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Independent Chair (Voluntary position)

Volunteering Australia
  • This role can be undertaken from anywhere within Australia

Are you a professional and dedicated individual with a passion for the volunteering movement? This newly created position will be key to supporting the redesigned Volunteer Management Activity across the country.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right person to put their stamp on a new national program and work closely with the State and Territory Peak volunteering organisations and Volunteering Australia.

Background

The Australian Government redesigned the previous Volunteer Management Activity (VMA), which had funded 52 organisations to delivery 72 Volunteer Support Services between 1 January 2018 and 30 June 2021. From 1 July 2021, the Australian Government will distribute up to $33.5 million (excluding GST) over five years plus additional partnerships funding of up to $6.601 million (excluding GST) over one year under the new Volunteer Management Activity to Volunteering Peak Bodies (VPBs).

The Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of each state and territory VPB agreed on a VMA Framework, Alliance Agreement and Terms of Reference to guide the establishment and implementation of the new VMA.

Role/Purpose

The VMA Council (VMAC) is the governing body of the new VMA. It is the accountable decision-making body setting the priorities and overseeing the expenditure of VMA funding for national projects, ensuring compliance with grant agreements and the intent of the new VMA.

The VMA Council Independent Chair uses their experience, skills, and leadership abilities to facilitate VMAC’s governance processes. The Chair does not have voting rights. The Chair’s primary function is to ensure that the Council accomplishes its role in accordance with the VMA framework(s), Alliance Agreement and Terms of Reference. The Chair is the major point of contact between the Council Members and the Convenor (currently being recruited as a paid position).

The Chair has responsibility for leading and managing the Convenor (to be appointed in a paid role). Administration of the Convenor’s employment requirements and conditions will be administered by the relevant VPB (according to location).

Duties and Responsibilities

The role of the Chair is to:

  • Ensure the Council operates as an inclusive, well-functioning team.
  • Establish the agenda for Council meetings in consultation with the Convenor, so that:
    • time is allocated effectively
    • the right matters are considered during the meeting
    • matters are considered carefully and thoroughly; and
    • the Council makes clear decisions and gives adequate guidance to the Convenor and relevant jurisdictional personnel.
  • Chair Council meetings.
  • Ensure meetings are aligned to relevant frameworks, the Alliance agreement, and the TOR.
  • Be clear on what the Council has to achieve, both in the long and short term.
  • Provide guidance to other Council members about what is expected of them as Council Members.
  • Ensure that Council meetings are effective in that:
    • the right matters are considered during the meeting (for example, strategic and important issues);
    • matters are considered carefully and thoroughly
    • all Council Members are given the opportunity to effectively contribute; and
    • the Council comes to clear decisions and resolutions are noted.
  • Ensure that the decisions of the Council are implemented properly.
  • Ensure that Council Members behave in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
  • Ensure the Council undergoes an appropriate annual evaluation.

Time Commitment and Term

The Chair is expected to convene one 2-hour meeting every second month, and then engage with the Convenor as required for both the Chair and Convenor to succeed.

The term of appointment is for two years, with the option to continue for up to another three years (dependent on success in the role).

Qualities

Alignment with the values and vision of the VPBs, and in particular display:

  • Integrity
  • Effective communication
  • Collaborative leadership

Required Competencies

  • Governance knowledge and experience working on Committees as a non-executive
  • In depth knowledge of director and officer duties and liabilities
  • Commercial astuteness.

Experience

  • Experience governing a member organisation;
  • Industry experience in one or more of: non-profit federal government
  • Governance and regulatory literacy
  • Previous experience as a Chair or Deputy Chair.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position. All expenses are reimbursed.

For further information please contact Jean Giese on 0439 022 398.

How to apply

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