Trustee - Legal Expert

Registered charity Olive Ridley Project (ORP) is looking for an enthusiastic Legal Expert to join our Board of Trustees.

About ORP

ORP is on a mission to protect sea turtles and their habitat throughout the Indian Ocean: We do this through rescue and rehabilitation of injured sea turtles, scientific research, and education and community outreach programs. We run a marine turtle rescue centre in Baa Atoll, Maldives - the first such facility of its kind in the Indian Ocean - with a resident veterinarian, and a sea turtle rehabilitation centre in North Malé Atoll, Maldives.

Since its initial startup in the Maldives, ORP has expanded to Kenya, Oman, Pakistan and Seychelles. Further expansion plans are on the horizon in the near future.

About the Role

ORP is currently looking to recruit a UK based Legal Expert to join our Board of Trustees to provide leadership and advice in all legal matters, especially with regard to British Charitable law. The role of this new UK based Legal Expert would include aiding and guiding our international branches where appropriate.  The position is voluntary and unpaid.

Specific duties will include:

• Advising on all the organisation’s legal policies and matters arising;
• All aspects regarding legal duties, including reviewing the current legal status of ORP and how it is currently being run;
• Reviewing contracts, agreements and MoUs with external agencies such as funders, collaborators, consultants and statutory bodies, ensuring that all documents meet the conditions of contractual agreements;
• Dealing with the Charity Commission when/where appropriate;
• Overseeing and presenting legal overview to the trustee board;
• Liaising with designated staff or outside contracted individuals about legal matters;
• Ensuring ORP is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit;
• Help update and ensure ORP complies with, our governing document and UK/international laws in general;
• Manage and ensure ORP and its employees/trustees/volunteers use the charities resources responsibly;
• Ensure the charity is accountable, particularly when tasks or decisions are delegated to staff or volunteers;
• Work collectively as a group to ensure the best outcome for ORP;
• Represent and act as an ambassador for the charity.

Experience required

• Experience in law, with previous charitable and/or business experience at an appropriate level.
• Knowledge/understanding of UK charity law and fundraising regulations would be an advantage.
• An interest in marine life and ocean conservation.

What's in it for you?

This is a great opportunity to use your professional skills to make a difference in the world and to be part of a dynamic international team passionate about sea turtle conservation.

Time Commitment

The successful applicant will be able to commit approximately 12-15 hours per month to their role. In addition, we require participation in quarterly trustee board meetings, which take place via video conferencing due to the international nature of our operations.