About the Role

We are looking to appoint a Chair who, working with the Honorary Treasurer and Secretary and other Trustees, will:

• Ensure that CHEC has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and ensure that this is communicated to stakeholders and to the
  wider public.

• Supports and holds the Governing Board responsible for delivering the strategy.

• Ensure that CHEC complies with all legal, regulatory, and financial requirements and that corporate governance is of the highest
  standard.

• Act as guardian of the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council’s reputation and assets, both tangible and intangible

Strong strategic leadership and influencing skills are essential. The Chair will lead the Governing Board of CHEC with expertise, guidance, and support. The Chair will also be responsible for providing strong and effective leadership to the Board ensuring the Trustees discharge their legal and public service responsibilities including the identification and management of organisational risks. The Chair will work inclusively, constructively, and flexibly enabling the Board to fulfil its responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity and protection of the wider reputation of CHEC.

• Trustees, Governing Board Members, including the Chair, carry out these responsibilities by:

• Preparing for and participating fully in Board meetings

• Becoming a member of a Board sub-committee as required and appropriate

• Participating in additional ad-hoc meetings

• Visiting CHEC’s partners and stakeholders overseas on occasion virtually and physically

• Being an advocate for the CHEC in the UK and around the Commonwealth, including representational duties

In addition, more specifically the Chair is required to:

• Provide leadership to the Governing Board

• Play a significant role in maintaining and further developing the CHEC’s relationship with key stakeholders in the UK and Commonwealth

• Use their fundraising experience and connections to enable the organisation to attract significant new income; build sympathetic partnerships which complement and enhance the work and mission of CHEC

• Amplifying the voice of CHEC

• Lead the Board in supporting and holding itself to account for the delivery of agreed strategy;

• Regularly review the effectiveness of the Board and its composition, ensuring that appropriate processes are in place to recruit and appoint new Board Members

Candidate Requirements
Essential

1. Record of work in international development and human ecology

2. At least 5 years of experience on a governing board of a UK charity with a strong understanding of governance principles to ensure that CHEC operates in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

3. Knowledge/experience in generating cash flow and managing costs, including ability to mobilise resources and secure funding for CHECs initiatives, including identifying and engaging with potential donors and exploring innovative fundraising strategies.

4. Experience with and a passion and commitment to sustainable development and practices that help the environment and the people in the Commonwealth, having empathy, cultural sensitivity, and respect for gender, youth, and diverse perspectives, ensuring that CHECs initiatives are inclusive and sustainable.

5. Understanding of and commitment to the purpose and value of the Commonwealth of Nations in the 21st century, specifically the Commonwealth charter, and how it relates to CHEC.

6. Proven communication skills to facilitate the organisation's goals, activities, and achievements to a wide range of audiences, including Commonwealth Secretariat, donors, policymakers, and the public.

7. Excellent networking skills to foster partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders, to maximise CHECs impact.

8. Be UK Based.

Desirable

1. Experience in managing/overseeing commonwealth/UN/other supra-national organisation projects, including knowledge of or participation in national and international Human Ecology events.

2. Prior experience as a chair on a governing board of a UK Chairity

3. International development knowledge including global development issues, policies, and practices.

4. Understanding of Commonwealth Countries, the Global South, and the Commonwealth Secretariat and networks to raise CHEC’s work at CHOGM, partnerships, engaging with others in policy alongside championing commonwealth civil society organisation and networks of commonwealth accredited organisations and accreditation process.

5. Understanding of the UN organisations and governance including participation in more recent sustainable development goals, climate, and biodiversity conferences

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please email a copy of your CV, a cover letter, and contact details for two references to contact@checinternational.org prior to the deadline on 20th November 2024.