The Water Well Project seeks to fill some vacancies to the board of directors. Being involved with the Board is instrumental in setting the strategic direction of the organisation, overseeing its management team, engaging with new and potential stakeholders, developing major policies and reviewing and mitigating its risks. All directors are expected to contribute where their skills and expertise can be best directed.

The Water Well Project is seeking directors with a diverse range of experience. We particularly welcome applicants with sound professional skills along with demonstrated knowledge and experience in accounting/finance or the legal profession as well as marketing or stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate is someone who is motivated, proactive and passionate about improving the health and well being outcomes of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers and who demonstrates the organisation’s values.

REMUNERATION

This is an unpaid, volunteer position. Directors can be reimbursed for pre-approved costs incurred as a result of their direct work with The Water Well Project.

Our organisation

The Water Well Project is an Australian not-for-profit company and registered health promotion charity which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of migrants and communities from refugee or asylum seeker background by improving their health literacy. The Water Well Project works with organisations already working within the refugee support sector to deliver free health education sessions across three states - Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. Sessions are tailored to the needs and interests of community groups; and are designed to be both culturally sensitive and interactive. Health education sessions are delivered by volunteer healthcare professionals.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS (ROLE RELATED)

• Knowledge of a director’s responsibilities – includes an understanding of governance, legal, ethical, fiduciary and financial aspects of running a not for-profit charity and of what is required to ensure the organisation is duly compliant and governed effectively to comply with obligations under ACNC
• Strategic expertise – demonstrated ability to contribute ideas towards strategic decision making
• Accounting and finance – ability to comprehend the company’s accounts and has sound understanding of financial reporting requirements
• Legal – experience in overseeing legal compliance as well as an understanding of director’s legal duties and responsibilities
• Marketing, Communications and Stakeholders engagement - experience in this field is favourable
• Risk management – experience in identifying, mitigating and managing risk
• Previous experience on a board or senior management position is desirable
• Previous experience in the not-for-profit sector is desirable

COMPETENCIES (PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Integrity – fulfilling a director’s duties, acting ethically, appropriate independence. Being mindful of and report any potential conflicts of interest
• Collegiality – ability to effectively work in a team, both within and external to the Board, is an important aspect of this role
• Collaborative yet curious and courageous – has the curiosity to ask questions, and the courage to persist in robust discussion with management and fellow board members where required
• Emotional intelligence – as well as self-awareness and self-management, demonstrates empathy manifested through strong interpersonal skills
• Commercial and business experience – demonstrates good business instinct and acumen and is able to synthesise complex information
• Active contribution – being an active contributor with genuine interest in the company, its vision and mission

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promote the organisation’s vision and mission through strategic projects
• Manage the governance framework for the organisation (develop policies and procedures)
• Provide governance and oversight of the company’s operations which may be state-based or portfolio based
• Help secure the required competencies among members (recruitment, induction, development and training)
• Monitoring the organisation’s legal and financial affairs including complying with legal standards and financial accountabilities
• Meeting with current and potential stakeholders as required

TERM OF OFFICE

3 years to commence upon successful application, subject to satisfactory performance and ratification at the next Annual General meeting. Note: Ideally based in either Victoria, New South Wales or Tasmania, however, we will accept potential directors from other states with the right level of commitment, prerequisite skills and experience.

EXPECTATIONS

• Given the low full-time equivalent level of staff, directors are expected to assist with some management tasks
• 4 - 6 hours per week, with variations in workflow across weeks
• Attending approximately 8 board meetings per year (usually held on weeknights after hours)
• Other time commitment may include attendance and contribution to strategic planning sessions, stakeholders’ events, workshops, forums and key meetings for management, financial reporting and general governance issues
• Attendance at 75% of Board meetings is essential
• There may be exceptions to attendance where real or perceived conflicts of interest arise