About the organisation
African Women’s Rights Advocates (AWRA) is a holistic, intersectional, and Indigenous African-led movement that advances the rights, dignity, and leadership of African women and girls across the continent and the diaspora. We are a transnational, survivor-centred collective of frontline activists, grassroots leaders, and changemakers working across borders and generations to dismantle systemic injustice and end violence against women and girls in all its forms.
Born from a shared commitment to centre African women’s voices in global gender justice, AWRA operates with a “for us, by us” ethos decolonising minds, narratives, and resources to ensure that African women lead solutions, shape policies, and reclaim power. From FGM, child marriage, and gender-based violence to climate injustice and systemic inequalities, we tackle interconnected challenges through bold campaigns, healing-centred advocacy, and collaborative policy engagement.
With hubs in Kenya, The Gambia, the UK, and the Netherlands, AWRA creates safe, inclusive spaces where African women and girls can thrive socially, economically, and politically. Our work is grounded in the belief that those closest to the issues must be at the centre of the solutions, and our approaches prioritise survivor leadership, cross-border solidarity, and grassroots-driven change.
MISSION
To be a leading Pan-African movement that amplifies grassroots voices locally and globally, driving a future where African women and girls live free from violence and discrimination, leading lives of dignity, opportunity, and leadership, while owning and sharing the positive stories of African women and girls.
VISION
A world where African women and girls are free from violence, discrimination, and inequality, leading lives of dignity, opportunity, and leadership in every sphere.
About the role
AWRA is seeking a Finance Trustee to join its Board and play a pivotal role in strengthening our financial governance and accountability as we transition from a company into a UK Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
The Finance Trustee will provide strategic financial leadership at Board level, ensuring transparency, compliance, and sustainability across AWRA’s multi-country structure (UK, Netherlands, Kenya, and The Gambia). You will help the organisation uphold the highest standards of financial integrity while reinforcing donor confidence and guiding our UK registration process with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
This is an ongoing governance role rather than a time-limited project. The Finance Trustee will work closely with the Board Chair, CEO, and Finance & Operations Lead to review budgets, oversee financial risk management, and ensure compliance with UK charity accounting standards.
As AWRA becomes a CIO, compliance with Charity SORP (FRS 102) will be a key responsibility. The Finance Trustee will ensure the organisation meets all UK charity financial reporting standards and provides clear, accurate, and timely information to funders, auditors, and regulators.
The role involves approximately four Board meetings per year, held remotely, plus participation in Finance & Audit Committee meetings every 2–3 months (or as required). You may also be invited to attend key strategic planning sessions or retreats with AWRA’s regional hubs.
Key responsibilities include:
Lead the Board’s financial oversight role and ensure proper accounting records are maintained.
Oversee the budgeting, planning, and forecasting processes to support sustainable growth.
Monitor financial risk, reserves policy, and long-term sustainability.
Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House, and SORP (FRS 102) requirements.
Liaise with external accountants and auditors and review audit findings and management accounts.
Provide strategic insight and reassurance to funders and partners regarding financial transparency and compliance.
Support the development of feminist-aligned, values-driven financial policies and reporting systems.
Serve on or chair the Finance & Audit Committee, advising the Board on financial performance and strategy.
This is an opportunity to join AWRA at a defining moment of its evolution — helping to lay the foundations for a financially strong, transparent, and impactful survivor-led movement.
Our ideal candidate
We are seeking a UK-based finance professional with strong governance expertise and a passion for advancing gender justice through ethical leadership.
You will bring deep financial acumen, sound judgement, and a collaborative spirit to a growing global feminist organisation. The ideal candidate understands both the technical and human dimensions of finance — balancing compliance with compassion, and numbers with purpose.
Essential skills and qualities
Based in the United Kingdom, with working knowledge of UK charity regulations, the Charity Commission, and Companies House requirements.
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent) or senior finance professional with board or governance experience.
Experience preparing or reviewing Charity SORP (FRS 102) accounts and leading on audit or assurance processes.
Strategic thinker with the ability to interpret complex financial information for a non-financial audience.
Strong grasp of budgeting, financial planning, reserves, and risk management.
Integrity, accountability, and alignment with AWRA’s feminist, survivor-centred values.
Commitment to collaborative decision-making and inclusive governance.
Desirable skills and qualities
Experience working with international NGOs or multi-country organisations.
Familiarity with donor reporting, compliance frameworks, and financial due diligence processes.
Understanding of or interest in issues such as FGM, gender-based violence, or women’s rights advocacy.
Confidence working across cultures and time zones, with a sensitive and intersectional approach.
Willingness to mentor or support emerging African women leaders in financial literacy or governance.
This role suits someone who is both technically skilled and values-driven — someone who finds meaning in using their financial expertise to create systemic change and strengthen movements led by women, for women.
What’s in it for you
As AWRA’s Finance Trustee, you will have a rare opportunity to shape the financial future of a pan-African feminist movement that is driving real impact for women and girls across the continent and diaspora.
Your guidance will directly contribute to building a transparent, compliant, and trusted organisation, positioning AWRA for greater partnerships and long-term sustainability. You will help strengthen donor confidence, influence financial strategy across regions, and leave a tangible legacy of good governance and accountability.
In return, you will gain:
Meaningful impact: Your skills will support a survivor-led movement working to end violence against women and girls and empower the next generation of African women leaders.
Strategic influence: As a trustee during AWRA’s transition to a CIO, you will help design and oversee a governance model that sets the organisation up for sustainable growth.
Professional development: Deepen your expertise in charity finance, CIO governance, and cross-border compliance, gaining exposure to international finance systems.
Networking opportunities: Connect with inspiring women leaders, activists, and global donors engaged in gender equality and social justice.
Personal fulfilment: Use your professional skills to advance equity, dignity, and justice — helping create a world where African women and girls live free from violence and discrimination.
This is a voluntary trustee position. The expected time commitment is around four Board meetings per year, plus preparation time and participation in Finance Committee meetings every few months. All reasonable expenses related to Board duties will be reimbursed.
Joining AWRA at this moment means being part of something transformative — helping embed feminist financial leadership at the heart of a movement redefining power, accountability, and justice across Africa and beyond.
Apply for the role
Please provide a short cover note setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation, any relevant skills/experience and why you think you might be a suitable candidate.
Opportunity Filled!
It looks like this volunteering role has already been taken. But don't worry, there are plenty more ways you can make a difference!
Welcome to Charterpath!
We specialise in connecting finance professionals with meaningful volunteer opportunities at charities in need of support. If you're eager to use your skills for a great cause, we're here to help you find the perfect match.
Explore more volunteer roles here and don’t forget to join Charterpath (for free) for more opportunities, exclusive events and more.