About the role

• Currently seeking one Board member, as well as interest for future vacancies when they arise.
• Join a high performing and committed Board.
• Support our fearless human rights work.
• Bring your passion, knowledge, values and governance and financial acumen.

About the Human Rights Law Centre

The Human Rights Law Centre (the Centre) exists to take fearless human rights action for a fairer future for all. We use strategic legal action, policy solutions and advocacy, in partnership with people and communities, to challenge Australian laws and policies which stand in the way of justice and equity for all.

Our vision is an Australia where people and communities live with dignity and have the power to challenge injustice, and human rights are at the core of institutions and laws.

Our current strategic priorities aim to progress the following goals:

• Australian laws and policies advance racial and socio-economic equality
• A healthy workplace and sustainable organisation
• A trusted partner, deeply connected to people and communities

We maximise our impact by working closely with key partners, including community organisations, pro bono law firms and barristers, academics and experts, and international and domestic human rights organisations. We are independent of government and business, with most of our funding coming from donations and philanthropic grants.

The Human Rights Law Centre is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive Board and workforce.

About the Board

The Human Rights Law Centre is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and is a registered charity with public benevolent (deductible gift recipient) status and offices in Melbourne and Sydney. It is governed by its Constitution, as well as relevant legislation.

The Board is the legal entity responsible for ensuring the organisation is operating lawfully, ethically and in accordance with the purposes set out in its Constitution. The Board’s key responsibilities include responsibility for setting the overall strategic directions and priorities, monitoring the Centre’s performance, and ensuring the organisation is financially viable and managing risks appropriately. It ensures the organisation operates within the law and is accountable to its funders and key stakeholders. The Board recruits, oversees and supports the CEO.

The Board is made up of a maximum of 10 directors, 2 of which are appointed by Liberty Victoria and Justice Connect respectively. The Board is led by a Chair, elected among its members. It is establishing a People and Governance Committee and a Finance and Risk Committee. The Board is seeking expressions of interest for at least one new director who could also serve on the Finance and Risk Committee.

The Board and its Committees meet in person (at least once per year) and remotely.

All Board members serve in a voluntary (unpaid) capacity. Travel expenses where required are reimbursed.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss the role with Board Chair by emailing [email protected] (marked Attention: Ben Kiely) using the subject line: Board Members (Voluntary) - Melbourne / Sydney enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Selection criteria

• Commitment to the vision and purpose of the Centre.
• Demonstrated governance experience at executive level or previous Board roles, in either a non- profit or corporate context.
• Demonstrated strong sense of prudent financial and risk management and familiarity with financial statements. Accounting or relevant financial qualifications are preferred.
• Ability to commit to approximately 5 hours per month, including preparation and participation in Board and Committee meetings.
• Demonstrated commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and social justice and a commitment to anti-racism, demonstrated through lived experience or prior employment.
• Experience or networks with philanthropy or fundraising is desirable.
• Lived experience of human rights issues relevant to the work of the Centre and/or experience working directly with communities and clients experiencing human rights violations is desirable.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND HOW TO APPLY

For further information including how to submit your expression of interest, see the Position Description attached below.

For further information about the Human Rights Law Centre, see www.hrlc.org.au.