We are seeking a visionary new Chair with the time and dedication to help Connect: North Korea continue our growth from a small community start-up into a high-impact, well-renowned, and sustainable international organisation.
Who we are
We enable escaped North Korean people to heal, grow, and live the lives they choose.
The role
Connect: North Korea is a UK-based organisation with a global aim: enabling every person who escaped the oppression of North Korea, to heal, grow, and live the life they choose through holistic support programmes. We were established in 2018 to address the complex challenges North Koreans face in building new lives once they’ve escaped the oppressive North Korean regime and reached safety in a free country.
We are seeking a visionary new Chair with the time and dedication to help Connect: North Korea continue our growth from a small community start-up into a high-impact, well-renowned, and sustainable international organisation. You will be key to helping us to drive change for North Korean escapees.
If you have a background in a senior leadership role, this is an excellent opportunity to take on a highly rewarding role supporting our work. As part of a tightly-knit and ambitious team, you will be responsible for oversight of our governance, be a spokesperson and ambassador for our work in relevant contexts, provide strategic advice and support for our senior management team, and support a cooperative environment on the board. Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with our work and vision and share our values and commitment to social and racial justice.
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: Chair
LOCATION: Online/ 120B Malden Road, New Malden, KT3 6DD
We usually hold board meetings online.
COMMITMENT: 2 – 3 hours per month.
Our Board meets every quarter for 2 hours. We also hold one annual away day. All trustees join one of our subcommittees – Communications/Fundraising, Programmes, and Finance and Risk – which also meet every quarter for around 2 hours. There is expected support between meetings.
Our terms are capped at 3 years with potential for renewal for one additional term.
Overview of responsibilities
· Lead the board and support a cooperative environment for good decision-making and governance, ensuring that we act in accordance with our constitution, governance framework, and applicable legislation.
· Support and advise the senior management team on strategy, vision, direction and management of the charity
· Be a spokesperson and ambassador for Connect: North Korea in relevant contexts.
· Facilitate and chair board meetings.
· Ensure that there are effective financial management processes in place and that the charity is financially sustainable.
· Work with the CEO to set and monitor organisational/risk KPIs.
· Raise awareness of our organisation and fundraising projects though personal and professional networks.
Essential skills
? Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior strategic leadership level role in a professional setting.
? Well-networked and exhibit strong interpersonal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
? Excellent communication and teamwork skills with proven ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
? Must align with our values and have proven understanding of the issues facing refugees and asylum-seekers.
? Be able to make difficult decisions, handle conflicts and be able to balance competing interests
? Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation with a good understanding of charity finance and governance issues.
? Have a strong network of contacts and be able to raise funds and raise awareness about our work
? Have the ability to think strategically and be able to work effectively with the organisation’s senior management team, staff and volunteers.
Desired experience
? Lived experience of migration or of a refugee background is highly desirable.
? Korean speaker
? Be actively engaged in refugee and migrant rights, social change, and/or a related field
The ideal candidate has a positive attitude, works well in a team, and is highly organised with great attention to detail.
We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability (physical or learning), LGBTQI+ or relationship status, pregnancy andmaternity, race, religion and belief, gender or social class.
If you do not match the desirable criteria for this role, please don’t let that put you off applying, because training and support can be negotiated for the right candidate.
How to apply
Please send a CV and cover letter to Michael Glendinning, CEO.
Applications close at 11.59pm, 31st December.
Interviews will take place on a rolling basis.