AREF Website
Charity Finance Trustee, UK-wide
The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is transforming the leadership potential of Africa’s health researchers. We do this by supporting and developing early-career African researchers, ensuring their talent is retained within Africa, where their knowledge is required to improve health and save lives.
AREF was founded in 2015 by Professor Sir Tumani Corrah KBE MRG and established by the UK Medical Research Foundation. Since then, we have trained, mentored and given access to global networks to over 700 talented young researchers from 40 different African countries. In turn, these scientists have turned their ideas into fundable research projects that tackle Africa’s most pressing health issues.
AREF is overseen by a Board of Trustees that has ultimate responsibility for directing the charity, its assets and its activities. We are looking to complement the existing strengths of our Board with an independent Trustee who has financial expertise. Ideally you will have had experience of the principles of governance in the public or charitable sector and success in finance, with a recognised accounting qualification and ability to scrutinise and probe financial statements, reports and balance sheet information. We are looking for a Trustee who will be passionate about capacity building and supporting African-led medical research, for Africa, in Africa, by Africa.
The Board meets four times a year, including a strategy day, usually in Central London or by videoconference. The position is voluntary and not paid, although reasonable expenses are covered.
About the role
As a member of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for AREF as it seeks to fulfil its charitable objects. In addition to being a registered charity, AREF is a company limited by guarantee and, as such, our trustees are also appointed as its company directors. There will be opportunities for trustee training during the term of appointment.
What you will do
- Ensure that AREF pursues its stated charitable objects by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy
- Ensure AREF operates in accordance with its governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of AREF and its resources.
- Maintain oversight of the work of the Executive, including both supporting and holding to account through appropriate challenging.
- Ensure AREF has the proper arrangements in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive.
- Receive and review AREF’s Budgets, Accounts and Financial Statements.
- Assure the Board that the financial resources of AREF meet its present and future strategic and operational needs.
- Leading in the board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled, invested and economically spent, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.
- Review the bank reconciliation documents prepared by the Senior Finance Manager on a monthly basis to enable AREF meet auditing requirements on ensuring no bias during financial statement preparation.
- Oversee the preparation and examination of accounts so that they are prepared and examined in the requisite manner and advise the Trustee Board if they cannot give such assurances.
- Liaise with the CEO and Senior Finance Manager about financial matters.
- Draw attention to important points in AREF’s accounts in a coherent and easily understandable way.
- Leading in the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost management and investment policies; Monitor AREF’s investment activity and ensure its consistency with its policies and legal responsibilities.
- Ensure AREF’s compliance with legislation.
- Ensure equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured.
- Contribute expertise to the financial aspects of the strategic risk register.
You will have
- Senior level expertise in finance, with a recognised accounting qualification and ability to scrutinise and probe financial statements, reports and balance sheet information
- A good track record in charity finances with proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders An understanding of / sensitivity to the particular situation of a registered charity
- An understanding of the UK charity sector
- Sympathy for the issues of public good and donor wishes in funding the development of African researchers
- Excellent networking skills, influencing and communicating skills
How to apply
Submit the following three documents to irene.coker@aref-africa.org.uk by the closing date:
- Your CV, which should include contact details, educational and vocational qualifications and career history
- A completed application form
- A completed equality, diversity and inclusion form
You can find full details about the role and how to apply by downloading our recruitment pack.
Closing date: 18th October 2024 at 17:00 GMT
The appointment will be for a three-year term, in the first instance from the date of election and is eligible for re-election.