At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a dynamic Board of Trustees for an impactful international charity.
- Company: International Lawyers Project, dedicated to pro bono legal support for global communities.
- Benefits: Gain leadership experience, network with diverse professionals, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Other info: Join a growing team with members from around the globe, working towards a just future.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the world by guiding a charity focused on justice and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in charity governance and a passion for international law and development.
International Lawyers Project is seeking a new member of its Board of Trustees, initially to join as an ordinary member, with the capabilities and appetite to take over as Chair of the Board when the current Chair steps down in 2027.
What Difference Will You Make?
ILP is an alliance of talented and passionate lawyers drawn from diverse countries and cultures across the globe. We pull together teams of pro bono experts to support the policy and legal needs of individuals, communities and organisations that would otherwise not have access to expert advice.
A UK registered charity founded in 2005, we are staffed by a group of lawyers dedicated to using the law to achieve economic and environmental justice through strategic pro bono legal support. Our focus areas are environment and sustainable development, sustainable finance, governance and accountability (with a focus on anti‑corruption measures), and protecting the civic space of those working on these themes. Over twenty years we have supported partners in more than 100 countries.
We have a diverse staff team from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, reflective of the communities we support. Our staff have extensive experience in our focus areas, as well as international law and development. We work primarily in the Global South, with active projects across sub‑Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe.
As a charity, our ultimate aim is to help our partners create long‑lasting change, in line with our vision of a just and sustainable world in which law serves as a tool for those who need it the most.
What Are We Looking For?
In addition to general Trustee obligations the Board Chair’s key responsibilities are to- Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees in oversight of the strategic direction and execution of the governance responsibilities of the Charity.
- Chair and facilitate meetings of the Board (hybrid meetings held from ILP’s London office), ensuring that they are conducted in an effective and inclusive manner and monitoring the implementation of decisions taken at such meetings.
- Support ILP’s Executive Director in leading the day‑to‑day management of the Charity and preparing for Board meetings.
- Take lead responsibility on behalf of the Board for the relationship with ILP’s Executive Director, appraising their performance and holding him or her to account.
- Give direction to Board policy making.
- Act as an ambassador for the Charity, representing its strategy and contribution to its partners and funders.
- Plan for the recruitment and development of Board members as needed in order to improve the performance of the Board.
Specification for Board Chair
- Experience serving on the Board of one or more other registered UK charities.
- Understanding of the Charity Commission’s governance requirements, and the balance of roles between governance and management.
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the charity.
- Professional background related to ILP’s thematic areas of focus and familiarity with the non‑profit sector working in an international context.
- Commitment to ILP’s strategic objectives.
- Good communication and people management skills and strong independent judgement.
Hybrid
What Will You Be Doing?
ILP has a 13‑member Board, with members based in the UK, Spain, Kenya and the USA. Successful candidates will be joining a collegial team with a wide range of expertise in the thematic areas of ILP’s work and experience in charity governance.
ILP is a growing and ambitious organisation, with its budget more than doubling in size over the course of the last few years. Currently with a budget of approximately £500,000 and an additional £6 million value mobilised in pro bono hours, we are looking for a trustee and ultimately a Chair who is able to support the team as the organisation continues to grow and move to the next level.
Successful candidates will be appointed initially as an ordinary Trustee. The term of the current Chair comes to an end in mid‑2027. Shortly before then the Board will decide on the appointment of a new Chair, with the expectation that the successful candidate will be elected from the Board in accordance with the Articles of Association.
The key responsibilities of Board members are to ensure that the organisation has a clear strategy for the fulfilment of its charitable purposes, and to provide oversight of and support to the executive team, in accordance with the Articles of Association and the guidance on governance obligations established by the Charity Commission.
Board Chair for an International Charity - Volunteer employer: International Lawyers Project (ILP)
ILP is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the charitable sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, we offer unique opportunities for qualified accountants to contribute to our ambitious goals while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model. Join us as we strengthen our Board and continue to expand our reach, making a real difference in the communities we serve.
Contact Details:
International Lawyers Project (ILP) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Board Chair for an International Charity - Volunteer
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
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Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Board Chair for an International Charity - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like International Lawyers Project (ILP), don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at International Lawyers Project (ILP).
How to prepare for a job interview at International Lawyers Project (ILP)
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of International Lawyers Project (ILP) and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
