Trustee Vacancy: Legal Expert

About ORP

Olive Ridley Project (ORP) is on a mission to protect sea turtles and their habitats through rescue and conservation medicine, scientific research, and education and outreach. At the core of our work is a passionate and dedicated team of scientists, conservationists, citizen scientists and volunteers. We pride ourselves on being able to collaborate with a wide range of diverse groups in order to reach our goal and fill data gaps in sea turtle conservation. The charity is at the forefront of sea turtle conservation, influencing local policy makers, fishing communities and collaborating with research institutes. We currently have bases in Kenya, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, and Seychelles.

About The Role

ORP is currently looking to recruit a UK based Legal Expert to join our Board of Trustees to provide leadership and advice in all legal matters, especially with regard to British Charitable law. The role of this new UK based Legal Expert would include aiding and guiding our international branches where appropriate. The position is voluntary and unpaid.

Specific duties will include:

• Advising on all the organisation’s legal policies and matters arising;
• All aspects regarding legal duties, including reviewing the current legal status of ORP and how it is currently being run;
• Reviewing contracts, agreements and MoUs with external agencies such as funders, collaborators, consultants and statutory bodies, ensuring that all documents meet the conditions of contractual agreements;
• Dealing with the Charity Commission when/where appropriate;
• Overseeing and presenting legal overview to the trustee board;
• Liaising with designated staff or outside contracted individuals about legal matters;
• Ensuring ORP is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit;
• Help update, and ensure ORP complies with, our governing document and UK/international laws in general;
• Manage and ensure ORP and its employees/consultants/trustees/volunteers use the charities resources responsibly;
• Ensure the charity is accountable, particularly when tasks or decisions are delegated to staff or volunteers;
• Work collectively as a group to ensure the best outcome for ORP; and
• Represent and act as an ambassador for the charity.

requirements

The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications, experience, and skills:

• Experience in law, with previous charitable and/or business experience at an appropriate level.
• Knowledge/understanding of UK charity law and fundraising regulations would be an advantage.
• An interest in marine life and ocean conservation

Why Become a Trustee For ORP?

People become trustees for all sorts of reasons, but the most common reason is that they want to give back and make a difference in the world. Some trustees are drawn to a cause they are passionate about, happy to use their skills and experience to benefit a charity they have an interest in. For others, it is all about the challenge and skills you develop.

Being a trustee means leading the charity. You will be joining our passionate team at a key time when we are taking our mission global. You will be using your skills and experience to help shape the direction of the charity through these exciting times, ensuring good governance and that we carry out our purposes and reach our goals. You will also be acting as an ambassador for all aspects of our work.

What’s in it for you?

This is a great opportunity to use your professional skills to make a difference in the world and to be part of a dynamic international team passionate about sea turtle conservation.

Time Commitment

The successful applicant will be able to commit approximately 12-15 hours per month to their role. In addition, we require participation in quarterly trustee board meetings, which take place via video conferencing due to the international nature of our operations.

How to apply

If you are interested in joining the ORP team, and possess the skills and experience needed for this rewarding opportunity, please forward your current CV, along with a covering letter stating your motivation for applying for the role and how you feel your skills and experience could be of benefit to ORP to amanda.costain@oliveridleyproject.org by 9th March 2025. Please include Job Reference T0009 and Your Full Name in the email subject line.