Join Us as a Trustee with Middle East Expertise: Shape the Future of Peacebuilding at Encompass Trust

Are you passionate about peacebuilding and have a deep understanding of the Middle East, particularly the ongoing dynamics in Israel and Palestine? Do you believe in the power of dialogue and collaboration to confront conflict and bring about positive change? If so, Encompass Trust is looking for someone like you to join our Board of Trustees as a voluntary Trustee with Middle East expertise. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in guiding our organization’s strategic direction and supporting young people caught in some of the world’s most protracted conflicts.

About Encompass Trust: Connecting Communities, Confronting Divides

Since our founding in 2003, Encompass Trust has been committed to breaking down barriers and building connections between young people from diverse backgrounds. Our mission centers on providing a platform for young Israelis and Palestinians to challenge the status quo, explore nonviolent approaches to conflict, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Through our “Journey of Understanding” programs, we bring participants together on neutral ground, such as Cyprus or Turkey, to deeply explore the root causes of the conflict and the barriers that divide them.

In addition to our work in the Middle East, Encompass Trust has a long history of engaging young people from regions like Indonesia, Pakistan, the US, and the UK. We are proud of our extensive alumni network, who continue to spread our message of peace through independent projects and initiatives. At Encompass Trust, we believe that real change comes from equipping young people with the skills and confidence to influence their peers and communities, both now and in the future.

The Role: Trustee with Middle East Expertise

We are looking to strengthen our Board by appointing a Trustee who brings direct experience or a deep understanding of the Middle East, specifically Israel and Palestine. Whether you have lived in the region or acquired your expertise through study, your insights will be invaluable in advising on the strategic direction and decisions that shape our programs.

As a Trustee, you will be expected to:

• Provide Strategic Guidance on Regional Programs: Advise on how Encompass Trust can best achieve its mission in the Middle East, offering insight into the local context to ensure our programs are effective and impactful.
• Support Partner Engagement Efforts: Help maintain relationships with existing partners in the region and identify new partnerships that can further our impact.
• Advise on Staff and Volunteer Wellbeing: Work with the executive leadership to support the wellbeing of our Country Representatives and sessional facilitators, ensuring they have the necessary support and resources.
• Participate in Governance and Compliance: Ensure Encompass Trust complies with relevant charity laws and organizational policies, safeguarding the charity’s reputation and upholding its values.
• Contribute to Strategic Planning: Take an active role in shaping the organization’s future by attending quarterly board meetings (in-person or online) and contributing to discussions on overall policy, setting goals, and evaluating performance.
• Ensure Financial Stability: Monitor the financial administration of Encompass Trust, ensuring our resources are used exclusively in line with our charitable objectives.
• Protect the Charity’s Interests: Manage and oversee the property and resources of Encompass Trust, ensuring proper investment and use of funds.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate individual who meets the following criteria:

• Expertise in Middle Eastern Politics and Culture: You have a deep understanding of the Middle East, either through lived experience or academic study, particularly regarding the conflict in Israel and Palestine.
• Experience in Charity Governance: Familiarity with charity governance and nonprofit financial management, including budgeting and planning.
• Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills: You can engage with diverse stakeholders and provide strategic input on programmatic decisions.
• Commitment to Our Mission: Alignment with Encompass Trust’s core principles and a genuine dedication to promoting peace and understanding.
• Strategic Thinker: Ability to provide valuable insights and contribute to the organization’s long-term vision.
• Active Contributor: Willingness to engage in quarterly meetings and ad-hoc initiatives as needed.

Why Join Us?

By joining Encompass Trust as a Trustee with Middle East expertise, you will directly impact our approach to conflict resolution and youth empowerment in the region. This voluntary role allows you to apply your skills and experience toward a meaningful cause. While the position is not remunerated, all expenses related to the role will be covered. Your involvement will help Encompass Trust continue its important work and expand our reach, ensuring that we can support even more young people as they work towards building a more peaceful future.

How to Apply

If you share our vision of connecting communities and confronting divides, we encourage you to apply. Please send your CV and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) explaining your motivation for wanting to become an Encompass Trustee and how you meet the person specification to info@encompasstrust.org.uk by 23:59 GMT on 5 December 2024.

We anticipate that interviews will be conducted online in January 2025.

Join us in making a lasting difference and help shape the future of peacebuilding in the Middle East. We look forward to hearing from you.