The GFCF seeks an Independent Member to join the Board Finance Committee

The GFCF, a small UK and South Africa-registered non-profit which works globally, is looking for an Independent Member for its Board Finance Committee. The role, which is described below, would be suited to someone with expertise in finance and financial management who is looking to contribute their expertise to a global movement and body of work that seeks to advance people-driven development and shifting power.

Organization

The GFCF (registered with the Northern Ireland Charity Commission as a Company Limited by Guarantee) and GFCF South Africa (Section 21 Non-Profit Company).

Location

Remote / UK (meetings are typically hybrid / remote).

Remuneration

Voluntary (reasonable expenses to be reimbursed).

About the GFCF

The GFCF is a grassroots grantmaker working to promote and support institutions of community philanthropy around the world. Our long-term goal is to embed the practice and paradigm of community philanthropy as a cornerstone of a new architecture for effective, locally-owned and locally-driven development that shifts power and voice to communities.

We work directly with individual organizations – including local funds, foundations, grassroots grantmakers and other civil society actors – around the world that seek to harness the practice and power of community philanthropy in their work. Through small grants, technical support, convening and networking, we help these local institutions to strengthen and grow so that they can fulfil their potential as vehicles for local development and as part of the infrastructure for sustainable development, poverty alleviation and citizen participation.

The GFCF has two legal registrations, in the UK (Northern Ireland) and South Africa. The UK entity conducts the majority of the organization’s business.

Our core objectives

1. To support the building of institutional capacity among community philanthropy organizations at the local level.
2. To strengthen the field of community philanthropy across the world, focusing on deepening practice, fostering thought leadership and enhancing the voice and identity of the field.
3. To inform and influence the relationship between the community philanthropy field and policy-makers, international development agencies and the broader philanthropic sector.

Role purpose

The Independent Member provides expert financial oversight and independent scrutiny to the Board Finance Committee, supporting the board in ensuring the charity’s financial sustainability, integrity and compliance.

Key responsibilities

Financial oversight

• Review and scrutinize management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial plans, including investments.
• Assess financial risks and advise on mitigation strategies.
• Monitor cash flow, reserves policy and long-term financial sustainability.

Governance and compliance

• Support compliance with UK charity law, SORP, and relevant financial regulations.
• Additionally, ensure compliance with South Africa company law, NPO law, tax law and statutory compliance regulations.
• Provide independent challenge to ensure robust decision-making.
• Contribute to the charity’s internal financial controls, development and updating of policies and risk management framework.

Strategic input

• Advise on financial implications of strategic plans and major projects.
• Support the development of financial strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Offer insight on investment, funding models and income diversification.

Committee participation

• Attend and actively contribute to two Board Finance Committee meetings per year.
• Review papers in advance and provide constructive challenge.
• Collaborate with trustees and senior staff, particularly the Chair of the Finance Committee, as well as the GFCF Finance Director and Executive Director.
• Attend meetings with external investment manager(s) and auditors, as required.

Person specification

Essential

• Strong financial expertise (e.g. qualified accountant or equivalent experience).
• Experience in financial management, audit, risk or investment.
• Ability to analyse complex financial information and communicate clearly.
• Understanding of governance and accountability (charity sector knowledge desirable) including knowledge of the UK regulatory environment (e.g. HM Revenue & Customs and charity SORP).
• Independent judgement and willingness to challenge constructively.
• Ability to understand and work towards the specific and unique nature of the GFCF in terms of its organizational goals and strategies.

Desirable

• Experience working with or advising charities or not-for-profits.
• Experience serving on boards or committees.

Time commitment

Two Board Finance Committee meetings annually, and occasional ad hoc advice or participation in other meetings.

Term of appointment

Typically, two – three years, renewable by agreement.

Reporting and accountability

• Reports to the Chair of the Board Finance Committee.
• Works closely with the GFCF Executive Director and wider board.

Conflicts of interest

Must declare any conflicts and act in the best interests of the charity at all times.

Legal status

This is a non-trustee role, but carries similar expectations of integrity, confidentiality and fiduciary awareness.

How to apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to GFCF Executive Director Jenny Hodgson (jenny@globalfundcf.org) by 31 July 2026.