NGO Coordinator - urgent - circulated 8/2/00
Expressions of interest required by Wed 9.2.00Dear all,
This is an urgent and important message about NGO participation in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women meeting in New York from 28 February to 18 March 2000 ("CSW").
This message deals with three matters
1. appointment of an NGO coordinator to assist Australian women's preparation for and participation in CSW and Beijing Plus Five;
2. funding of NGO participants to CSW;
3. NGO delegates in the government delegation to CSW.
1. NGO Coordinator
Also see belowExpressions of interest for the position of part time NGO coordinator are due by close of business on Wednesday 9 February. The position description is attached or can be obtained from Michelle Beg, YWCA (ph 02 62 30 5150).
The NGO Coordinator will be selected by a working group comprised of representatives from CAPOW, the Women's Rights Action Network of Australia, the Australian National Council for Refugee Women and the YWCA. The working group will assist in the development of a work plan for the NGO Coordinator and in advising the NGO Coordinator.
2. Funding for NGO participants
Also see belowExpressions of interest for financial assistance to attend CSW are due by close of business on Friday 11 February. Indigenous women, women from non English speaking backgrounds and women with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Information, selection criteria and conditions are set out below or can be obtained from Michelle Beg, YWCA (ph 02 62 30 5150).
If more than five applications are received, the applications will be referred to a working group comprised of representatives from the National Women's Justice Coalition, the Association of Non English Speaking Background Women of Australia, the Endeavour Forum and the YWCA.
The working group will forward the applicants' names to the Office of the Status of Women which will recommend two applicants to the Minister. The Minister will make the final selection.
These criteria, conditions and process were formulated in consultation with the working group.
3. NGO Delegates on the Australian delegation
Also see belowExpressions of interest are sought from NGO representatives to participate on the Australian government delegation to CSW. These are due by close of business on Friday 11 February.
Information, selection criteria and conditions are set out below or can be obtained from Michelle Beg, YWCA (ph 02 62 30 5150).
If more than five applications are received, the applications will be referred to a working group comprised of representatives from the National Women's Justice Coalition, the Association of Non English Speaking Background Women of Australia, the Endeavour Forum and the YWCA.
The working group will forward the applicants' names to the Office of the Status of Women which will recommend two applicants to the Minister. The Minister will make the final selection.
These criteria, conditions and process were based on Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Guidelines and formulated in consultation with the working group.
Please contact Michelle Beg or Susan Brennan of the YWCA if you need further information. We apologise for the late notice and short timeframes, which are due to circumstances beyond our control. Please try to make the most of this opportunity to ensure strong participation from a diverse NGO sector in CSW.
All the best,
Susan Brennan
YWCA
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR NGO REPRESENTATIVES TO OBTAIN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCESelection criteria
1. the capacity to represent a broad range of women's interests or the interests of a special group of Australian women (eg indigenous women; women with a disability; women from a non English speaking background) which will not be represented at CSW/Beijing Plus Five;
2. the potential to participate effectively at CSW/Beijing Plus Five;
3. limited resources to fund a representative to attend CSW/Beijing Plus Five;
4. the capacity to network broadly with the NGO sector.
Conditions for participation
1. representatives will be required to attend training in UN processes;
2. representatives will be required to produce a report to the government and to the NGO sector;
3. the ability and willingness to report back to the NGO sector.
SELECTION CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS FOR NGO PARTICIPATION ON THE AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION
Selection criteria
1. the capacity and willingness to reflect a broad range of women's interests in Australian society;
2. the ability to be an effective liaison point between the NGOs and the Australian delegation;
3. experience in international processes (including UN fora) and good negotiations skills;
4. the ability to contribute to the work of the delegation and represent government policy.
Conditions for participation
1. delegates will be required to sign a letter that binds the entire Australian delegation to present a single position;
2. delegates will be subject to the direction of the head of the Australian delegation and must adhere to the government's policies on issues under consideration;
3. delegates will be required to meet all related costs to attend CSW/Beijing Plus Five (except under exceptional circumstances)
4. the ability to prepare a written report for the government and report back to the NGO sector
NGO Coordinator The Office of the Status of Women has agreed to fund an NGO Co-ordinator to facilitate NGO preparations for the 44th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women and Beijing Plus Five. Funding will be provided to the YWCA to employ the Co-ordinator and establish an appropriate advisory committee to support the position.This is an URGENT CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST in the NGO Co-ordinator position as it is essential that this person be available to attend the CSW Lobbying Training in Canberra on 14-15 February 2000. Additionally, interested applicants should be available to participate in all or part of the Commission on the Status of Women from 28 February - 18 March in New York. If you are interested in applying for this position, or know of anyone who may be, please forward a brief covering letter addressing the selection criteria outlined below and a copy of your curriculum vitae to natoffice@ywca.org.au or fax (02) 6230 5156 by 6PM WEDNESDAY 9 FEBRUARY, marked to the attention of Michelle Beg.
NGO CO-ORDINATOR
POSITION DESCRIPTION
PERIOD: February – June 2000
HOURS: 20 hours per week
SALARY: $40,000 per annum pro rata
LOCATION: A preference for Canberra but other locations with appropriate infrastructure support will be considered
POSITION OBJECTIVE:
To assist Australian women’s organisations prepare for and participate in the 44th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women and Beijing Plus Five
POSITION ROLE:
- To provide support, information and assistance to Australian women and women’s organisations about CSW44 and Beijing Plus Five
- To liaise with government in the lead up to CSW44 and Beijing Plus Five
- To establish links with other organisations, in the community and business sector, in relation to Beijing Plus Five
- To raise awareness among Australian women of CSW44 and Beijing Plus Five through the co-ordination of Beijing in your Backyard activities
SELECTION CRITERIA
- A working knowledge of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
- Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with women’s NGOs and other relevant stakeholders
- High level written and interpersonal communication skills
- Exceptional networking and organisational skills
- Availability to participate in CSW Lobbying Training, CSW44 and Beijing+5 (please specify in your application whether you will require funding to attend these meetings).
- Previous attendance at the Commission on the Status of Women or the 1995 Beijing Conference or similar event is highly desirable but not essential.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
To discuss the position requirements or any information contained within the position description, please contact Michelle Beg on (02) 6230 5150.