Vacancies

CURRENT VACANCIES

FINANCE DIRECTOR AND COMPANY SECRETARY (FULL-TIME)

Based in Newcastle, UK

We are hiring a Finance Director and Company Secretary in a full-time capacity based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

We have been a leader in the fair trade movement since 1990 and due to the planned retirement of our longstanding director, we are actively seeking a values-driven Finance Director and Company Secretary to join our team.

About us:

At Shared Interest, we support communities where income opportunities may be limited, and businesses face increasing challenges. Operating co-operatively, we provide finance to businesses in 45 countries. The majority of these organisations support smallholder farmers who play a crucial role in producing around a third of the world’s food but often face challenges in sustaining their families. Using the investments of our 10,200 members, we extend loans to organisations of farmers and craftspeople, as well as fair trade buyers. These loans typically fund seeds, crops, equipment, or finished goods. Once the products are sold, the organisations repay the capital plus a fair rate of interest. The funds are then recycled and lent out again, creating a sustainable cycle of support.

 About the role: 

As our full-time Finance Director and Company Secretary, you will play a key role in guiding our financial strategy, ensuring transparency, and contributing to the sustainable growth of communities globally. We are looking for a qualified accountant with a minimum of 5 years' recent experience in a finance role together with familiarity in reviewing legal contracts, and liaising with lawyers. Your expertise should also include producing final accounts for publication and operating at a senior level. Additionally, your ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex financial information will be crucial in this role.

How to apply: 

If you are a finance professional, passionate about making a positive impact, we invite you to join our team. Send your CV and cover letter to: recruitment@shared-interest.com. If you would like an informal discussion with our current Finance Director and Company Secretary please email companysecretary@shared-interest.com.

Join us in creating a fairer, more equitable world.

Lending Manager – Europe & Asia (full-time)

Based in Newcastle, UK

We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity to join our team in Newcastle as a Lending Manager. This role offers the chance to leverage your talents and expertise to make a positive impact on lives worldwide.

About Us:

Since 1990, Shared Interest has been a leader in the fair trade movement, supporting communities worldwide, particularly those facing limited income opportunities and increasing challenges. We provide finance to businesses in 45 countries, focusing on smallholder farmers and craftspeople.

The Role:

  • Leads the UK Lending team with focus on Europe & Asia.
  • Provides account management to a portfolio of customers carrying out all required activities including transactions processing, monitoring and annual reporting.
  • Manages the assigned geographical area to optimise lending income, maintain a quality portfolio.
  • Controls risks effectively in line with corporate objectives, business plan and lending limits
  • Oversees progress and delivers new lending facilities for approval and committal.
  • Contributes to the annual business planning
  • Represents the organisation at trade fairs, partners forums and other ad hoc activities involving customers and potential customers
  • Develops and maintains relationships with key networks

 The Person:

  • At least 4 years experience of working in a customer-facing role.
  • Excellent customer relationship management skills.
  • Experience of interpreting financial reports and information and using analysis to make decisions.
  • Experience in project management – i.e. design, managing and/or executing projects, initiatives or plans in an organised, timely fashion
  • Experience of building relationships with others who are based remotely.
  • Excellent communication, influencing and listening skills.

If you are passionate about making a difference and meet the criteria, we invite you to join our team. Send your CV and a covering letter to recruitment@shared-interest.com

Grants and Trusts Fundraiser (Part-Time)

About the Role:

Are you a seasoned fundraising professional with a passion for making a meaningful impact? We are on the lookout for an experienced and well-networked individual to join our team and drive our growth by identifying and securing significant grants from a diverse array of trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies.

Shared Interest Foundation is a dynamic and mission-driven charity dedicated to the development of sustainable enterprises, empowering women and youth, and building climate resilience in remote communities within Africa and Latin America. As we continue to expand our reach and enhance our impact, we are seeking a skilled fundraising professional to help us achieve our goals.

How to Apply:

If you possess the skills, experience, and dedication we are looking for, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to foundation@shared-interest.com. A detailed job description can be found here: Grants and Trusts Fundraiser.doc.

Volunteer Translator (French)

Please note this is an unpaid voluntary position. 

Our team of Translators support us by translating, transcribing or interpreting a variety of public and customer facing communications.  This may involve translating web content, case studies, short films, quotes and surveys as well as various ad hoc reports.  The majority of our customers are based in Africa and Latin America and therefore it is important we have resources available in both French and Spanish (Latin American).  

About the role

The role will involve translating content from English into French, and occasionally from French to English, on an ad hoc basis and will require you to use your own computer or laptop. 

Although this role is home based, volunteers will be supported remotely by a dedicated member of staff, and email, phone and / or online video communication will be required.

You will have the opportunity to utilise or develop your translation skills through supporting us in developing our communications and you will get the chance to understand how our organisation engages with our customers.

We would love to hear from you if you:

  • Are a native French speaker
  • Have strong written and spoken English
  • Can demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail
  • Are self-motivated to carry out tasks independently
  • Have empathy with the mission and values of Shared Interest

We will support you with the following:

  • Orientation and Induction training
  • Ongoing support with a staff contact
  • Basic reference (if requested)

Volunteers will be selected based on their ability to meet the above criteria.  This role involves an initial translation task for all applicants.

To apply email volunteers@shared-interest.com (applications must be in English)

WHY WORK FOR SHARED INTEREST?

We believe that people are our most valuable asset. We are focussed on staff development; it is important to us to nurture expertise, talent and passion within the staff team.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

We are looking for people who share our commitment to fair and just trade; people who can help us to achieve our vision and mission.

WORK LIFE BALANCE

The work life balance of staff is of upmost importance to us. We operate a hybrid policy which aims to provide employees the flexibility to effectively manage their work and personal commitments. We also offer benefits packages such as a Life Assurance scheme and an attractive 9% pension contribution, which is applied regardless of staff contributions.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

We believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.  We are committed to the development of policies and procedures to promote equal opportunities in employment, personnel practices and any services for which we are responsible.


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