Finance Trustee
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until filled.
Compensation: This is an unpaid volunteer position, as per Charity Commission guidelines.
How to Apply: Fill out this application form
About Suvita
Suvita is an impact-driven, evidence-based nonprofit focused on increasing uptake of routine childhood vaccinations in India. Over 4 million children born every year still miss their basic vaccinations in India, leading to far too many vaccine-preventable deaths. We run two rigorously tested, complementary programmes:
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SMS reminders: We send personalised SMS messages to caregivers to prompt timely attendance for vaccinations at government clinics.
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Immunisation ambassadors: We identify and train local influencers to volunteer as advocates for vaccination with families in their communities.
Since our founding in 2019:
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We reach one in ten children born in India through our SMS vaccination reminders. In partnership with the governments of Bihar and Maharashtra, we’ve reached more than 6 million families with routine immunisation SMS reminders and more than 4 million pregnant women with antenatal care-related SMS reminders.
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We’ve enrolled almost 15,000 community influencers as local ambassadors in districts in Bihar and Maharashtra.
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GiveWell estimates that our SMS reminders increase vaccination rates by approximately 2 percentage points at a current cost of $0.40 per child reached in Maharashtra and $1.71 per child reached in Bihar. The immunization ambassadors program increases vaccination rates by around 7 percentage points and costs $1 to $2 per child reached.
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We are partnering with J-PAL to run a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test our immunisation ambassador model.
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We have been incubated and funded by sector leaders like The Nudge Foundation, Ambitious Impact (formerly Charity Entrepreneurship), Mulago Foundation, GiveWell, D-Prize, Founders Pledge, and Schmidt Futures.
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We have appeared in Vox, Giving What We Can, and the 80,000 Hours Podcast.
About the role
We are seeking a new trustee with expertise in finance, legal compliance and governance, to join our board. This voluntary position involves providing strategic oversight, overseeing the charity’s finances and compliance, ensuring good governance, and supporting our mission to scale our programs effectively. Trustees meet quarterly (virtually), with additional ad-hoc involvement as needed, typically requiring 4-10 hours per quarter. This role is ideal for someone passionate about global health and charity impact.
Core Responsibilities
The Charity Commission lists these six key responsibilities for a charity trustee:
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Ensure the charity carries out its purposes for the public benefit.
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Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law.
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Act in the charity’s best interests
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Manage the charity’s resources responsibly
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Act with reasonable care and skill
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Ensure the charity is accountable
As a trustee focused on finance and legal compliance at Suvita, you will:
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Oversee financial management, including budgeting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and overseeing investments.
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Ensure proper accounting and compliance with the Charity SORP
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Ensure legal and regulatory compliance, including adherence to Charity Commission guidelines and reporting requirements
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Guide governance, policies, and board development
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Contribute to risk management and internal controls
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Oversee the charity's strategic planning and performance monitoring
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Along with other trustees, conduct the performance appraisal of the CEO.
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Act as an ambassador for Suvita, leveraging your networks to support Suvita.
Some examples of guidance we have received from our trustees in the past are:
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How to evaluate and select appropriate avenues for charity investments
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How to factor in forex changes into the budgeting process
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How to evaluate the risk of bank failure, given certain external events, and how to respond to them.
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What banking arrangements are appropriate for the charity
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Input on auditor selection
Who should apply?
You
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are based in the UK
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have experience in finance, legal compliance, or related fields
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demonstrate strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to ethical decision-making.
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ideally, possess prior experience as a trustee or in managing UK charities, with knowledge of governance best practices.
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bring enthusiasm for global health issues, particularly child vaccination and evidence-based interventions.
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can commit time voluntarily and work collaboratively in a small team.
Why join us?
This is a chance to make a tangible difference in global child health while gaining valuable board experience in a dynamic charity. You'll work with a dedicated and sharp leadership team, and trustees focused on high-impact, scalable solutions. If this aligns with your skills and interests, we'd love to hear from you.
Next steps
Fill out this application form.
If you have any questions or want to discuss the role, please contact careers@suvita.org.