Trustee

About GNDR

We are the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR). Established in 2007, we are now a network of more than 1,800 organisations in over 130 countries. We work together to prevent hazards like floods, droughts, earthquakes and infectious diseases from becoming disasters where people lose their lives, incomes and assets. We listen to communities that are most at risk, strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations, and advocate for risk-informed development and localisation.

The day-to-day management of GNDR is carried out by a Secretariat of 32 employed staff, led by the Executive Director, currently based in Teddington, South West London, with two thirds of the staff located in regions around the world. It is a registered charity and company under UK law and has five trustees. Meetings with the GNDR Global Board of Regional Representatives occur on a quarterly basis. Trustee meetings are held online three times a year, and trustees do not have to be UK based. We are looking for an additional trustee with finance experience to join the governance of this exciting network.

Main purpose of the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of GNDR, ensuring it is solvent, complying with UK charity law and delivering its objectives, as detailed in GNDR’s Articles of Association.

More information can be found in the GNDR Governance Manual available on our website.

Overall scope of the role

Each trustee member is recruited for their particular skills and perspectives and they should be proactive in supporting the Trustee Board, the Global Board and the Secretariat by using those skills. Trustees serve a minimum of three years.

Individually, trustees have the following responsibilities:

•  To be true to the values of GNDR and act as a role model while serving as a trustee.
•  To safeguard and reflect GNDR’s vision and ethos, strategy and policies at all times.
•  To build strong, collaborative working relationships with other trustees and Global Board members
•  To remain aware of the duties of a charitable trustee as outlined by the Charity Commission
•  To sign a Declaration of Interests each year
•  As appropriate, to make introductions for GNDR staff for promotional and fundraising purposes
•  As appropriate, to speak for GNDR at events, whether in-house or public, whether at GNDR’s request or on the back of the trustee’s own engagement

For this particular trustee role, we are especially keen to hear from individuals from a risk and finance background – ideally with an accounting or finance qualification.

Person Specification

Essential criteria:

• Experience of successfully dealing with strategic issues
• Sound judgement and ability to think corporately and strategically; ability to handle competing priorities and making informed decisions
• Interest in international development and relief, with a focus on disasters
• Experience of working with international accounts, risk management or fundraising

Desirable criteria:

• A good knowledge of relevant general legislation and statutory requirements, including charity law, employment law and/or health and safety law
• A thorough knowledge of financial management, accounting best practices for UK and compliance with the associated regulation
• UK-qualified Chartered Accountant
• Good networker and able to leverage professional networks in support of GNDR objectives when required, in particular for contract development and funding opportunities

Remuneration

The post is not remunerated; i.e. it is a voluntary and unpaid position.

Expenses

All out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed; this will include reimbursement of travel costs to all meetings, mobile or home telephone calls on trustee business, printing and photocopying costs at home on trustee business and all other reasonable costs incurred whilst carrying out the duties of being a GNDR trustee.

Trustees may, at their discretion and without setting any precedent for future activities, choose not to claim expenses if they wish to support the charity in this way.

GNDR will also pay for trustee indemnity insurance.

Terms of office

The term of office is three years. Trustees may serve additional terms of office, subject to agreement from the Board of Trustees.

Expected time commitment

The time commitment for this post is expected to be at approximately five days per annum plus preparation time, including attendance at all trustee meetings (three meetings per annum of 2-3 hours each) and Global Board meetings (four meetings quarterly including a three-day face-to-face meeting), and membership of one of GNDR’s working groups (either Finance and Audit or Resourcing, depending on expertise, meetings 1/4 day each, four per annum). 

Optionally, attendance at our bi-annual global summit (two days plus international travel), at trustee training events (circa one day per annum) and other one-off events, meetings and planning days as required.

Training and development

GNDR will provide an induction programme for all new trustees, as well as an opportunity to meet Secretariat staff.

Our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion

At GNDR, we are committed to fostering a truly diverse and inclusive culture based on our core values of openness, trust, accountability and mutual respect. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities without discriminating against any characteristics. This includes ethnicity, race, gender, religion or belief, language, abilities, nationality or citizenship, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, marital or partnership status or any other status. 

Find out more about our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

How to apply

Please follow the link to our website below. We will require you to submit a brief cover letter and CV outlining how you meet the criteria described in the job specification.

Closing date

Friday 5 July 2024

We are aiming to respond to and acknowledge each application that we receive. However, providing individual feedback may not always be possible.

If you haven’t heard from us after two weeks from the closing date, please assume that, on this occasion, your application was unsuccessful.