
• Ensure trustee meetings are properly administered, including preparing agendas, coordinating papers, and taking accurate minutes.
• Ensure that trustee decisions and discussions are clearly recorded and stored appropriately.
• Maintain up-to-date records of trustees, governance documents, and key organisational information, including steward of the governance schedule for all territories.

Meeting Management

• Ensure that trustee meetings are properly administered and recorded.
• Circulate agendas, minutes, and supporting papers to trustees in a timely manner.
• Ensure other meetings, such as the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and key organisational events are properly administered.
• Ensure that minutes from meetings are approved and maintained as part of the charity’s official records.

Compliance and Record Keeping

• Ensure that records required by regulators are properly maintained, including those required by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
• Maintain accurate governance documentation, including trustee appointments, resignations, and declarations of interest.
• Ensure that Charity Commission and other relevant organisation records are maintained and kept up to date.

Regulatory Reporting

• Ensure required information is filed with regulators in accordance with statutory deadlines.
• Submit annual returns and other required filings to regulatory bodies in the correct format and within required timescales.
• Support the Board in ensuring compliance with relevant guidance from bodies such as the Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Fundraising Regulator.

Monitoring Actions and Board Support

• Maintain an action log for trustee meetings.
• Monitor committee member action points and follow up where necessary.
• Support trustees by ensuring they have access to relevant governance information and documents.
• Assist the Board in maintaining good governance practices and transparency.

What we are looking for

• Strong, organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to take clear and accurate meeting minutes.
• Good attention to detail and record-keeping ability.
• Understanding of governance responsibilities within the UK charity sector.
• Ability to communicate effectively with trustees and stakeholders.
• Previous experience as a charity trustee or secretary.
• Ideally familiar with governance requirements of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
• Experience supporting boards, committees, or governance structures.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a 2-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 6 years.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment (Estimated at one day per month, but can vary)

• Attend the board meetings – a mix of online and in person.
• Additional time for preparation and distribution of meeting documentation. Time to manage governance records and regulatory submissions throughout the year.

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. 

Responsibilities & Principles of all AAF trustee roles:

• Support and provide advice on AAF’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities. 
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored, and controlled effectively.
• Provide support and challenge to the AAF executive and team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in AAF’s operating environment.
• Contribute to reviews of African Adventures Foundation’s own governance.
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect African Adventures Foundation’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of African Adventures Foundation’s objects, aims, and reputation by applying your skills, expertise and knowledge.

Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees, and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions. 
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• A strong personal commitment to good financial management, and zero tolerance for corruption and misappropriation of our donors funds.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to African Adventures Foundation’s values.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in supporting the work of African Adventures Foundation. If you are organised, reliable, and motivated by making a difference, we would love to hear from you.