External member of the IDS Resources, Audit and Risk Committee (30-2024)

Hours per week: Part Time

Contract Type: Fixed Term (48 months)

Grade: Band 3

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 01 December 2024

Interview Date: 23/01/2025

Who We Are

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a global leading institution for research, teaching and learning, and impact and communications, based at the University of Sussex.  We are ranked first in the world for development studies by the QS University Rankings, together with the University of Sussex. We are also ranked best international development policy think tank.

Our Vision

Our vision is of equal and sustainable societies, locally and globally, where people everywhere can live their lives free from poverty and injustice. We contribute to this by transforming the knowledge, action and leadership needed through our world-class research, learning and teaching.

Our Values

We aim to ensure that our core values based on respect, resourcefulness, excellence and inclusivity are reflected in the environment we work in. 

Our Commitments 

•           Upholding climate and environmental justice 

•           Reducing extreme inequities 

•           Fostering healthy and fulfilling lives 

•           Nurturing inclusive, democratic and accountable societies 

Our Priorities

•           Collaborate across sciences, sectors and communities to do research that brings about progressive change

•           Build future leadership for development

•           Champion the use of evidence for social and environmental justice

•           Work with partners to expand international research and mutual learning networks for development

•           Create a sustainable, resilient and equitable institution.

For more information go to: www.ids.ac.uk

Job Description

Main Duties of the Committee
To maintain an overview of the financial health and performance of the organisation.
To provide assurance to the trustees that mechanisms and systems are in place for the effective management of all resources (human, physical, financial, IT) and that the Institute has an adequate risk management framework and internal control environment.
To advise on progress towards the strategic goals.

Membership of the Committee
A Chair who is a Trustee but who is not also the Chair of the Board or the Chair of the Programme Advisory and Review Committee. The Chair of the Committee must be UK –based.
At least two other Trustees at least one of whom will also be a member of the PARC
Between one and three members external to the Institute, appointed by the Board on the recommendation of the Nominations Committee, to include two members with strategic expertise in financial matters, human resources or other operational areas; to serve terms of between two and four years, renewable for up to eight years in total.

Primary Purpose of the Role
To provide independent advice and engage in the work of the Resources, Audit and Risk Committee.

Skills and knowledge
They will need:
•recent and relevant experience in a senior, finance, legal or operational professional role
•familiarity with either the UK charity or higher education landscape, including issues of financial, legal and regulatory compliance
•a thorough understanding of risk management
•experience of working in a non-executive or trustee capacity or in working closely with those who do
•a strong personal commitment to the work of the Institute and its values
•excellent communication skills
•impartiality and good independent judgement
•diplomacy, integrity, sensitivity
•a commitment to diversity and equality
•sensitivity to confidentiality

Person Specification

Skills and experience

Selection Criteria Description	Essential [E] or Desirable [D]	Assessed by *
Other
For this role we invite applications from individuals who are well-recognised experts in Finance, legal or profession role(s) with significant experience who can demonstrate the following knowledge, experience and skills: • recent and relevant experience in a senior, finance, legal or operational professional role • familiarity with either the UK charity or higher education landscape, including issues of financial, legal and regulatory compliance • a thorough understanding of risk management • experience of working in a non-executive or trustee capacity or in working closely with those who do • a strong personal commitment to the work of the Institute and its values • excellent communication skills • impartiality and good independent judgement • diplomacy, integrity, sensitivity • a commitment to diversity and equality • sensitivity to confidentiality Please provide a statement below outlining how you meet the skills, knowledge and experience required for the role. Please provide examples within your response.	E	A/I
Please tell us about your understanding of this role.	E	I

*A - Application I - Interview

Information to Candidates

Benefits At IDS we offer a number of additional benefits to staff. These include:

• a competitive salary, including cost of living awards and incremental increases on an annual basis as per policy and the option to join our pension scheme. 
• interest free travel loans, following successful completion of a probationary period
• support in attainment of a relevant professional qualification in line with the Professional Development Policy
• childcare fund
• competitive maternity and paternity policies that offer compensation above the statutory minimum
• 24 days annual leave per year (pro-rata for part-time), plus public holidays and up to 6 non-negotiable closure days
• enhanced sickness pay entitlements
• support with relocation costs for staff joining us from outside the EU
• eligibility to use the University of Sussex gym and sporting facilities at staff rates

Location
The successful candidate will be based at the Institute of Development Studies on the University of Sussex campus. The University of Sussex is located 10 minutes away from the lively and cosmopolitan seaside city of Brighton on the UK South Coast, 60 minutes away from central London, 30 minutes away from London Gatwick Airport and is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Sussex South Downs. Situated between the sea and the South Downs, Brighton is one of the most vibrant and unique cities on the South Coast, for more information please go to http://www.visitbrighton.com/

How to apply

Please apply using the online application form.