At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial oversight and ensure robust governance for Earthwatch Europe.
- Company: Join an innovative environmental charity dedicated to protecting our planet.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed and impactful experience.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 8-12 days per year with excellent networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sustainability while making a real difference in the community.
- 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) 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 robust governance and sustainability, all while being part of a community that prioritises connection with nature.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Treasurer (Trustee)
✨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 align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your financial savvy! Be ready to discuss your experience with budgets, forecasting, and risk management. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've made a positive impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
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 and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Treasurer (Trustee)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of Treasurer and what Earthwatch Europe is all about. Highlight your financial skills and experience in your application to show us you're the right fit!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make it personal by aligning your skills and experiences with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
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. Be prepared to explain your thought process clearly, especially to non-financial colleagues.
✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity
Earthwatch values diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a diverse working environment. Share any experiences you have that highlight your commitment to inclusivity and how it can enhance team dynamics.