SOS Sahel UK Trustee - Fundraising Specialist

Trustee for small international development charity- with significant fundraising experience needed

For over 30 years, SOS Sahel International UK (SOSSUK) has been dedicated to relieving the poverty of marginalised groups who live in the drylands of the Sahel, the belt of semi-arid land south of the Sahara. Historically, SOS Sahel International UK was an umbrella organisation with country programmes across select countries in the Sahel (our first and largest being Sudan). However, after a long and difficult process of organisational transformation motivated by grassroots, African-led development, SOS Sahel International UK is now a facilitating NGO with independent national partners in Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

We support our partner organisations to work with pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, fishermen and small-holder farmers to help them protect their local environment and at the same time improve their livelihoods. SOSSUK has a small specialised staff based in our Oxford office.

The UK charity sector as a whole faces significant challenges and - with the right approach – opportunities in the coming years. SOSSUK is no exception. The public fundraising environment is changing, and will require an agile and creative approach in order to maintain income. In the international development sphere, results-based contracts with major funders are becoming more common, requiring expertise and skills in new areas.

We are seeking a trustee who have the fundraising skills to help SOSSUK fulfil its ambitions and navigate this rapidly changing context, especially looking at innovate ways of fundraising. The fundraising landscape is changing for small NGO in the UK and the small SOSSUK team would like some support in navigating these challenging times. Trustees should also have an interest or background in international development and, through strong strategic vision and leadership, will work with the SOS Sahel team to maximise the organisation’s impact. We would also be particularly interested in people with experience of living in or working with African organisations.

The Board of Trustees normally meets four times a year. Positions are voluntary and unpaid but reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

People with appropriate experience and with previous experience of governance or senior management are invited to apply. SOSSUK is committed to equal opportunity.

If you want to use your talents and skills to help benefit the world’s poorest communities of the Sahel, we’d love to hear from you.