Rukhshana Media is seeking exceptional trustees to join our Board.

Founded by Editor-in-Chief Zahra Joya to tell the stories of women and girls in Afghanistan living under Taliban rule, Rukhshana Media is a digital news outlet, producing content in Dari/ Farsi, Pashto and English online and via social media. Through courageous journalism, Rukhshana Media report on both the challenges and resilience of Afghan women and girls, while ensuring their experiences are seen and heard by audiences around the world.

As we continue to grow our impact and strengthen our organisational foundations, we are looking for trustees who share our commitment to media freedom, human rights, gender equality and public-interest journalism.

Crucially, we need trustees who have the time to dedicate to this appointment.

About the Role

As a trustee, you will play a vital role in overseeing the governance, strategic direction and sustainability of the organisation. Working alongside fellow board members and the executive team, you will help ensure that Rukhshana Media operates effectively, remains financially sustainable, and continues to fulfil its mission in an increasingly challenging environment.

We are seeking individuals who can contribute specialist expertise and are willing to take an active role in board committees and areas of responsibility.

The Board meets quarterly, with meetings typically held in-person in London and simultaneously online. Candidates not in the UK, with international experience, would be considered. Trustees will also be expected to contribute between meetings, providing support and oversight through committee work and strategic discussions. Input into fundraising, and supporting Zahra Joya in funder meetings, could be required as opportunities arise.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from candidates with previous trustee or non-executive board experience. A commitment to our mission, sound judgement, and a willingness to contribute time and expertise, is important.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with professional experience in one or more of the following areas:

Compliance and Governance

Experience in charity governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, or organisational policies and procedures.

Legal

Qualified legal professionals or those with significant legal expertise, particularly in charity law, employment law, contracts, data protection, or international human rights.

Accounting and Finance

Professionals with financial management, accounting, audit, budgeting or financial oversight experience who can support robust financial governance and sustainability.

Marketing, Communications and PR

Individuals with expertise in brand development, public relations, audience growth, digital communications, media partnerships, or strategic communications.

Fundraising and Bid Writing

Professionals experienced in grant applications, institutional fundraising, donor engagement, bid development or income-generation strategies.

What You’ll Bring

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to the mission and values of Rukhshana Media
• An understanding of and interest in the situation facing Afghan women and girls living under Taliban rule
• Strategic thinking and good governance skills
• The time and commitment to attend quarterly board meetings and participate in relevant committees or sub-committees
• An understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing independent journalism and civil society organisations.
• The ability to work collaboratively and constructively as part of a board
• Integrity, sound judgement and a willingness to provide constructive challenge and oversight.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about independent journalism and believe your experience could help Rukhshana Media thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Please note this is a voluntary board position and does not attract remuneration.

Please submit your CV together with a brief statement outlining your interest in the role and the expertise you would bring to the Board, including the time you could give to this important work. Please email your application to info@rukhshana.com. The deadline for submitting applications is August 14, 2026.

Rukhshana Media welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and representative Board.