We are seeking two new Trustees to join the governing Board of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand. These appointments will strengthen the Board’s capability in two priority areas: financial oversight and fundraising/income generation.
About the Role
Trustees share collective responsibility for the governance, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand. They contribute their expertise, perspectives, and networks to help the organisation achieve its mission and uphold its values.
Role of a Trustee
Use their skills and knowledge to contribute to the delivery of the Board’s objectives.
Bring a diverse perspective to Board discussions.
Connect the organisation to external perspectives and networks.
Ensure that the Board operates effectively in compliance with its governance structures and rules.
Support the work of the Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer where appropriate.
Responsibilities of a Trustee
Attend and actively contribute to Board meetings.
Complete necessary pre-reading and preparation for Board meetings.
Actively contribute to the drafting or amendment of Board documentation.
Participate in the global Amnesty movement through providing feedback on circulated papers, taking part in online discussions, and attending international meetings as required.
Publicly represent Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand when requested.
Actively contribute to, and where appropriate lead, the work of Board subcommittees.
Human rights specification
Lived experience relevant to the human rights issues Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand works on is welcomed. We particularly encourage applications from people with knowledge of Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Strong alignment with Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand’s vision, mission, and values is essential. This includes Amnesty International’s global commitment to being an anti-racist organisation and to elevating feminist leadership principles.
Person specific requirements - Treasurer
This Trustee will provide strong financial governance capability and Chair the Audit and Risk Committee.
Additional Responsibilities
Monitor the organisation’s general financial situation to ensure it is able to meet its obligations and objectives.
Support the Board in understanding financial risks and opportunities.
Ensure accurate financial records are kept to meet legal and accountability responsibilities, and that these are reviewed or audited annually by a suitable qualified person.
Present an audited annual financial statement at the Annual General Meeting.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Applicants should demonstrate significant experience in one or more of the following:
Financial management, accounting, auditing, or finance leadership roles.
Audit and risk governance.
Interpretation of financial statements and performance reporting.
Risk management frameworks and internal controls.
Professional accounting or finance qualifications are desirable but not essential.
Person specific requirements - Fundraising and Income Generation Focus
This Trustee will strengthen the Board’s capability in fundraising, donor engagement, and sustainable income generation, ideally within the NGO or charitable sector.
Additional Responsibilities
Provide strategic advice on fundraising and revenue diversification.
Contribute knowledge of donor engagement, philanthropy, grants, partnerships, or other income-generation approaches.
Support the Board in considering long-term financial sustainability.
Where appropriate, assist in building relationships and networks that may support Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand’s mission.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Applicants should demonstrate experience in one or more of the following:
Fundraising strategy and implementation.
Major donor, philanthropic, or corporate partnership development.
Grant funding or sponsorship.
Revenue generation within NGOs, charities, social enterprises, or mission-driven organisations.
Time Commitment
The role involves attending approximately six Board meetings per year, a mix of online and in-person meetings.
Trustees are also expected to attend a two-day strategic meeting and the Annual Meeting.
Participation in online discussions, email correspondence between meetings, and Board subcommittees is expected.
For the Finance and Audit & Risk appointment, Chairing and attendance at Audit and Risk Committee meetings will be required.
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
All Board members have a responsibility to actively participate in promoting a positive health, safety, and wellbeing culture at Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand.
Trustees are expected to:
Take an active interest in health, safety, and wellbeing matters.
Ask questions and challenge practices to help ensure people remain safe and well in their activities.
Take reasonable care for their own health, safety, and wellbeing and ensure that their acts or omissions do not adversely affect others.
Co-operate with reasonable policies and procedures relating to health, safety, and wellbeing.
Special Nature of the Organisation and Role
Travel within Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally may be required on occasion.
Note: these are voluntary positions, with expenses reimbursed.
Please send your CV and statement via email to amanda.dorreen@amnesty.org.nz