BirdLife Australia (BirdLife) is seeking expressions of interest from suitable applicants who would be excited to contribute to the organisation as a co-opted member of our Finance & Audit and Australian Bird Fund Committees.

We are looking for a candidate with a passion for the work we do and who has time and motivation to make a real difference to the future of the organisation.

The Finance & Audit (F&A) Committee and the Australian Bird Fund (ABF) Committee are separate volunteer committees but have identical membership and meet on the same day. Current members are Board directors and come from backgrounds in finance/business advisory, investment management, law and technology. To further round out the skills on the committees, the following desirable knowledge /skill sets are a priority:

• Charity sector experience
• Fundraising / DGR compliance
• Previous board/advisory committee experience
• CA/CPA qualified

Whilst BirdLife is a Melbourne-based organisation, we welcome applications from candidates outside of Melbourne and interstate.

About BirdLife Australia

As Australia’s only national bird conservation charity, we are on a mission to put birds and nature on the path to recovery within a decade, leading and facilitating action that halts biodiversity loss and restores ecosystems. We can only achieve this with the help and support afforded to us by our diverse stakeholders including supporters, campaigners, donors, members and like-minded conservation organisations.

BirdLife is a diverse organisation with more than 200,000 supporters, donors, volunteers, campaigners and members, over 90 staff across Australia, and a network of more than 40 voluntary community groups.

What is the role of the F&A & ABF Committees?

The F&A Committee is an advisory committee which assists the Board to discharge its responsibility and to exercise due care, diligence and skill in relation to financial reporting and management, budgeting, accounting policies, internal control systems, audits, investment policies and fund performance.

The ABF Committee ensures the Australian Bird Fund, which receives all donations made for BirdLife, is conducted in accordance with Part 23 of the BirdLife Australia Constitution, and that donations are properly accounted for, and that expenditure of donations is appropriately authorised.

What is the nature of the commitment?

This is a voluntary commitment. The F&A and ABF Committees meet 3 times a year (February, August and November), but additional meetings may be convened at the discretion of the Chair. Each meeting is scheduled for a maximum of 3 hours.

In addition to attending meetings, committee members will spend on average an additional 6 hours per annum reviewing papers.

Process and timeline

To express your interest, please send an introductory letter and resume to Gary Nelson, Chair Finance & Audit Committee.

If you have any questions or for a confidential discussion please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Gary Nelson on 0425 796 895 or Paul Sullivan on 0477 007 522.

For more information about BirdLife Australia visit https://birdlife.org.au/.

At BirdLife we value diversity and inclusion and consider all candidates equally.