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Voluntary
UK
Posted 4 weeks ago

About the Circle NGO

The Circle NGO is a unique and dynamic organisation which brings global feminists together to fight for the safety and equality of marginalised and vulnerable women around the world. Founded by singer-songwriter and activist, Annie Lennox, The Circle is a space for creative ideas, connections and the opportunity to make change.

The Circle funds and supports frontline grassroots women’s rights organisations, their partners, in some of the world’s most vulnerable countries. The organisation uses the collective voices of partners, changemakers and those with lived experience to advocate and strive for long-term structural change. Over the last 15 years, The Circle has supported over 1.4 million people directly on women’s rights in 31 countries and over 630,000 women directly through our partners. Every woman and ally who is part of The Circle’s global network is a changemaker uniting to make The Circle a unique home for impactful change.

Under our priority thematic areas of Economic Empowerment and Ending Violence Against Women, The Circle helps provide marginalised and vulnerable women and communities in Rwanda, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Kenya, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Middle East and UK with:

  • Safe spaces and refuges
  • Counselling and education
  • Awareness raising campaigns through radio
  • Domestic abuse support workers
  • Psychosocial and therapeutic support
  • Skills development to access employment
  • Mentoring
  • Support through the training of village advocates
  • Emergency Assistance
  • Training in the workplace
  • Workshops to understand their rights

Last year The Circle reached over 20 million people through their communications work including international media coverage on BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, People.com, and Times Radio and partnerships with global platforms such as TikTok.

The Circle is at a pivotal moment in its history, moving from a start-up to a growing and ambitious organisation, with a strategy that speaks to transformational growth and impact. The Circle is now looking for a Chair with passion, profile and reach to guide and support this process.

Our Vision  

A future where there is safety for all women and girls.

Our Mission  

To economically empower and end violence against marginalised and vulnerable women across the world by building a network of Global Feminist changemakers who fund, advocate, amplify, connect and convene.

Additional Resources 

The Role

We are looking for a Global Feminist who will be a passionate advocate for the organisation and its grassroots partners. They will have experience of governance processes or similar roles and use their influence and networks to support the delivery of our ambitious strategy and mission. As an ambassador, the Chair will represent the organisation externally, broadening support and relationships with corporate partners, philanthropic organisations, and individuals.

The Circle is fortunate to have a Board that is engaged in and passionate about its work. The Board is responsible for accountability, inspiration, and constructive challenge. Our Board oversees and holds accountable The Circle’s executive leadership, ensuring it is always financially sustainable, well-run, and of good reputation. The Board safeguards assets and applies them in line with The Circle’s governing documents. Our Trustees come from a range of backgrounds in the charity, public and private sectors. Some bring previous experience of being Trustees and some are newer to the Board. More information on our Board members can be found here.

The Chair will work alongside the Vice Chair, Treasurer and Trustees to support the CEO and team.  Currently the Vice Chair leads on programme and partnerships with grassroots women’s rights organisations, alongside strengthening governance and ensuring robust operational management. The Vice Chair sits on the Finance and Risk Committee and deputises for the Chair as required. The Treasurer chairs the Finance and Risk Committee and leads on implementing the financial strategy in order to ensure robust financial management.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone with networks, connections and influence, and a background in the corporate and/or philanthropic sectors, who is willing to use their networks to generate more support for The Circle. Ideally, this will be someone with a profile which will help us achieve our ambitious plans to transform the lives of women and girls. We are excited to work with a leader who is able to represent us and shine a light on the important work that our grassroots partners are doing and the impact they are making on the ground. The Chair will engage with a broad range of people– from corporate partners and prospective donors, to celebrities, to partners on the ground. They will bring credibility, strong interpersonal and representational skills, and share our values.

The Chair should be both pragmatic and ambitious. They should have an understanding of how small organisations operate, as well as appreciation for the challenges and limitations that come with that, balanced with what strategic elements need to be put in place for future growth.

This is a significant leadership opportunity for the right person. We value the life experience, knowledge, and skills that this person will bring to help us to fulfil our purpose.

We recognise the importance of having a diverse and inclusive Board. The Circle is committed to achieving greater diversity and therefore welcome applications from women with a range of life experiences and backgrounds.

Qualifications

  • Influencing, representational and ambassadorial skills to expand The Circle’s networks, voice, and impact in the UK and globally.
  • Experience of previous trustee roles; desirable to have had a previous Chair role.
  • Senior leadership experience in a corporate, commercial, or philanthropic role, ideally within a multi-cultural stakeholder environment.
  • Experience or willingness to engage in and open doors to philanthropic activities.
  • Passion and interest for women’s rights and/or international development.
  • Experience of working with multiple stakeholders, including prominent people.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage a wide range of individuals and organisations across sectors
  • An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
  • An ability to think creatively and offer constructive challenge.
  • An ability to work effectively as a member of a team, and an approach which is collaborative and flexible.
  • A willingness to speak their mind.
  • A commitment to our values: empowerment, passion, innovation, respect and equality.

Job Features

Job CategoryDara, Education, Human Rights, Mia
LocationUK based
SalaryThis is a voluntary position (unpaid)
Contract TypeTrustees normally serve an initial three-year term and this is sometimes then extended for a further three years to a maximum term of six years.
Closing Date21 April 2024

Apply Online

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Interested in this role? Download the appointment brief below for more information and then come back to this page to apply.

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Job Features

Job CategoryDara, Education, Human Rights, Mia
LocationUK based
SalaryThis is a voluntary position (unpaid)
Contract TypeTrustees normally serve an initial three-year term and this is sometimes then extended for a further three years to a maximum term of six years.
Closing Date21 April 2024

Apply Online

Dara Walsh
Dara Walsh

Principal Consultant, Europe

the-circle-chair@oxfordhr.com