Vacancies
Join us
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 are looking 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.
Please find below a list of our current vacancies.
HR Manager
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
The role
We are seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead all aspects of people management across our UK and international operations, shaping our organisational culture while ensuring compliance with employment legislation.
Key responsibilities
- Lead on all HR matters and ensure legal compliance
- Manage recruitment, onboarding and performance development processes
- Develop policies that support our mission and team wellbeing
- Foster a culture of innovation, diversity and inclusion
- Oversee remuneration, salary reviews and payroll operations
- Implement health and wellbeing initiatives
- Monitor and report on key HR metrics and contribute to business planning
- Support managers on employee relations and talent development
What we’re looking for
Essential
- At least 5 years' professional HR experience, preferably in leadership
- Knowledge of reward systems and employment law
- Excellent communication and team-building abilities
- Empathetic approach with ability to motivate diverse teams
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
- Experience influencing senior staff and directors
- Comfortable with both strategic and operational HR tasks
Desirable
- Pension scheme administration experience
- Small business environment experience
- International HR experience
- Understanding of PeopleHR
Why join us?
- Be part of a purpose-driven organisation making a real impact.
- Work in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted to recruitment@shared-interest.com by 5pm (GMT) on 2nd May 2025. Application should consist of:
- A full CV (maximum three pages).
- A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Executive Assistant
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
The role
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant to provide executive-level support to our Directors and senior leadership team. This role is key to ensuring the smooth running of governance, administration, and business operations.
Key responsibilities
- Provide high-level administrative support, including document management, correspondence, and diary coordination.
- Support Board and Council meetings by preparing papers, recording accurate minutes, and tracking actions.
- Manage scheduling, travel arrangements, and senior team presentations.
- Handle sensitive information with discretion and ensure compliance with governance policies.
- Liaise with stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners to maintain office efficiency.
What we’re looking for
Essential
- At least five years’ experience supporting senior leaders, managing diaries, and handling confidential matters.
- Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Experience in minute-taking, meeting coordination, and preparing reports.
- High attention to detail, with excellent proofreading and document preparation skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration tools (e.g. Teams, Zoom).
Desirable
- Fluency in Spanish and/or French.
- Knowledge of fair trade and sustainable development.
Why join us?
- Be part of a purpose-driven organisation making a real impact.
- Work in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
- Gain exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.
How to apply
Click here for the full job description.
Applications must be submitted to recruitment@shared-interest.com by 5pm (GMT) on 2nd May 2025. Application should consist of:
- A full CV (maximum three pages).
- A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Customer Manager - Europe
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
The role
Manages the UK Lending team and provides excellent customer service to existing and potential customers in Europe. Supports Head of Lending in delivery of lending targets and report writing.
Key responsibilities
- Manages, motivates and develops the UK Lending team to deliver results.
- Ensures successful completion of the daily lending payment process.
- Provides excellent account management to a defined group of customers.
- Manages the assigned geographical area to optimise lending income, maintain a quality portfolio, and control risks in line with corporate objectives.
- Represents the organisation at relevant trade fairs, partners’ forums and other ad hoc activities.
- Develops and maintains relationships with key networks, customers and other social lenders.
- Delivery of annual reviews of customer accounts, report writing and documentation.
What we’re looking for
Essential
- At least 3 years experience of working in a customer-facing role
- Excellent customer relationship management skills
- Numerate – able to understand and interpret financial statements (Profit &Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) and information
- Aptitude in credit appraisal and sound business analysis skill
- Excellent communication, including presentation skills and oral and written communications with a wide range of people from different backgrounds
- Excellent report writing abilities with keen attention to detail
- Self-motivated with strong organisational abilities
Desirable
- Experience of working with SMEs (small and medium enterprises)
- Experience in a lending environment
- Experience of developing and maximising partnerships with other organisations
- Experience in the Fair Trade market
- Experience in the agricultural and handcrafts sectors.
Why join us?
- Be part of an organisation driving positive social impact.
- Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Gain experience in ethical finance and sustainable development.
- Develop key partnerships within the industry.
- Opportunity for professional growth and leadership development.
How to apply
Click here for the full job description.
Applications must be submitted to recruitment@shared-interest.com by 9am (GMT) on 20th March 2025. Application should consist of:
- A full CV (maximum three pages).
- A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Grants and Trusts Fundraiser
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.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop our fundraising strategy to maximise income from trusts and grants
- Build a diverse funding portfolio including major donors and foundations
- Research opportunities and craft compelling funding applications
- Maintain relationships with existing funders whilst securing new partnerships
- Collaborate with our team to develop innovative projects
- Monitor and report on fundraising targets
Essential experience:
- Five years' proven success in securing corporate and trust funding
- Strong track record in developing fundraising strategies
- Excellent grant-writing abilities with keen attention to detail
- Outstanding communication and negotiation skills
- Experience in budget management and financial reporting
- Self-motivated with strong organisational abilities
Desirable qualities:
- Spanish or French language skills
- International development experience
- Fundraising qualifications
- Relevant degree or equivalent practical experience
How to Apply
Click here to see full job description
If you possess the skills, experience, and dedication we are looking for, we would love to hear from you. Applications must be submitted to recruitment@shared-interest.com and should consist of:
- Full CV detailing professional qualifications and experience (up to 3 sides of A4)
- Cover letter describing how you meet the person specification, why the role is of interest and what you believe you can bring to the role
Application deadline: 5:00 PM GMT, 28 February 2025.
Volunteer Ambassador
Flexible location within the UK
About the role
Are you passionate about making a difference? As a Volunteer Ambassador for Shared Interest, you will play a vital role in raising awareness of our work to alleviate poverty through fair trade.
Working within your local area, you’ll deliver talks, run information stalls, and inspire others to support our mission. This is a flexible, volunteer role that fits around your schedule.
What we’re looking for:
We’re seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals who are:
- Confident communicators with a talent for public speaking.
- Comfortable engaging with diverse audiences and building networks.
- Empathetic towards our mission and aligned with our values.
- Proficient in using email, PowerPoint, Word, and online tools such as Zoom.
What we offer:
- Full training and induction.
- Support from our Member Engagement Team.
- Resources and materials to help you succeed in your role.
- Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.
- Opportunities to connect with other volunteers and attend meet-up events.
Join us and help create a world where everyone has the opportunity to trade their way out of poverty.
For more information, visit shared-interest.com/get-involved or email us at volunteers@shared-interest.com
Click here to download the full job specification