Humanitarian Trustee

Job title: Trustee 

Job purpose: To assure success in achieving the objects of the charity through strategic insight, good governance, risk management and application of specific expertise.

Commitment: Trustee terms are for three years, with the potential to be re-elected for a further three years.

Remuneration: The position of Trustee on MapAction’s Board is voluntary.

About MapAction: 

MapAction provides mapping, geospatial and information management services in the context of humanitarian emergencies. We call on the expertise of highly skilled volunteers backed up by a specialised core staff to provide operational support, training and capability development services worldwide. MapAction’s purpose is to save lives and minimise suffering by ensuring that humanitarian aid is delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible, getting to where it is needed most, fast. Moreover, we support local organisations on the front line to do the same.

MapAction has a strong reputation for excellent service delivery and a collaborative approach. It is a technical partner of several United Nations and regional disaster management agencies, and is funded by donor programmes, corporates, trusts & foundations. With a team of creative, compassionate and committed people and a strong team spirit, we remain small enough that you will quickly come to know the volunteers and staff and enjoy MapAction’s truly unique and professional culture.

What you will do:

MapAction’s trustees are, like the Charity’s volunteer members and core staff, dedicated to the delivery of humanitarian benefit. Trustees typically support the effectiveness and risk management of the Charity through Quarterly board meetings, Annual General Meeting, commitment to board sub-groups and occasional attendance at weekend training events. 

Statutory responsibilities:

• Ensuring that the Charity pursues the objects defined in its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Engagement in, and oversight of, development of goals and strategies pursuant to the objects. 
• Identification and management of risk, including risks and opportunities in ensuring the financial stability of the Charity.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the Charity. Ensuring that the Charity complies with charity law, company law and other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures are in place.
• Protecting and managing the assets of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• If required, following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support and remuneration of the Chief Executive.

Specific responsibilities:
At least two of MapAction’s trustees are selected for their humanitarian sector experience, serving alongside trustees from other sectors and at least three operational volunteer trustees. 

Humanitarian trustees will:

• Advise and support the Board, Chief Executive, staff and volunteers on humanitarian policy and programming.
• Ensure that locally-driven thinking and connections help drive MapAction’s practical programming.
• Deepen MapAction’s network of partnerships with CSOs, NGOs and INGOs.

Competencies:

• General: (these competencies may have been developed in the charity sector or development sector)
  • Ability to think strategically in an international context.
  • Experience in risk management.
  • Independence of thought and ability to propose and defend an argument.
  • An interest in governance, including an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Specific:
  A trustee is sought who can bring an authoritative view in the following areas:
  • Knowledge and network in regional and country-level humanitarian programming.
  • Ability to represent the viewpoint of organisations in disaster-affected countries.
  • Knowledge and network in humanitarian funding, both institutional and philanthropic. 
  • Strategy development. 
  • An understanding of technical innovation processes is desirable but not essential.

Additional information: This is a small, highly specialised operational charity and an appreciation of the humanitarian purpose of the charity and its partners is essential, as well as a willingness to take up additional tasks outside of the normal role when needed.

Equal Opportunities Policy: MapAction is an Equal Opportunities organisation. All members have a personal responsibility to promote and support measures designed to create a working environment which is free from harassment or discrimination on the grounds of gender, marital status, family status, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, membership of the Travellers community or HIV & AIDS status. 

How to apply: Please send your CV and a covering email to [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 28th September 2026. 

Selection process: Selection from shortlisted candidates will be by online interview with a panel drawn from the Chair of Trustees, a humanitarian trustee, the Chief Executive and an operational volunteer member of the charity.

For further discussion regarding the content of this role, please contact Jess Walsh at  [email protected].