General Trustee Opportunity at Refugee Biryani & Bananas: Join a Grassroots Charity Board|Deadline 30 Sept 2026
Refugee Biryani & Bananas is inviting applications for General Trustees to join its Board and contribute to the governance, strategic direction and future development of a growing grassroots charity. The opportunity is particularly suited to individuals who are passionate about supporting people affected by displacement, conflict, injustice and instability and who want to contribute their skills to a community-led organisation.
The General Trustee position offers an opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping the organisation’s strategy while supporting staff and volunteers. Applications are open until 30 September 2026.
About Refugee Biryani & Bananas
Refugee Biryani & Bananas is a female and community-led grassroots organisation working alongside people affected by displacement, war, conflict, injustice and instability. The organisation operates across Greece, Gaza and Cairo, combining direct humanitarian support with advocacy and awareness-raising.
A central part of its approach is ensuring that people with lived experience are involved in decision-making and in designing and delivering support. This community-led model aims to ensure that humanitarian assistance responds to the realities and priorities of affected communities.
As the organisation continues to grow, it is expanding its Board of Trustees to strengthen governance and support its ambitious plans for the future.
What Does the General Trustee Role Involve?
General Trustees are responsible for providing oversight of the charity rather than managing its daily operations. Trustees work collectively to provide strategic leadership, support effective decision-making and ensure that the organisation remains focused on its mission.
The successful trustees will report to the Chair of Trustees and will contribute to areas including organisational strategy, governance and board development.
Responsibilities include representing Refugee Biryani & Bananas and helping raise its profile, participating actively as a member of the Board, contributing to strategic direction and supporting key organisational decisions.
Trustees may also provide occasional operational support where their skills and availability make this appropriate.
The expected commitment is approximately six to eight hours per month. Board meetings take place approximately every 12 weeks through video calls, with opportunities for in-person gatherings during the year. Additional meetings may occasionally be required depending on organisational needs.
Who Can Apply?
The organisation is looking for individuals with innovative ideas, strong communication skills and an understanding of charity governance. Applicants should be comfortable working independently and remotely while also collaborating effectively with trustees, staff and volunteers.
Essential qualities include an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities associated with trusteeship. Candidates should also support the organisation’s values and mission and be familiar with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice, commonly known as SORP, or be willing to refer to it when necessary.
Good teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills are important. Trustees should also demonstrate impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidential information.
Experience working with refugees, asylum seekers or displaced communities would be advantageous. Previous experience in charity governance, committee work, fundraising or income generation would also strengthen an application.
Opportunity for Underrepresented Voices
Refugee Biryani & Bananas welcomes applications from people who are new to charity boards and from individuals who are currently underrepresented in governance positions.
The organisation particularly welcomes applications from people who consider themselves to have a disability, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from the global majority. Lived experience of migration or asylum is welcomed, although it is not presented as the only route to being a strong candidate.
This makes the opportunity relevant to professionals and community leaders who may have valuable experience but have not previously served as charity trustees.
Time Commitment and Appointment
The role is voluntary, meaning that trustees do not receive a salary. However, reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed in line with the organisation’s volunteer policy.
Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year period and may be eligible for reappointment. Successful candidates will undergo a DBS or police check, provide references and complete a three-month induction period before being officially appointed.
The induction process provides an opportunity for new trustees to understand the organisation’s governing document, policies, procedures and responsibilities.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a CV containing full contact details together with a brief covering letter explaining their motivation for becoming a trustee, the skills and expertise they would bring to the organisation and how they meet the requirements outlined in the role description.
Applications should be sent to Ruhi Akhtar at ruhi@refugeebiriyanibananas.org with the subject line “General Trustee Application.”
The application deadline is 30 September 2026.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Serving as a charity trustee can provide valuable experience in governance, strategic leadership, fundraising, organisational development and humanitarian work. For professionals interested in refugee rights, community development and social justice, this role also provides an opportunity to contribute directly to an organisation supporting communities affected by displacement and crisis.
Individuals considering applying should carefully review the requirements and assess whether they can commit the necessary time and responsibilities. Candidates should also ensure that their CV and covering letter clearly demonstrate their relevant experience, values and motivation.
For people looking to use their professional skills to support a grassroots humanitarian organisation while gaining board-level governance experience, the General Trustee opportunity at Refugee Biryani & Bananas could be a valuable opportunity to consider.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
