Are you are new our Board Treasurer?
Lyra in Africa was founded in Tanzania in 2012 and is a registered charity in both the UK (No. 1146496) and in Tanzania (I-NGO/798800), and continues to be guided by the three committed Boards of Directors in the UK, Tanzania, and Finland. At the very core of our efforts is the belief that women’s economic empowerment is a human rights issue and that their equal participation in the economic, social, and cultural lives of their communities is key to a more prosperous future for all. Our primary focus is to ensure this empowerment by supporting the advanced education of rural girls and in enabling them to take their places as future community leaders.
Vision and mission: Our vision is economically sustainable and vibrant communities in rural Tanzania. We believe in the power of education to help end poverty. We work to equip youth, focusing on girls to drive systemic change, and create a positive multiplier effect throughout their rural communities.
Leadership and Board: Lyra in Africa operates on a lean structure, with no global head office, to ensure that funds are focused on delivery in Tanzania. Two members of the Senior Management Team are based globally (working from home) with the rest of the team based in Iringa, Tanzania.
Three Boards govern the work of Lyra: UK, Tanzania and Finland. Each board has their own Board chair, and structure. The Treasurer is UK Board member, but will work closely with the Tanzania Board and Finland Board.
Meetings and travel: The Lyra Boards meet quarterly, with an AGM once a year. Board members are expected to attend each of these meetings, including the AGM. Across the three Boards, Lyra has Board Sub Committees (BSC), which are made up of Board members and Lyra staff. The BSC aim to meet quarterly. The Board Treasurer is the chair of the BSC on Finance, Audit and Risk. The majority of the Board meetings are held virtually. Lyra aims to hold at least one Board meeting face to face in London or the surrounding area once a year. All Lyra Board members are encouraged to visit the programs in Tanzania at least once during their tenure. As a small charity, Lyra encourages Board members to self fund these international trips.
Commitment to safeguarding: Lyra in Africa is fully committed to safeguarding as an integral part of the work we undertake. Lyra recognises that all children and young people have the right to freedom from abuse and to be in an environment where safety and security are paramount. We take very seriously our responsibility and duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, and anyone who represents us does not in any way harm, abuse or commit any other act of violence against children and young people or place them at risk of the same. All Board members are required to conduct relevant safeguarding training prior to taking up their role with Lyra.
Terms of Reference: Lyra UK Board Treasurer
Prepare and submit Lyra’s Annual Return and Accounts to the Charities Commission
Assist in the preparation and presentation of the annual budget to trustees
Review records of income and expenditure and transfers to Tanzania
Review monthly accounts for Lyra, including bank reconciliations and spot checks for receipts.
Ensure that funds received and grants made comply with donor guidelines and are being disbursed in accordance with agreed terms and budgets
Present an up to date financial report at Trustee meetings
Provide guidance to Lyra to ensure compliance with Charity Commission guidelines
Make recommendations where needed for strengthening effectiveness or accountability, for example, currency management, expenses policy
Contribute to improving the financial reporting system as needed.
Support funding applications, where financial information is required.
Chair the Board Sub Committee on Finance, Audit and Risk
Estimated workload: 5-8 hours per month
Qualities and knowledge for the Lyra in Africa UK Board Treasurer role
Knowledge of UK charity regulation
Minimum accounting experience: ability to prepare balance sheet and profit and loss accounts
UK recognized accounting qualification desirable
Ability to handle moderately complex spreadsheets
Interest and passion for supporting international development, specifically girls’ education and economic empowerment.
Opportunities to get further involved in Lyra’s direct programme work if desired, for example, supporting a new financial literacy initiative.
Deadline: 14th of January, 2022
Applications: Please send a one-page application letter together with your CV of no more than two pages to: info@lyrainafrica.org
Due the number of applications received please note that Lyra regretfully do not offer individual feedback to applicants. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.