Honorary Treasurer

About Afghanaid

Afghanaid is a British humanitarian and development organisation, established in 1983 to serve the needs of Afghans fleeing war in Afghanistan following the Soviet invasion. Now in its 40th year, Afghanaid has become one of the longest serving and most widely respected non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Afghanistan, and we have worked with millions of deprived, excluded and vulnerable families in some of Afghanistan’s most remote and underserved communities.

Working towards a peaceful and thriving Afghanistan, Afghanaid’s work has evolved to address four main pillars: providing basic services for all; supporting communities to adapt to the ravages of climate change and reduce their exposure to disasters; promoting sustainable livelihoods and food security; and delivering assistance in humanitarian crises. Three guiding principles are mainstreamed in all our programmes to ensure their successful contribution to sustainable development: gender and inclusion, good governance, and conflict mitigation and peacebuilding. In addition, our community-led approach gives ordinary Afghans a voice in their own development, ensuring they are active participants in shaping the future of their country.

With our years of experience, our majority Afghan team, and our deep understanding of local, cultural and ethnic issues, we have earned great trust and respect among the communities we serve. Developing our thematic expertise and the capacity of our staff in correspondence with the evolving needs of the country, international best practice, and opportunities for innovation, Afghanaid’s work has never been more important, as Afghanistan continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis. Through a wide range of development and humanitarian programming, we supported over 1.5 million Afghans in 2023. In 2022, Afghanaid’s year-end income was £18 million, having employed 775 people across the year, 97% of whom were Afghan nationals.

Afghanaid’s head office is located in Kabul, and through a network of field offices and partners we currently implement programmes in 10 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, implementing directly in four of the most remote and food insecure provinces: Badakhshan, Samangan, Ghor and Daykundi. We also have a small and dynamic fundraising and communications team based in London.

The Role

The Treasurer is responsible for overall oversight of the financial affairs of the organisation and would be expected to Chair the Board Finance Committee.  This will require working closely with the Director of Operations and the Managing Director, both of whom are based in Afghanistan.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that an appropriate framework of financial controls and policies is in place and adhered to
• Ensure that appropriate financial systems are in place
• Review and advise the Board on the annual budget and operating plan
• Review the Monthly Management Accounts, including cashflows
• Review and advise the Board on the Quarterly Management Accounts and cashflows
• Advise the Board on treasury management
• Advise the Board on the remuneration and appointment/re-appointment of external auditors
• Advise the Board on the annual statutory Financial Report and Accounts.

Meetings and Level of Involvement

As a minimum the Treasurer would be expected to attend:

• Four meetings a year of the full Board of Trustees
• Four meetings a year of the Finance Committee.

The Treasurer would also be expected to have one-on-one meetings with the Director of Operations at least monthly and more frequently if required on specific issues.

The Afghanaid management team is based in Kabul and all meetings involving trustees are held virtually.  It is not a requirement that the Treasurer visit Afghanistan although a small group of trustees typically conduct one in depth visit annually.

• Senior leadership role in a major accounting firm or consulting organisation, or senior level experience leading a finance function within a corporate, non-profit, or public entity.
• Chartered accountant or chartered management accountant.
• An understanding and appreciation of good governance, financial controls, compliance and risk management
• Good communication skills and a collaborative style.
• Demonstrable commitment to the mission and vision of Afghanaid.