ADVERT INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POST OF

CHAIR – BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ACSONI (African and Caribbean Support Organisation of

Northern Ireland)

ACSONI is an autonomous community-based organisation formed in 2003 with a proactive

approach towards targeting needs and facilitating belonging among individuals in Northern

Ireland from the migrant community, specifically anyone with roots in the continent of Africa

and the Caribbean.

ACSONI is seeking to recruit a volunteer to fill the role of Chair of Board of Trustees with

immediate effect. We welcome application from anyone who believes that they have the

skills, competencies and experience to lead this charity through the fulfilment of its Vision

and Mission. Members of the Board of Trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and applicants

are being invited apply based on the understanding that it is a non-salaried post.

Duration of Role

The appointment will be for 3 years (pursuant to the ACSONI Constitution).

The Purpose of ACSONI

ACSONI delivers programmes and services that improve the well-being of people from African

and Caribbean traditions in Northern Ireland. ACSONI is committed to serving the AC

Community with respect and dignity. Our focus is to help individuals to overcome the social

challenges, including social exclusion and build a greater sense of inclusion and integration

into Northern Ireland.

ACSONI advocates on behalf of individuals to alleviate the everyday pressures experienced by

those in the AC Community who are socially and economically disadvantaged. ACSONI also

assists in the preservation and promotion of African & Caribbean peoples’ identity and

cultural heritage, conveyed through arts, educational and cultural programmes, as well as the

intercultural exchanges, which aid in the wider integration and inclusion process and our on-

going fight against racism in Northern Ireland.

We work collaboratively with other agencies and community groups to support the rights,

interdependence and choices of our members and service users.

ACSONI’s Story:

We are an extraordinary organisation with a diverse group of passionate workers and

volunteers who are approachable and friendly. We are dedicated to improving the lives of our

members. We are caring, supportive, engaging, open-minded and embracing of differences

within the African and Caribbean community and beyond.

ACSONI’S Mission:

To promote unity and collaboration to support, advocate and empower our communities in

Northern Ireland

ACSONI’S Vision:

To develop an equitable African and Caribbean inclusive cultureValues

The following values inform and underpin the work of ACSONI:

• Inclusive

• Collaborative

• Supportive

• Authentic

JOB DESCRIPTION AND ROLE SPECIFICATION

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will have responsibility in the following areas:

1. Governance

a. Chairing the bi-monthly meeting of Trustees & Annual General Meeting

b. Ensuring that organisation status, as charity is kept current with Charities

Commission and HMRC.

2. Management

a. Line management of Business Manager/senior staff at office

b. Facilitating and leading weekly staff check-in & monitoring staff roles

c. Monitoring financial activities and payroll

3. Leading

a. Building relationship with staff and encouraging trustee engagement

b. Supporting volunteer recruitment and deployment

c. Articulating and modelling the way of the organisation values, drive and

direction

4. Representation

a. Representing ACSONI at official events

b. Networking with leaders and representatives from state, NGO’s and

community organisations

c. Representing organisation on state and community bodies

5. Planning

a. Guiding development of strategic plan and positioning of organisation in the

community

b. Guiding financial sustainability and Identifying funding opportunities

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Essential Criteria

• An understanding of responsibilities of trusteeship

• Excellent leadership and management skills

• Active Listening skills

• A good understanding of the issues facing the African and Caribbean communities and

an awareness of minority rights issues and an understanding of equality.

• The ability to develop positive working relationships, particularly when working

virtually• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written and possess the confidence

to advocate on behalf of the community ACSONI serves, communicate at all levels and

across communities, government and other public bodies, private enterprises and

non-profit organisations

PESONAL QUALITIES

• Ability to motivate and energise others

• Emotional intelligence

• Committed to social justice and human rights

• Commitment to learning and growing.

How to Apply

To apply, send your CV and covering letter with a short paragraph on why you believe you are suited

to this role, addressed to The Secretary, ACSONI, 9 Lower Crescent, BT7 1NR. Applications may be

sent via email to admin@acsoni.org.

Deadline: 9th February 2024