Non Executive Director

Ethex Investment Club Ltd; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking Non-Executive Directors to join its board and contribute to strategic growth. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the direction of impact investing while ensuring governance and risk management are upheld. Candidates should have a strong background in ethical finance, governance, and stakeholder engagement. The position is pro bono, requiring a commitment of time for meetings and strategic discussions, with a focus on creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior role with a track record in ethical finance or governance.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and promote inclusivity.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent oversight and strategic direction to the board.
• Engage with stakeholders and represent the organization positively.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Risk Management

Governance Oversight

Financial Acumen

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Ethical Investment

Education

Experience in Senior Role

Understanding of Ethical Finance

Job description

Join to apply for the Non Executive Director role at Ethex.

Ethex and Energise Africa are two leading direct impact investing platforms for individual investors that want to invest in extraordinary organisations. Our award-winning crowd-funding platforms enable individuals to invest directly in businesses that support causes they believe in – whether it’s fighting climate change, reducing poverty or building resilient communities.

Since 2013 Ethex and Energise Africa have raised over £160 million of investment for over 100 impactful organisations from 20,000 impact investors. We are leading innovators in the field and this role provides the right candidate with an excellent opportunity to be part of a group at the cutting edge of impact investing.

Ethex is a 50% shareholder in Energise Africa and, although the two platforms offer different investment opportunities to individuals, there is very considerable overlap in their target market, proposition and opportunity. The two businesses share Marketing, Finance and Operations resources.

Ethex is fortunate to have had a long-standing and supportive board for the past seven years. We are now looking to add up to three more Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to Ethex’s current team of five to help support our plans for growth for the next 3-5 years.

Ethex is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants. Growing, maintaining and promoting a diverse team is a top priority for us, and we believe that we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company. Our aim is to create an environment in which people from all walks of life see themselves. Applications are welcome from all, regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socioeconomic background. We positively encourage applications from people from marginalised backgrounds.

We are committed to the Disability Confident standard and will guarantee an interview to any candidates who declare a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the role. We will consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process.

The NEDs will provide a creative contribution to the Ethex Board by providing independent oversight and constructive challenge to the senior management team. In addition, the NEDs will bring critical and fresh thinking to proceedings as they assist with business strategy and make sure that risks are managed effectively. Through extensive experience, the Non-Executive Director will help to develop and grow the business and be expected to challenge executive directors in order to do so.

Each non-executive director recruited will be a member of the Ethex Board of Directors but not part of the executive team. They will report to the Chair of the Board. Energise Africa has its own board of directors but Ethex’s NEDs have oversight due to its ownership structure.

Note: NEDs are not usually involved in the day-to-day management of the organisation but are involved in policymaking and planning exercises.

Non-Executive Director Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Direction

• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development and implementation of Ethex's strategic plans and objectives.
• Performance Monitoring: Oversee the company's performance against strategic goals and financial targets.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks to the company's operations and financial stability.
• Governance Oversight: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and corporate governance best practices.

People and Culture

• Leadership and Succession Planning: Contribute to the identification, development, and succession planning of key leadership positions.
• Talent Management: Support the development and retention of a high-performing team.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Promote a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
• Financial Performance: Review and approve financial statements and budgets.
• Audit Oversight: Oversee the work of external auditors.
• Capital Allocation: Make informed decisions on capital allocation and investment priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Investor Relations: Engage with investors and other stakeholders to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Public Relations: Represent Ethex positively in public forums and media interactions.
• Professional Development
• Continuous Learning: Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies.
• Personal Development: Pursue ongoing professional development to enhance skills and knowledge.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independent Judgment: Provide objective and independent advice to the board.
• Constructive Challenge: Challenge the status quo and encourage innovative thinking.
• Ethical Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
• Effective Communication: Communicate effectively with the board, management, and other stakeholders.
• Time Commitment: Dedicate sufficient time and effort to fulfil the role's responsibilities.

By fulfilling these duties and responsibilities, NEDs play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of Ethex.

General

Individuals will be expected to engage in both remote meetings as well as face-to-face, therefore applicants should consider their geographical location and ability to travel to Ethex’s Oxford base, as well as our other main location for board meetings in London.

Expenses

All Ethex NED support is currently provided on a pro bono basis. Expenses for meeting attendance and any other costs incurred in supporting Ethex, as long as agreed with the Chair and/or Chief Executive Officer, can be claimed back at cost.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Applicants must have an understanding of the environment in which Ethex operates. Specifically, applicants must have recent experience in a senior role with a demonstrable track record within one of the key areas of requirement:

• Regulatory issues and governance
• Business development in ethical finance
• Marketing and the management and development of digital platforms

Experience of working at board level or in a senior leadership position in an organisation that operates within an environment of change.

Ability to interpret and critically appraise complex board papers.

A strong personal commitment to the overall public service values (Nolan Principles) of accountability, probity, openness and equality of opportunity.

Able to be independent in judgement and character and to challenge appropriately.

Understanding of the different components of an organisation and the processes of planning, financial control, performance management and assurance that deliver its objectives.

Excellent diplomatic, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide-ranging audience and network effectively with a variety of organisations and individuals.

Passionate about the role of ethical investment and achieving the best for the users of the Ethex platform.

Commitment to staff equality, diversity and inclusion ensuring this is at the centre of the work of the board and its considerations regarding the development of the business.

A strong personal commitment to Ethex values.

Sound knowledge of and commitment to high standards of corporate governance.

Strong business and financial acumen.

Flexibility regarding time commitment and the ability to travel (Oxford or London).

1) Experience or demonstrable understanding of issues faced by those working in the ethical finance sector.

2) Awareness and understanding of requirements of working in a regulated environment.

3) Some understanding of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Non-Executive Directors.

4) Evidence of continuing professional/personal development.

Appointment

A non-executive director is an appointee not an employee.

Time Commitment

There is likely to be a need for the equivalent of 1 day per quarter and up to 4 days if acting as chair or member of a sub-committee per month (as a minimum) plus some time for reading and meeting preparation.

Some flexibility is required dependent upon the needs of the business, and the individual should also be available should something urgent occur which requires the attention of a non-executive director. All members of the board are expected to attend board meetings and board development / strategic discussion sessions. These normally take place Monday to Friday.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

Job function

• Business Development and Sales