Unlocking Potential: A Unique Opportunity to Join Reall as an Academic Trustee

Reall is a leading global innovator and investor dedicated to transforming urban landscapes in Africa and Asia by driving climate-smart, affordable housing for people with low incomes. Our mission transcends beyond just building homes; we are creating a future where underserved households can thrive in green, resilient dwellings-empowering individuals to unlock potential in areas such as gender equality, climate resilience, clean energy, and socio-economic justice.

This is your chance to bring your academic expertise and leadership to a UK-based organization at the forefront of international development, finance, and emerging markets, with a commitment to sustainable urbanization.

About the Role

Reall is seeking a UK-based Academic Trustee to provide strategic oversight and leadership across critical sectors-including affordable housing, climate, gender, financial inclusion, and emerging markets. Your contributions will help us achieve our ambitious goals, ensuring that innovation and evidence-based research drive our mission and mandate.

This position offers experienced academics the opportunity to significantly enhance Reall’s reputation and credibility in global data-driven initiatives while playing an impactful governance role in building a future of equitable housing worldwide.

What We’re Looking For

Candidates should align strongly with Reall’s values, vision, and mission. Key qualifications and experience include:

• Academic Leadership: Senior-level research expertise, particularly in areas such as climate resilience, gender, financial inclusion, and international development.
• Engagement in Africa and Asia: Proven experience working in and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in African and Asian markets.
• Governance Experience: A minimum of three years’ experience as a board member or trustee in a not-for-profit organization, social enterprise, or equivalent role.
• Technical Skills: Background in risk management, HR, organizational development, and diversity and inclusion practices.
• Commitment to Reall: Strong dedication to actively participate in governance responsibilities while helping inspire and engage stakeholders.
• Communication & Networking: Exceptional communication skills to advance Reall’s mission, both internally with Board members and externally with key stakeholders.

Advice for Applicants: Applying Through an International Education Lens

This is not just a trustee position; it’s an opportunity to use your global academic experience to make a lasting impact. If you’re passionate about international education and development, here’s how to strengthen your application:

1. Align Your Academic Expertise: Clearly showcase how your research aligns with Reall’s work in climate resilience, gender equality, financial inclusion, or sustainable housing. Highlight specific projects or contributions that demonstrate your impact in solving issues facing urban communities in Africa or Asia.

1. Highlight Global Experience: Reall operates in diverse and complex emerging markets. Emphasize any cross-cultural collaborations, fieldwork, or initiatives you’ve led in these regions. If you’ve navigated challenges in African or Asian contexts, share specific examples in your CV or cover letter.

1. Demonstrate Governance Skills: Reall values governance expertise, especially within not-for-profit organizations or social enterprises. Highlight your experience in governance-related roles, including board membership, risk management, strategic planning, or organizational development.

1. Showcase Your Commitment to Development: Make a clear connection between your academic vision and Reall’s mission. Why does affordable and sustainable housing matter to you? How does your research emphasize equity and inclusion for underserved communities?

1. Tailor Your Application for Impact: Ensure your cover letter addresses the competencies outlined in detail on the job description and recruitment pack. Use actionable language to demonstrate how your skills will directly contribute to Reall’s ambitious goals.

Practical Requirements

This role is based in the UK, and candidates must have the right to live and work in the country to be eligible. Trustees are expected to dedicate sufficient time and effort, including attendance at board meetings-starting with the first on 22nd September.

How to Apply

To apply, submit the following:

• A CV: Include comprehensive details of your key achievements and responsibilities, focused on the areas relevant to Reall’s mission and the Academic Trustee role.
• Cover Letter: Address all competencies outlined in the recruitment pack, highlighting your alignment with Reall’s values, mission, and technical requirements.

Applications close at 5:00 PM on Sunday, 29th June. Download the full Recruitment Pack for Academic Trustee from the Reall website to ensure your submission is well-informed and impactful.

This is your chance to take your academic influence beyond publications and classrooms-making a tangible difference in underserved regions and driving sustainable global change