At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic governance and support to improve livelihoods in disadvantaged communities.
- Company: Shared Interest, a mission-driven organisation focused on fair trade and social justice.
- Benefits: Competitive remuneration, travel expense reimbursement, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Commitment of 12 days per year, including meetings and preparation.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives through fair and sustainable trade.
- Qualifications: Expertise in climate, agri-finance, or risk management with board-level experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Shared Interest Mission
Our mission is to provide financial services and business support to make livelihoods and living standards better for disadvantaged communities in some of the world’s poorest countries. We work with people who share our commitment to fair and just trade. Together we take and share risk, because we value the difference that fair and sustainable trade makes. We seek to satisfy the needs of producers as they work their way out of poverty and to meet the aspirations of our investors and donors to support them in achieving this aim.
Position
The Board of Shared Interest provides mission-based leadership, strategic governance, and fiduciary oversight. While day-to-day operations are led by the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Board plays a critical role in shaping the long-term vision and ensuring organisational resilience. We are seeking individuals who combine a deep passion for social justice with the professional rigor required to oversee a complex international financial portfolio.
Specific Competencies
For this recruitment cycle, we are specifically seeking candidates with proven expertise in one of the following areas:
- Climate & Environment: Expertise in the intersection of poverty and climate change, with an understanding of how environmental resilience impacts smallholder livelihoods.
- Agri-Finance: Direct experience in rural livelihoods, smallholder farmer financing, or agricultural value chains in the Global South.
- Risk Management Frameworks: A proven track record of identifying complex financial risks and an understanding of risk management frameworks within a financial services context including international credit risk, portfolio diversification, and regulatory compliance (such as AML, KYC, and Sanctions).
Experience & Skills
- Board level operations: Proven ability to operate effectively at a strategic board level with an understanding of collective responsibility.
- Global perspective: A high level of awareness regarding global development, particularly within the Global South.
- Co-operative values: A demonstrable commitment to the values of the co-operative movement and fair trade.
- Financial literacy: Ability to read and interpret business plans and budgets.
- Leadership: Significant executive leadership accomplishments with the ability to influence, negotiate, and provide "constructive challenge" to the SLT.
- Impact reporting: Strategic experience in scrutinising social performance frameworks and metrics to ensure mission alignment and long-term effectiveness.
Personal Attributes
- Diplomacy: Identifying the need for sensitive communication with diverse stakeholders.
- Empathetic approach: An ability to motivate and inspire people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Integrity: Absolute commitment to the highest ethical standards and transparency.
Board Member responsibilities
- Commitment to the work of Shared Interest.
- Advising and supporting the Senior Leadership Team as they develop and implement Shared Interest’s strategic plan.
- Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by Shared Interest for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics.
- Reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings.
- Approving Shared Interest’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Serving on committees or project teams and taking on special assignments.
- Representing Shared Interest to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organisation.
- Attendance at Board meetings.
- A time commitment outside of Board meeting for email correspondence, including Board preparation, committee meeting time etc.
- Attendance at Annual General Meeting.
- Participation in the discussions and the deliberations of the Board.
- Being aware and abstaining from any conflict of interest.
Board terms/participation
Shared Interest’s Board Members serve 2 x three year terms. There are six Board Meetings per year, held in person in Newcastle in addition to the AGM and any sub-committee meetings. Sub-committees include Remuneration, Audit and Nominations. Non-Executive Directors are also expected to attend a minimum of one member event per year. This means the time commitment is 12 days including preparation time and correspondence.
Remuneration
Remuneration levels are set by the members at the AGM and are normally reviewed every 3 years. Non-Executives currently receive £4,052 pa. In addition to this, reasonable travel and other incidental expenses are reimbursed.
To Apply:
Please submit your CV and a covering letter addressing the following three points:
1. Why would you like to be considered for the role of Non-Executive Director at Shared Interest?
2. What specific technical expertise (Climate, Agri-Finance, Risk Management) do you bring to the Board?
3. How has your experience prepared you to help make a tangible difference in the communities we serve?
Non Executive Director employer: Shared Interest Society Ltd
Shared Interest is an exceptional employer dedicated to social justice and sustainable development, offering a unique opportunity for Non-Executive Directors to contribute to meaningful change in disadvantaged communities. With a strong commitment to co-operative values and fair trade, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and strategic governance. Located in Newcastle, the organisation provides a supportive environment where board members can engage with diverse stakeholders and make a tangible impact on global livelihoods.
Contact Details:
Shared Interest Society Ltd Recruitment Team
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We think this is how you could land Non Executive Director
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We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Shared Interest Society Ltd, 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.
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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!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Shared Interest Society Ltd
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Shared Interest Society Ltd 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.
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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!
