Chair

Job Description
SolarAid is an international development charity working alongside communities in the most rural and hard to reach areas of sub-Saharan Africa to tackle poverty and the climate crisis through access to clean, safe solar lights.
About the SolarAid:
SolarAid was founded in 2006 to combat poverty and climate change. The pioneering ‘trade not aid’ approach uses sustainable enterprise to catalyse markets for safe, clean energy access. To date, they have distributed over 2.3 million solar lights across rural sub-Saharan Africa reaching places too challenging for the mainstream market. They know that every time someone switches on a solar powered light, it’s an instant win for people and the planet. SolarAid aims to do charity differently, through enabling locally led development. It has a social enterprise model, supporting people to create thriving solar businesses that tackle poverty and climate change.
At SolarAid, people are at the heart of everything they do. The belief that clean and sustainable energy can bring about significant change in all aspects of life, from education to healthcare and entrepreneurship to community life is prevalent throughout the organisation. Every solar light distributed helps create a brighter, more sustainable future where parents can earn, children can learn, and the planet can breathe a bit easier.
About the Chair Role:
The incoming Chair will be an accomplished and influential senior leader, capable of motivating, developing, and getting the best out of our dedicated non-executive team. They will play a pivotal role by fostering a positive and collaborative relationship with the CEO, supporting them in setting ambitious goals and navigating strategic transitions effectively. SolarAid seek an individual with prior experience of chair roles, preferably with a background in international development focusing on poverty alleviation, although direct experience in the energy sector is not mandatory. An understanding of African operational contexts, along with expertise in program leadership and delivery, would be advantageous.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Provide effective strategic leadership to the Board and organisation.
Ensure full engagement of all Trustees, prioritising decisions in SolarAid's best long-term interests
Establish and build a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with the CEO, ensuring they are supported in achieving strategic objectives during this period of change for SolarAid.
Facilitate inclusive, effective and efficient meetings of the Board of Trustees.
Work with the CEO to represent the views of SolarAid to key stakeholders and the general public, and otherwise act as ambassador as required.
Time commitment
Around 24-30 days per annum. The board meets four times each year. The Chair is required to work informally with individual board members, and with the CEO, as required. There will be some ad hoc work relevant to SolarAid business, within or outside the charity from time to time.
SolarAid are looking for a Chair who can offer the personal flexibility and availability to commit to the role during a time of change and development.
How to Apply:
To apply, please send your CV and request the candidate pack to #####
Timeline:
Closing date for applications: Monday 17th June
First round interview: w/c 1st July
Final round interview: w/c 8th July
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.
Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities with which we work.