Job Description

Make the step to volunteer and become a Trustee in a fast pace NGO. 

Job purpose: To assure success in achieving the objects of the charity through good governance, strategic insight, risk management and application of specific expertise.

Commitment: Trustee terms are for three years, with the potential to be re-elected for a further three years.

Remuneration: The position of Trustee on MapAction’s Board is voluntary and is not remunerated.

About MapAction

MapAction provides mapping, geospatial and information management services in the context of humanitarian emergencies. We call on the expertise of highly skilled volunteers backed up by a specialised core staff to provide operational support and training services worldwide. MapAction’s purpose is to save lives and minimise suffering by ensuring that humanitarian aid is delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible, getting to where it is needed most, fast.

MapAction has a strong reputation for excellent service delivery and a collaborative approach. It is a

technical partner of several United Nations and regional disaster management agencies, and is funded by several humanitarian donor governments, trusts & foundations, major donors and private sector companies. With a team of creative,compassionate and committed people and a strong team spirit, we remain small enough that you will quickly come to know the volunteers and staff and enjoy MapAction’s truly unique and professional culture.

What you will do

MapAction’s trustees are, like the Charity’s volunteer members and core staff, dedicated to the delivery of humanitarian benefit. Trustees typically support the effectiveness and risk management of the Charity through quarterly board meetings, Annual General Meeting, commitment to board sub-groups and occasional attendance at weekend training events.

Trustees may spend additional time working with the membership in the areas of specific knowledge shown below. This implies commitment to MapAction’s aims and values, and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.

Statutory responsibilities

• Ensuring that the Charity pursues the objects defined in its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Engagement in, and oversight of, development of goals and strategies pursuant to the objects.
• Identification and management of risk, including risks and opportunities in ensuring the financial stability of the Charity.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the Charity. Ensuring that the Charity complies with charity law, company law and other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, ensuring that appropriate policies, procedures and senior personnel are in place.
• Protecting and managing the assets of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.

Specific responsibilities

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should be prepared to use any specific skills, knowledge, network or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. Specific areas of expertise currently sought are shown below.

Competencies

• General: (these competencies may have been developed in the charity sector or elsewhere)
  • Ability to think strategically in an international context.
  • Experience in risk management.
  • Independence of thought and ability to propose and articulate an argument.
  • An interest in governance, including an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
  • Commitment/experience of building a diverse organisation and teams

• Specific:
  We are always interested in trustee candidates who bring knowledge in the following areas:
  • Strategic technology horizon-scanning.
  • Knowledge and network in international humanitarian funding.
  • Strategy development.
  • Organisational budgeting and management accounting.
     

Additional information

This is a small, highly specialised operational charity and an appreciation of the humanitarian purpose of the charity and its partners is essential, as well as a willingness to take up additional tasks outside of the normal role when needed.

Equal Opportunities Policy

MapAction is an Equal Opportunities employer. All employees have a personal responsibility to promote and support measures designed to create a working environment which is free from harassment or discrimination on the grounds of gender, marital status, family status, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, membership of the Traveler community or HIV&AIDS status.

How to apply

Please apply with a CV and a covering letter/email via the MapAction website.  The closing date for applications is 5pm 6 December 2020. Interviews will be held remotely on a date to be arranged.

Selection process

Selection from the shortlist of candidates will be by online interview with the Chair of Trustees, Chief Executive and an operational volunteer member of the charity.

For further discussion regarding the content of this role, please email and a time can be arranged to speak to the Chair of Trustees.