Join EPAfrica’s Board of Trustees

 

We are looking for enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals with relevant skills and experience to join Education Partnerships Africa’s Board and help drive our strategic vision.

Education Partnerships Africa has been helping create opportunities for young people in the UK and East Africa for over 25 years. We are excited to be resuming our summer programme in East Africa this year, coming out of the disruption caused by Covid, and we’re looking for new Trustees to help us take our work forward in a financially and practically sustainable way.

Above all, we are looking for Trustees who are willing to bring a proactive and creative approach to helping the current Board fulfil the charity's aims.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking applications from individuals who have the skills and experience to add value to a growing international development organisation. In particular we are looking for the following experience to complete our board:

  • A Board Secretary
  • Fundraising – we are always looking to improve our fundraising expertise so that EPAfrica can grow its impact.
  • Education in an international development context – we always have more to learn about the best way to make an impact with our programmes in East Africa.

All Trustees are required to fulfil governance responsibilities as a member of our board, which currently consists of five trustees. This includes:

  • Determining strategic direction and inputting into the running of the charity.
  • Reviewing accounts, forecasts and budgeting
  • Contributing to policy review and development  
  • Contributing towards securing a sustainable funding base for the organisation.
  • Attending monthly meetings (either in person or virtually)
  • Meeting a time commitment of around 5-10 hours of supporting work a month

Although these are our current priority recruitment areas, we welcome applications from people whose experience and knowledge fall outside these areas.

Requirements

Essential

  • An understanding of, and commitment to, Education Partnership Africa’s vision, mission, aims and approach.
  • Relevant experience in at least one professional area, including but not limited to charity governance, programmes, fundraising, finance and/or communications, or equivalent voluntary experience.
  • High level of personal integrity and commitment.
  • Proactive, creative and enthusiastic.
  • Adaptable and flexible approach.
  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
  • Availability & commitment to attend meetings and drive forward specific priority projects for the charity.

 

Desirable

  • Experience or interest in international development.
  • Interest in East Africa and/or education.
  • Working understanding of the voluntary sector.

It is essential that the Trustees we recruit are dedicated to fulfilling the time commitment of the role. As a small organisation, trustees play a vital role in our work and have a high degree of responsibility. It is therefore important that they have a flexible approach and can take the initiative to complete types of work they may not have previously encountered.

What difference will you make?

We are at a critical time in our development as an organisation, looking to ensure we are well-run and governed as we continue to try to expand our work and ensure our financial and practical sustainability.

As one of only a small number of trustees you will help determine the strategic development and direction of the charity with key decisions on delivery and funding taken by the board. When our volunteers are in East Africa, Trustees also take responsibility for being an Emergency Contact in the UK (on a rota basis with other Trustees).

The specific nature of the work you undertake will depend on your particular strengths and experience but whatever your focus you can expect your work to have a significant impact.

What can you gain?

This is an exciting opportunity to take a key leadership role in EPAfrica, with possibilities to take the lead on crucial areas of strategic importance for the charity.

There is also an annual opportunity for trustees to visit our projects in East Africa as part of our summer project.

This position is a great opportunity for someone to build on their experience at a senior level either within or outside EPAfrica, and provide governance and strategic direction to a small, ambitious charity.

Before you apply

Most Trustees are based in London but we would be happy to accept applicants based anywhere in the UK as long as you are willing to join monthly meetings either virtually or in-person. Travel expenses for meetings can be reimbursed. We would be happy to answer any questions – please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Apply now