1. About Rural Smiles Foundation

Rural Smiles Foundation is a registered nonprofit organisation headquartered in Kibaale District, Uganda, with programmes and partnerships extending across Uganda and Burundi.

Our mission is:

"To advance health, digital, economic, and environmental rights through community empowerment, advocacy, innovation, research, and sustainable development initiatives that strengthen resilience, inclusion, and opportunities for vulnerable populations."

Our vision is:

"An inclusive, resilient, and sustainable society where all people enjoy their health, digital, economic, environmental, and civic rights and have equal opportunities to thrive."

Our work focuses on community health and rights, digital inclusion and innovation, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, civic participation, humanitarian protection, and community-led development.

As our programmes, institutional partnerships, and resource mobilisation efforts continue to expand, we are strengthening our governance structures to ensure financial integrity, transparency, accountability, and organisational sustainability.

Rural Smiles Foundation invites applications from suitably qualified external professionals to serve as a Volunteer Board Treasurer.

2. Purpose of the Position

The Volunteer Board Treasurer will serve as a non-executive member of the Board of Directors, providing strategic financial oversight, independent guidance, and professional expertise to strengthen the organisation's financial governance.

The Treasurer will work collaboratively with fellow Board members, the Executive Director, and the Finance and Administration Officer to ensure that appropriate financial management systems, accountability mechanisms, and internal controls are in place.

The role is primarily concerned with governance, oversight, and strategic advice. It does not involve routine bookkeeping, processing payments, or assuming the operational responsibilities of management.

The successful candidate will contribute to ensuring that Rural Smiles Foundation remains financially accountable, compliant, resilient, and capable of delivering its mission effectively.

3. Key Duties and Responsibilities

A. Financial Governance and Oversight

• Provide independent oversight of the organisation's financial management and accountability systems.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities and ensuring the responsible stewardship of organisational resources.
• Review periodic financial statements, management accounts, budgets, and financial performance reports presented to the Board.
• Advise the Board on financial risks, resource allocation, financial sustainability, and appropriate mitigation measures.
• Support the development, review, and implementation oversight of financial governance policies and procedures.
• Ensure that significant financial issues are appropriately communicated to the Board for informed decision-making.

B. Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Review annual organisational budgets and provide recommendations before Board approval.
• Assess the financial implications of strategic plans, major organisational commitments, and proposed investments.
• Monitor budget implementation through reports provided by management.
• Advise on financial forecasting, cash-flow planning, and responsible resource utilisation.
• Support the Board in evaluating the organisation's financial sustainability and funding diversification strategies.

C. Audit, Risk Management and Internal Controls

• Provide Board-level oversight of internal and external audit processes.
• Review audit findings, management responses, and corrective action plans.
• Monitor the implementation of agreed audit recommendations.
• Advise on strengthening internal controls, segregation of duties, financial documentation, and expenditure accountability.
• Support the identification and management of financial, fraud, compliance, and operational risks.
• Promote adherence to the organisation's Finance Policy, Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy, and other relevant governance frameworks.

D. Regulatory and Donor Compliance

• Support Board oversight of compliance with applicable Ugandan laws, nonprofit regulatory requirements, and financial reporting obligations.
• Review the adequacy of management systems for meeting donor financial reporting and grant compliance requirements.
• Provide guidance on transparency and accountability in the management of restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Advise on appropriate financial governance arrangements for international partnerships, fiscal sponsorship arrangements, and cross-border programmes.
• Support ethical financial practices and responsible organisational stewardship.

E. Resource Mobilisation and Financial Sustainability

• Contribute strategic advice to the organisation's resource mobilisation and financial sustainability plans.
• Support the Board in identifying opportunities for funding diversification and long-term financial resilience.
• Provide financial perspectives on partnership proposals, fundraising strategies, and institutional development initiatives.
• Where appropriate, help strengthen relationships with potential supporters, professional networks, and institutional partners.
• Advise on the financial implications of new funding arrangements and organisational growth.

The Treasurer is not personally responsible for raising a specified amount of funding or guaranteeing donor contributions.

F. Board Participation and Organisational Governance

• Attend scheduled Board meetings and participate actively in discussions and decision-making.
• Review relevant Board papers and financial reports before meetings.
• Present observations and recommendations on financial matters.
• Participate in Board committees or special assignments where appropriate.
• Uphold the organisation's governance standards, safeguarding principles, confidentiality requirements, and conflict-of-interest procedures.
• Exercise independent judgement in the best interests of Rural Smiles Foundation and its beneficiaries.
• Support collective Board responsibility for organisational strategy, accountability, and effective governance.

4. Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should demonstrate the following:

Educational and Professional Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, Economics, or another relevant field.
• Professional accounting or financial management qualifications will be a strong advantage.
• Additional training or qualifications in governance, auditing, risk management, or nonprofit financial management are desirable.

Professional Experience

• At least three years of relevant professional experience in accounting, financial management, auditing, financial oversight, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and financial risk management.
• Experience working with nonprofit organisations, civil society organisations, development programmes, or grant-funded institutions is an advantage.
• Previous experience serving on a Board, governance committee, audit committee, or similar oversight body is desirable but not mandatory.
• Familiarity with Ugandan nonprofit financial accountability and regulatory requirements is an advantage.

5. Required Skills and Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong financial analysis and oversight capabilities.
• High standards of honesty, integrity, accountability, and professional ethics.
• Sound judgement and the ability to provide independent, constructive advice.
• Understanding of good governance, financial transparency, and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interpret financial information and communicate its implications to non-financial Board members.
• Strategic thinking and an interest in organisational sustainability.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professional independence, and responsible decision-making.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Genuine interest in humanitarian action, community development, human rights, and nonprofit leadership.

6. Eligibility and Independence

This opportunity is open to suitably qualified external applicants who share Rural Smiles Foundation's mission and values.

Applicants must:

• Be willing to serve in a voluntary, non-executive capacity.
• Demonstrate independence and the ability to exercise objective judgement.
• Disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Be willing to comply with the organisation's governance policies, safeguarding standards, and code of conduct.
• Have sufficient availability to perform the responsibilities of the position effectively.
• Be willing to undertake any reasonable due diligence required for Board appointments.

Rural Smiles Foundation particularly encourages applications from professionals who can contribute independent perspectives and strengthen the diversity of expertise represented on its Board.

7. Nature of the Appointment and Time Commitment

This is a voluntary, unpaid Board position and does not constitute an employment relationship.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Attend scheduled Board meetings, either physically or virtually, depending on agreed arrangements.
• Review financial and governance documents in preparation for meetings.
• Provide occasional strategic advice on financial matters between meetings.
• Participate in relevant Board committees or special assignments when required.
• Remain reasonably accessible for important financial governance consultations.

The formal tenure, renewal arrangements, and appointment procedures will be governed by Rural Smiles Foundation's applicable governing documents and Board resolutions.

The position does not carry a salary, sitting allowance, or guaranteed financial benefits. Any exceptional reimbursement of legitimate, pre-approved expenses will be subject to organisational policy and available resources.

8. Expected Contribution

Through this appointment, Rural Smiles Foundation seeks to strengthen:

• The quality and independence of Board-level financial oversight.
• Financial transparency, accountability, and internal control systems.
• Organisational budgeting and financial risk management.
• Compliance with applicable financial governance obligations.
• Board understanding of financial performance and resource allocation.
• Strategic financial planning and organisational sustainability.
• Confidence among donors, partners, regulators, and other stakeholders in the organisation's financial stewardship.

9. How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents:

1. Updated Curriculum Vitae: Highlighting relevant academic qualifications, professional experience, and financial management expertise.
2. Expression of Interest: A brief letter explaining the applicant's motivation for joining the Board, relevant experience, and the contribution they believe they can make to Rural Smiles Foundation.
3. Professional References: Contact details for two professional referees who can comment on the applicant's competence, integrity, and professional experience.

Applications should be addressed to:

Milcah Iwisi 
Chairperson, Board of Directors 
Rural Smiles Foundation

Email: [email protected] 
Email Subject: Application for Volunteer Board Treasurer – Rural Smiles Foundation

Application Deadline: Monday, 30 November 2026

Applications must be received no later than the stated deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

10. Recruitment and Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed based on relevant qualifications, professional experience, demonstrated integrity, understanding of financial governance, and alignment with the organisation's mission.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview and additional suitability assessment.

Final appointment will be subject to the organisation's governing documents, applicable due diligence, and the relevant Board approval procedures.

Rural Smiles Foundation reserves the right not to make an appointment if no suitable candidate is identified.

11. Equal Opportunity and Safeguarding

Rural Smiles Foundation is committed to equal opportunity, inclusion, diversity, accountability, and safeguarding.

We welcome applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

All Board members are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, confidentiality, safeguarding, nondiscrimination, and responsible governance.