Sightsavers’ vision is of a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes and where people with disabilities participate equally in society.

With income over £236m in 2021 (including a substantial amount of gifts-in-kind – mainly donated drugs, as well as more the half of it cash income from the general public across Europe and India), the charity is an international organisation operating in more than 30 low- and middle-income countries around the world to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote equality of opportunity for people with disabilities. It works with local, regional, national and international organisations, ministries, governments and non-governmental organisations to tackle problems at the root of avoidable blindness, such as access to clean water and education. Sightsavers works alongside local communities make changes for the long term, to support people who need it most.

The broad context is:

• 2.2 billion people are affected by from some degree of visual impairment, 50% of whose conditions are either curable or preventable
• Without action, by 2050, there will be more than 115 million people who are blind
• 65 million people are blind or visually impaired by cataracts
• 800 million are affected by refractive error issues that could be cured by wearing glasses
• 15% of the world’s population has some form of disability
• Rates of disability are increasing due to population ageing and increases in chronic health conditions, among other causes. Without action the number of people with visual impairment will triple by 2030

In recent years, Sightsavers has developed projects in the vanguard of innovation and effectiveness in eye health, neglected tropical disease control and elimination and disability - it has become recognised as one of the most respected and effective health and development charities. Sightsavers is now attracting a diversity of high profile and sophisticated funding partners including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Virgin, ELMA, FCDO, USAID, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Givewell and Standard Chartered Bank.

With a vision directly aligned to its funding partners’ current strategic commitments to disability inclusion, Sightsavers is perfectly positioned to be a partner and leader in implementing programmes that support the theme underlying the Sustainable Development Goals of leaving no one behind.

The Annual Report for 2021 provides a full picture of Sightsavers' activities and how Sightsavers is performing in support of its beneficiaries.

Sightsavers is the working name of the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind. Originally founded in 1950 it is now a company incorporated by Royal Charter and a charity. It has a governing Global Board of Trustees, currently comprising 15 members.

The Investment Committee is a Standing Committee of the Board, and is authorised to consider and decide on issues relating to the management of investments, pensions and treasury activities. Sightsaver's investment activities are supported by UBS Wealth Management, with £7.2 million of assets held at 31 December 2021. The Committee also provides oversight on the management of a UK-defined benefit scheme.

Sightsavers is a signatory of the International Non-Governmental Organisations Accountability Charter, which outlines its commitment to a high standard of transparency, accountability and effectiveness.

Sightsavers is looking for someone with extensive financial and investment acumen to join its Investment Committee.There is a potential opportunity, at the discretion of the Board, for the successful candidate to join the Global Board as a Trustee over the course of their term.

Applicants will need to be at ease analysing accounts and investments, experience of which could have been gained as an investment banker or investment manager, or in a financial leadership role. A financial qualification and some prior exposure to charity finances may be seen as a differentiator between candidates, but is not essential.

Above all, the successful candidate will bring strategic vision, strong interpersonal and relationship building abilities and the ability to listen and engage effectively. They will also have an interest in international development and global health, as well as wanting to contribute to a globally respected charity growing in income, impact and influence.

Sir Clive Jones, Chair
Chris Kinder, Vice-chair
Bill Kendall, Honorary Treasurer
Abia Akram
Joan Burton
Maryanne Diamond
Margaret Gyapong
Barry Hoffman
Joy Hutcheon
Elaine Lee
Dr Henry Nkumbe
Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
Dr Manoj Parulekar
Tuwani Rasengane
Louis Taylor
Professor Sir Chris Whitty

Investment Committee

Bill Kendall, Chair
Chris Kinder
Sir Clive Jones

You can find out more about the Global Board here.

This role is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be paid. The Investment Committee meets twice per year, and the appointment is for a four-year term, extendable by mutual agreement for one further final term of four years.

This organisation is based in London and meetings will take place in person or virtually. Candidates can be based anywhere in the world; reasonable international travel expenses will be covered for any necessary in-person commitments.