Standing Voice is a leading international organisation defending the rights of people with albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa. They accomplish this through innovating beneficiary-centred action that increases agency, welfare and access to rights. They have registered offices in the UK (London), Tanzania (Mwanza) and Malawi (Lilongwe).

Albinism is a recessive genetic condition that impairs the body’s production of melanin, reducing or eliminating pigmentation in the skin, eyes and hair. This melanin deficiency causes people with albinism to be visually impaired and, in hot climates, uniquely vulnerable to UV radiation and skin cancer. Markedly paler than their dark-skinned peers and families, people with albinism are a highly visible minority in African countries, where their condition remains poorly understood and highly stigmatised due to erroneous beliefs and myths. Many people with albinism are shut out of civil participation and unable to access the most basic opportunities and services, including healthcare, education, justice, housing and employment.

Individuals have also been targeted physically — since 2006, over 230 people with albinism have been killed, and over 800 attacked, across 30 African countries, which are just the reported figures. Working across Tanzania and Malawi, where the violence and discrimination have been most extreme, Standing Voice delivers programmes in health, education, welfare, advocacy and economic empowerment. They have established clinical networks to treat visual impairment and prevent skin cancer; relocated children with albinism from segregated camps to inclusive schools and universities; and supported hundreds of adults to recover from trauma and rebuild their lives through therapy, apprenticeships and training.

Above all, Standing Voice has worked to amplify the voices of people with albinism from grassroots community contexts all the way to the halls of the United Nations.

Standing Voice seeks to appoint one Trustee with a strong alignment to the charity’s vision and mission who, in addition to formal Board meetings, will be willing to undertake informal engagement with the charity and its executive team. Trustees will be asked to actively contribute to board meetings, offer support and contacts in their respective fields of expertise, and remain abreast of the issue of albinism.

Responsibilities of the Trustee may include:

• Utilising expertise to contribute to strategic discussions on income generation
• Advising the staff team Directors on financial matters as required
• Guiding the review of financial management procedures at Standing Voice
• Assisting with finance-related queries from the operations team
• Suggesting where further support can be accessed when appropriate using their knowledge and relationships in the field

All Trustees play a crucial role on the Board, helping to ensure that Standing Voice achieves its mission and delivers on its strategic objectives.

Standing Voice seeks to appoint one Trustee to its Board, and is looking for enthusiastic, engaged and collaborative individuals to make a distinctive contribution to the continued success of the charity. 

Notably, applicants will be financially literate and able to guide the charity as it embarks on its financial strategic priorities. The successful candidate will bring at least 10 years working as a leader in business and / or financial management roles, and any additional charity finance experience would be immensely valuable. Whilst those with a background in accountancy are welcome to apply, financial qualifications are not required for the role. Finally, individuals who are based in Africa or have experience working in the African context are of particular interest to the organisation.

The successful candidate will be able to work at a strategic level whilst understanding the detail and complexities of delivery, and also appreciating the difference between a non-executive and executive role. The Trustee for this appointment will act as an ambassador of Standing Voice, and the charity welcomes applications from individuals who have not previously held non-executive roles before.

Sabine Zetteler, Chair

Gurmeet Kaur, Treasurer

Innocentia Nobuhle Mgijima-Konopi

Harry Freeland

This role is unremunerated. The time commitment for this role is eight days per year, consisting of four annual Board meetings and ad hoc engagement where required. The term length for these appointments is a renewable three-year term.

Board meetings are held virtually, however there is a preference for those based near the London headquarters or on the African continent.

Standing Voice welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.