• The objective of the Audit & Risk Committee (the ARC) is to assist the Board in overseeing the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting, including supporting the Board in meeting its responsibilities regarding financial statements and the financial reporting systems and internal controls; and monitor, on behalf of the Board, the effectiveness and objectivity of internal and external auditors.
• The position is open only to paid- up Producers . The Producer Representative will be part of the ARC which is responsible for the following:

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Assist the Board in its oversight of the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting, including supporting the Board in meeting its responsibilities regarding financial statements and the financial reporting systems and internal controls;
• Monitor, on behalf of the Board, the effectiveness and objectivity of internal and external auditors;
• Provide input to the Board in its assessment of risks and determination of risk as part of the overall setting of strategy for the Company;
• Assist the Board in its oversight of the Company’s risk management framework and monitor its effectiveness.
• Undertake deep-dive reviews into risks at the request of the Board or where, in the Committee’s view, further scrutiny is required;
• Consider the major findings of any relevant internal investigations into control weaknesses, fraud or misconduct and management’s response.
• Provide input and recommendations to the Board on the Company’s strategy, including appropriate mitigations and risk appetite.
• Other Committee functions are as stipulated in the Terms of Reference.
• Previous experience of working at a Board level or Board Committee or Managerial position in an organisation of similar scale and complexity, with an understanding of Risk and Audit procedures and compliance.
• In particular, members should be: committed to the principles of selflessness and integrity and demonstrate that they will act in the best interests of Fairtrade Africa as a whole, and that they will not place themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. Committee Members should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.1
• able to contribute to Committee discussions by listening actively with an open mind and being willing to speak their mind and engage in open debate while working effectively as part of a team.
• A record of success in their chosen profession.
• The ability to read and digest management reports, financial reports, bank statements and audit reports and to take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and sufficient literacy to be able to understand and contribute to discussions.
• Proficiency in English, which is the working language of the Committee. Knowledge of other languages used by Fairtrade producers and regional networks (particularly French and Arabic) would be an advantage.
• An understanding of Fairtrade’s rationale including the context of its mission in global trade and sustainable development, its principles, model of operation and the different perspectives of key
• The text in these paragraphs is taken from a document called “The 7 Principles of Public Life” that have been adopted by the UK Parliament for public bodies. They are often called the “Nolan Principles” and they have been taken up by many other countries.

ESSENTIALS GENERAL COMPETENCIES

• stakeholders in the Fairtrade movement including small farmers and their organisations, workers and trade unions, development NGO’s, business, funding bodies and government institutions.
• Proven experience as a risk and audit expert or experience on the same.

Experience and Knowledge

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the auditing field.
• Knowledge and understanding of Fairtrade Africa operations.
• Thematic knowledge and expertise in FTA’s priority areas