Media Action Trustees – BBC Media Action

• Job Type: Fixed Term – Part Time
• Category: Work Experience & Volunteering
• Organisation: BBC Media Action
• Application Deadline: 20 February 2026 (11:59 PM)
• Locations: Multiple International Locations (see full list below)

About BBC Media Action

BBC Media Action is the BBC’s international charity. Working with partners across the globe, the organisation delivers impartial, trustworthy, and impactful media to more than 100 million people annually across over 30 countries and in 50 languages.

BBC Media Action strengthens local media to support:

• Stronger democracies
• Inclusive societies
• A safer and more habitable planet

The organisation combines journalistic excellence, creative storytelling, research, and international development expertise to serve communities most vulnerable to misinformation, division, and exclusion.

The Role: Media Action Trustees

BBC Media Action is seeking to appoint five (5) Trustees to join its Board at a time of significant organisational transformation.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to meaningful global impact while providing strategic oversight and leadership to one of the world’s most respected international media charities.

Trustees play a critical role in governance, strategy, financial oversight, and safeguarding the organisation’s values and reputation.

Who Should Apply

Applications are encouraged from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising from high-net-worth individuals, foundations, philanthropies, or corporates (especially in the UK, Europe, and USA)
• Senior leadership experience (CEO-level or equivalent) in large private sector organisations
• Leadership within UK-registered charities, particularly in international development or environmental sectors
• Global influencing, communications, marketing, or public policy
• Professional experience in regions where BBC Media Action operates, including Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Pacific

Strongly encouraged applicants:

Women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals under the age of 35, as these groups are currently underrepresented on the Board.

Trustee Term

• Initial term: 3 years
• Possibility to extend for up to two additional three-year terms

Trustees are not remunerated, in line with charity governance best practice.
Reasonable travel expenses incurred on official Trustee business will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment

• 4 Board meetings per year (approximately 3 hours each, plus preparation time)
• Attendance at sub-committee meetings and occasional away days
• Average commitment: 1–2 days per month

Board meetings are typically held at London Broadcasting House, with in-person attendance required for at least two meetings per year.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Trustees are responsible for:

• Contributing to strategic direction and organisational leadership
• Approving budgets and monitoring financial sustainability
• Monitoring progress against strategic goals and programme impact
• Safeguarding the reputation, values, and integrity of BBC Media Action
• Ensuring compliance with charity law, company law, and governance requirements
• Acting in the best interests of BBC Media Action at all times
• Supporting fundraising efforts and external advocacy

Trustees are also expected to apply their specific skills and expertise to enhance Board decision-making and organisational impact.

Trustee Expectations

Successful candidates will:

• Align strongly with BBC Media Action’s mission and values
• Champion the organisation externally
• Think strategically and provide constructive challenge
• Work collaboratively with the Board and Management Team
• Commit sufficient time and energy to the role
• Understand and accept the legal responsibilities of trusteeship

Board Composition

The Board currently consists of 10 Trustees and will expand to a maximum of 15 members, with the majority nominated by the BBC.
Standing sub-committees include:

• Governance
• Finance, Risk & Audit

Duty Locations

This role is open to candidates based in the following locations:

Abuja (Nigeria), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Beijing (China), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Hargeisa (Somaliland), Juba (South Sudan), Kabul (Afghanistan), Kathmandu (Nepal), London (UK), Lusaka (Zambia), Mogadishu (Somalia), Maputo (Mozambique), Nairobi (Kenya), New Delhi (India), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Yangon (Myanmar), North Africa, OPT, Sudan, and other BBC Media Action offices.

Interested candidates should submit their application before 11:59 PM on 20 February 2026.