At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial oversight and ensure robust governance for Earthwatch Europe.
- Company: Join an environmental charity dedicated to protecting our planet through science and community action.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 8-12 days per year with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a charity making a difference in environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: Strong financial literacy and experience in charity finance or as a Treasurer.
Salary: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Hours: 8-12 days
Contract: 3 years per term (with a maximum of three terms)
Department: Reports to: Chair (working closely with CEO and Finance Lead)
Interviews: First two weeks in July 2026
Earthwatch Europe is an environmental charity with science at its heart. We help people protect the nature around them, building meaningful nature connections and giving communities, organisations and businesses the tools to act. Guided by science and powered by people, we create change through connection.
Our Treasurer steps down after six years (two terms) of valued service. We’re seeking a new Treasurer to ensure strong financial stewardship, and to help shape the financial foundations for a new 10‑year strategy and sustainable income growth. You will be comfortable operating in organisations that are evolving, where there is a need to stabilise and strengthen, while building momentum for growth.
Who are we? Earthwatch Europe connects people with nature and gives them the tools they need to protect our planet. From fighting for healthy freshwater, bringing greenspaces to our cities or putting nature back into farming, we support communities and organisations to build knowledge, create connections and motivate action.
Responsibilities
Role purpose: To lead trustee-level oversight of Earthwatch Europe’s financial governance, ensuring robust controls, clear reporting, sound risk management and strong financial decision‑making that supports long‑term sustainability and impact.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide strategic oversight of budgets, management accounts, cashflow, reserves and forecasting
- Ensure strong controls, compliance and risk management (including audit where applicable)
- Chair or help shape the Finance Committee
- Support the Board to understand financial trade‑offs and sustainability choices
- Help shape the financial foundations for income growth (e.g., investment cases, risk/return thinking, sustainability modelling)
Requirements
Personal Specification:
- Strong financial literacy and confidence providing trustee‑level oversight of budgets, forecasting, controls, reserves and risk
- Ability to translate finance into clear choices for non‑financial colleagues
- Experience supporting income generation and financial sustainability planning (funding models, pipeline oversight, investment cases, etc.)
- Sound judgement, independence and integrity
- Charity finance / Treasurer experience
- Knowledge of the environmental / science‑led sector
Earthwatch is committed to making any adjustments we can for short‑listed candidates, to facilitate participation in our interview process. Only short‑listed candidates will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check and other due diligence checks, given the nature of this position within the charity.
Equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion
Earthwatch is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences. We welcome and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply, and we will consider all applications fairly and consistently. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment – a place where individuality is embraced and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We value the benefits that different backgrounds, working approaches and ways of thinking can bring.
Treasurer (Trustee) in Oxford employer: Earthwatch Institute
Earthwatch Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental change while working alongside passionate individuals dedicated to protecting our planet. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values individual contributions and encourages professional growth. As a Treasurer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of the charity, ensuring sustainability and impact for years to come.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Treasurer (Trustee) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the environmental sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Earthwatch Europe thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show that you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Earthwatch team!
We think you need these skills to ace Treasurer (Trustee) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you understand the role of Treasurer and what it entails. Brush up on your financial literacy and be ready to showcase your experience in managing budgets and financial oversight.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with Earthwatch Europe's mission and the specific requirements of the Treasurer role.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for environmental issues shine through in your application. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely passionate about making a difference in the world.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Earthwatch Institute
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Treasurer, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial literacy. Brush up on key financial concepts like budgeting, cash flow, and risk management. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in charity finance.
✨Understand the Mission
Earthwatch Europe is all about connecting people with nature. Familiarise yourself with their projects and values. Show how your financial expertise can support their mission and contribute to sustainable income growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Think of examples where you've had to make tough financial choices or manage risks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with the Board's Vision
The role involves working closely with the Chair and CEO. Be prepared to discuss how you can help shape the financial foundations for Earthwatch's 10-year strategy. Show enthusiasm for collaboration and how you can translate complex financial information into clear choices for non-financial colleagues.
