The Council for British Research in the Levant (CBRL) is seeking to appoint an Honorary Treasurer trustee. This is a voluntary role. We are looking for someone who has worked in the Finance sector to being their skills, knowledge and expertise to help support, develop and oversee CBRLs strategic financial management. This is an opportunity to shape and lead on CBRLs strategic financial vision, and to make a real difference to a small, international charity with broad reach across the Levant. CBRL is a research charity which operates the UK’s overseas research institutes in Amman and Jerusalem and supports academic research across a broad range of subject areas – from archaeology to modern social science – in the Levant. CBRL has 12 staff across 3 locations and an income derived from government and research grants and its various activities. CBRL is one of the British International Research Institutes (BIRI), a network of overseas research organisations that operate in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. All the BIRI conduct research, collaborate with overseas and UK-based partners, and provide facilities, training and financial, academic and logistical support to researchers. The BIRI also run events and outreach programmes, held in the UK and overseas. The charity has been through significant change in recent years, broadening its sources of funding and professionalising its processes. This is expected to continue, and the Hon Treasurer will play a key role in helping to drive the Strategic Plan. Role Description We have a small, dynamic and supportive staff team based in the UK. Working with the Chair, Trustees, and senior management (Director and Financial Controller), the role of the Hon Treasurer will involve: overseeing the strategic financial management of the charity to ensure that CBRL achieves a financially sustainable position and builds appropriate reserves; supervision and guidance to the Financial Controller and Director on the preparation of annual budget and management accounts and review of internal control procedures attendance at two sets of quarterly board meetings in central London or online networking with other BIRI honorary officers to discuss governance, shared funding opportunities and common practice. Most BIRIs are also part-funded by the British Academy and share the same office space in Pall Mall. using your network and experience to support fundraising initiatives playing a representational role for CBRL when required Person specification: (E) Essential, (D) Desirable Qualified accountant ACA, CIMA, ACCA (E) 10 years at Finance Director level or equivalent (E) Ability to communicate clearly and explain financial information to Trustees and other stakeholders (E) Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgment (E) Understanding of financial controls, systems and procedures (E) British citizen or resident in the UK (E) Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and company directorship, but you will be given training (D) Knowledge of charity SORP and charity law and regulation (D) General business experience of international operations and/or the Middle East (D) Familiarity with research environment/research grants (D) Experience of project appraisal and fundraising from a financial perspective (D) Commitment is circa two-three days per month, the term is four years. Trustee meetings are held four times a year online/ hybrid. There is always a remote option to attend meetings. The Hon Treasurer also chairs the Finance, Governance & Risk sub-committee, which meets four times a year online/hybrid. There are also regular online meetings between Honorary Officers and senior management. Voluntary and unremunerated: reasonable expenses reimbursed. Location: Flexible, UK citizenship or residency required
