At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to support street working children in Afghanistan.
- Company: Friends of Aschiana UK, a dedicated charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Make a tangible impact while gaining leadership experience and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Join a fully volunteer-run organisation with a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Be the voice for vulnerable children and drive meaningful change in their lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, governance, fundraising, and a passion for children's rights.
We’re looking for someone who would like to make the world of difference to street working children in Afghanistan to be the next Chair of Trustees.
Location: Remote (UK-wide)
Commitment: Voluntary (approx. 1-2 days per month)
Reports to: Board of Trustees
About Us
Friends of Aschiana UK (Registered Charity No. 1101761), established in 2002, is dedicated to supporting the work of Aschiana—the School for Street Working Children in Afghanistan. Our mission is to provide education, hot meals, vocational training, and hope to vulnerable children in Kabul and surrounding IDP camps, rescuing them from the dangerous streets. We are a 100% volunteer-led organisation, ensuring over 98% of donations go directly to our project partner in Afghanistan.
The Role
As we navigate complex operational challenges in Afghanistan, including banking hurdles and security concerns, we are seeking a new, passionate Chair to lead our dedicated team of Trustees. You will be a "first among equals," fostering collaboration, maintaining high governance standards, and driving our fundraising efforts to ensure the continuity of our vital work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Lead the board in setting the strategic direction, ensuring compliance with charity law and Friends of Aschiana UK’s objectives.
- Governance & Oversight: Maintain high standards of governance, ensuring the safety of funds and effective reporting.
- Advocacy & Fundraising: Act as the public face and ambassador for the charity, building networks and developing and implementing a refreshed fundraising strategy.
- Meeting Management: Plan and facilitate productive Trustee meetings, fostering collaborative decision-making.
- Project Liaison: Work closely with the Aschiana Foundation in Kabul to ensure effective, transparent use of funds.
What We Are Looking For:
- Previous experience as a Trustee or in a senior leadership role.
- Strong understanding of charity or company governance and regulatory requirements.
- Experience in fundraising, networking, or advocacy.
- Passion for international development, education, or children's rights.
- Empathy with the political and cultural context of Afghanistan.
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a virtual team.
Why Join Us?
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of some of the poorest children in the world. As a fully volunteer-run charity, you will see the direct impact of your leadership on the ground in Afghanistan.
How to Apply:
Please apply by Friday 12 June. To express an interest or arrange an informal, confidential discussion about the role, please contact us at info@friendsofaschiana.org.uk. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse team.
Chair of Trustees employer: Friends of Aschiana UK
Friends of Aschiana UK is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of street working children in Afghanistan. As a fully volunteer-led charity, we offer a collaborative and supportive work culture where your leadership can directly influence positive change. With a commitment to high governance standards and a focus on advocacy and fundraising, this role provides unique opportunities for personal growth and the chance to be part of a dedicated team making a real difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can introduce you to someone in the charity sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant online communities. Join forums or social media groups focused on charity work or international development. Engaging with like-minded individuals can open doors and provide valuable insights.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from informal chats! Reach out to current or former trustees of similar organisations for a coffee (or a virtual chat). They can share their experiences and tips that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows your commitment to our mission and makes it easier for us to connect with you.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping street working children shine through. We want to see why you care about this cause and how your values align with our mission at Friends of Aschiana UK.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous experience as a Trustee or in leadership roles. We’re looking for someone who understands charity governance and can bring that expertise to our board, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and ideas for fundraising and advocacy. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest info about the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Friends of Aschiana UK
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, dive deep into the mission of Friends of Aschiana UK. Understand their work with street working children in Afghanistan and be ready to discuss how your passion aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to highlight your previous experience as a Trustee or in senior leadership roles. Be specific about your governance knowledge and fundraising successes. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and collaborate effectively.
✨Understand the Challenges
Familiarise yourself with the operational challenges faced in Afghanistan, such as banking hurdles and security concerns. Being able to discuss these issues and propose potential solutions will show that you’re proactive and well-informed.
✨Engage in Collaborative Discussion
During the interview, focus on fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Ask questions that encourage dialogue about strategic direction and governance. This not only demonstrates your leadership style but also your commitment to teamwork.
