Independent member of the International General Assembly

Location: Worldwide (remote)

Term: This is a voluntary, non-remunerated governance appointment. No salary is attached to this position. (reasonable travel expenses can be claimed)

Closing date: Friday 2nd October 2026

Help shape the future of one of the world's leading humanitarian organisations.

Inspired by faith and guided by values of compassion, justice, and human dignity, Islamic Relief Worldwide works alongside communities to tackle poverty, respond to crises, and create lasting change. Operating in more than 40 countries, we have supported over 120 million people since our founding in 1984.

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is seeking to appoint additional Independent Members to join our International General Assembly (IGA).

The IGA is the highest body within Islamic Relief Worldwide's governance structure. Comprising representatives elected by Islamic Relief family members across five continents, it provides a truly global perspective and plays a crucial role in guiding the future direction of the organisation.

Importantly, it is from the IGA that Islamic Relief Worldwide draws its trustees.

Following appointment to the IGA, Independent Members become eligible for nomination to the Board of Trustees (BoT) after one year of service. Trustee appointments are held for a four-year term.

This is a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute their expertise at the highest level of governance within a globally recognised humanitarian and development organisation.

Please note: This is a voluntary governance appointment and is not a salaried position. The salary shown on LinkedIn does not represent remuneration and has been entered to meet platform posting requirements.

Why Join the IGA?

The International General Assembly is the highest representative body within Islamic Relief Worldwide's governance structure, bringing together members from across five continents. It plays a vital role in shaping the organisation's future and serves as the body from which trustees are appointed. Following one year of service as an Independent IGA Member, individuals may become eligible for nomination to the Board of Trustees, with trustee appointments serving a four-year term.

The Role

Key responsibilities:

• Participate in the oversight of the organisation in accordance with its statutory obligations, making sure that IRW satisfies its regulatory and legal requirements as a charity.
• Act in a manner which supports the organisation in meeting aims and objectives as set out in IRW governing documents and in ensuring IRW long-term security
• Focus on strategic planning and governance when setting IRW priorities and objectives
• Participate in the approval of annual plans, strategies and budgets.
• Support the financial stability of the charity and contribute to its effective and efficient administration, reviewing and approving financial strategies and monitoring income and expenditure, to ensure the organisation is in good financial health
• Promote IRW’s vision, mission and values and demonstrate IRW’s values in all of the IGA’s work.

About You

We are seeking exceptional candidates with a breadth of leadership experience who can enhance the strategic development of IRW and have the following skills and qualities:

• A deep commitment and passion for IRW’s faith-inspired values, vision and mission
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Considerable professional experience and specialist knowledge in one or more of the following – law, accountancy, audit, humanitarian programming, PR/communications, marketing or fundraising, IT, charity financial policy and strategy, shariah compliance
• Strategic vision and critical thinking skills
• Skills in problem solving and conflict resolution
• Legislative and operating framework for charities/voluntary and community sector organisations, especially an understanding of Charity Commission requirements
• A good understanding of the context IRW operates within
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; enjoys teamwork
• Willing to be an ambassador for IRW
• Demonstrates past public conduct, statements and behaviour that are in line with IRW’s values and expectations of the role

If you are interested in this role, please review the information pack before applying. This can be found clicking on the "apply now" button.

To make your application for the IGA position, please send a current CV and cover letter to IGAMRecruitment@irworldwide.org. The deadline for applications is Friday, 2nd October 2026

We look forward to hearing from you.