AREF Website
Diaspora Funding 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
- Contribute leadership, drive, and strategic oversight to the charity’s income generation programme as a member of the diaspora and income generation committee.
- Provide strategic understanding regarding the diaspora funding landscape within international development and ensure AREF’s diaspora development strategy is well aligned to engage diaspora funders and strategic partners.
- Advise on new diaspora funding mechanisms and opportunities and transforming remittances into sustainable development for AREF.
- Bring a range of relevant connections with networks and individuals to advance diaspora support, and to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with them.
- Work closely with the CEO and Head of Fundraising about diaspora funding connections/networks and matters.
You will have
- Senior level experience, expertise, and network in diaspora funding, diaspora development strategic, operational and academic levels, and international development landscape.
- A track record of innovative thinking and successful development/delivery of novel diaspora funding methods.
- A broad understanding and a background in diaspora funding, diaspora development, remittances, sustainable development, and international development.
- Deep knowledge and understanding of diaspora remittances, and sustainable development finances, with excellent high level connections and network in this field.
- Ideally with a passion to further develop and support Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem and strengthen health research post-doctoral research capacity in Africa.
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.