ECHO-NOVA 2024 Job Opening

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ECHO-NOVA 2024 Job Opening

ECHO-NOVA, which was established in 2024, has the vision of creating a healthier Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in South Africa, by improving the psycho-social wellness of EMS personnel, in order for them to function optimally and to minimise the negative impact related to repeated exposure to trauma. The core values of ECHO – NOVA are honesty, trust, compassion and commitment to serve the EMS (for more information see http://echo-nova.co.za/).
Job Title: BOARD MEMBER (TREASURER)
ECHO-NOVA (the Emergency Counselling and Mental Health Organisation – New Beginnings) would like to appoint a new Treasurer of the ECHO-NOVA Board.
Professionals who work in the emergency medical field work in a fast-paced environment that is stressful and often dangerous. Apart from exposure to trauma on a daily basis, our paramedics (all levels) are falling victim to serious and violent crimes while on duty. ECHO-NOVA was established in response to the need for awareness as well as effective, accessible and appropriate mental health care for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) professionals. Some access to counselling services is available, but these services do not always meet the needs of EMS personnel.
Our objectives cover the four focus areas of knowledge, awareness, resilience and support, articulated as follows:

  • Strengthen the existing body of knowledge on EMS mental health issues and psycho-social support needs
  • Increase awareness about and support for the psycho-social needs of EMS personnel
  • Enhance the resilience of EMS personnel to function optimally in a stressful work environment
  • Provide appropriate, effective and accessible mental health services to EMS personnel.

Responsibilities:
Being in the start-up phase, ECHO-NOVA requires active and committed board members who are able to contribute to building and strengthening the organisation. Key responsibilities of the Treasurer include:

  • Coordinate and ensure financial oversight and provide guidance for organisational financial management practices, structures and systems.
  • Review financial reports, budgets and annual audits.
  • Provide guidance and advice on funding strategies and sources, budgets, and financial decisions.
  • Support the CEO in developing and implementing a financial sustainability plan.
  • Provide financial administration and management capacity building to ECHO-NOVA staff

Requirements:

  • Proven experience in financial management and accounting – preferably a registered CA
  • Familiar with accounting for non-profit organisations
  • Understanding of the duties and responsibilities of non-profit board members – previous board experience is a strong recommendation
  • Ability to identify innovative funding strategies and source potential funders
  • Interest in the EMS, health, safety issues or mental health and psycho-social support
  • Ability to work as part of a virtual team (preferably based in Gauteng or Cape Town area)
  • Compassion and respect for diversity

Board meetings take place quarterly on pre-determined dates, and Board members can participate in person (preferably) or via Skype.
Previously disadvantaged South Africans are encouraged to apply. Applications should consist of:

  • A cover letter, motivating your interest in the position, and demonstrating how you meet each of the requirements for the position (2 pages max)
  • CV (4 pages max) including details of three work-related contactable references (provide telephone/ cell phone and email address)

Please note

  • No late applications will be considered.
  • Incomplete applications may not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • ECHO-NOVA reserves the right not to make an appointment.
  • Board members do not receive any remuneration.

Applications should be directed to the Chairperson of the Board, Mr J.J. Pienaar and submitted to info@echo-nova.co.za by 23h59 on 1st February 2024.