Australian Delegation to the 54th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (Beijing +15)
Indigenous Delegate Application Applications close 6 November 2009 The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the highest international meeting on gender equality and women's empowerment with representation from countries around the world. It meets annually in New York in March.
In 2010 the CSW meeting will mark the 15 year review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, also known as Beijing +15. The review is intended to assess nations' progress towards implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the remaining gaps and challenges towards the goals of gender equality and women's empowerment globally.
During this review, emphasis will be placed on the sharing of experiences and good practices, with a view to overcoming remaining obstacles and new challenges, including those related to the Millennium Development Goals. UN Member States, representatives of non-governmental organisations and UN entities will participate in the session.
The Australian Government Office for Women is seeking applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to participate in the meeting in 2010 and the Beijing +15 review. Two Indigenous Australian delegates will be chosen to be part of the official Australian delegation.
This is an opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge around the Australian Government's engagement at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. It will also provide an opportunity for you to share your views, issues and experiences relating to Indigenous Australian women and communities. Further information on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and its review process can be found at
FaHCSIA website (www.fahcsia.gov.au) and
UN website: Fourth World Conference on Women Airfares and accommodation for the 54th session of CSW in New York will be funded by the Australian Government Office for Women.
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Role Description - Indigenous Delegate
The successful candidates for the roles of Indigenous Delegates will be closely involved in the lead up to CSW, during CSW and in the post-CSW discussions. Throughout their involvement with the Australian delegation, the successful candidates will be expected to exercise discretion and will be required to agree to terms of confidentiality while acting in this role.
Pre-CSW/Beijing +15
Prior to attending CSW in New York:
- The delegates will participate in discussions and meetings to assist Australia's preparation for CSW. This may involve participating in roundtable discussions in Canberra prior to CSW.
- The delegates will have the opportunity to provide views or advice to the Australian delegation on current issues about Australia's progress towards the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPFA) in Indigenous Australian communities and more broadly.
During CSW/Beijing +15
- The delegates will accompany the Australian delegation to the 2010 meeting of CSW in New York, 1-12 March 2010, providing advice to the delegation on areas of relevance or concern particularly regarding Australia's implementation of the BPFA from an Indigenous perspective. The delegates will share any experiences and knowledge about issues specifically related to Australia's progress towards the implementation of the BPFA within Indigenous communities with members of the Australian delegation.
- The delegates will participate in events and sessions held at CSW as part of the Australian Delegation and liaise with other government and non-government officials and community members as appropriate.
- The delegates will learn and develop knowledge and skills from other members participating at the CSW events.
- All members of the Australian delegation will be required to perform various tasks as required, to support and facilitate the delegation's involvement at CSW.
- The delegates will take notes on useful information at CSW shared by other participants and work with their community and/or the Office for Women to share them with Indigenous communities upon their return to Australia.
Post-CSW/Beijing +15
- Upon their return, the delegates will attend one post-CSW roundtable. The post-CSW roundtable will provide an opportunity to discuss and share views on the outcomes of CSW/Beijing +15 and how Australia can move forward.
- Delegates will also be asked to produce a short paper on their involvement in the Australian delegation to CSW and their perspective on the outcomes of the session, as well as ideas on how to improve on the involvement of Indigenous delegates at future CSW sessions.
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Lodging an application
To lodge an application for the position of Indigenous delegate for the Australian delegation for the 2010 meeting of CSW/ Beijing +15 please provide:
- Your Resume;
- Covering letter which includes telephone, email and postal contact details;
- Claims against the selection criteria below; and
- Telephone contact details of two referees who may be interviewed as part of the selection process.
As part of the selection process, short listed applicants may be contacted for an informal telephone interview.
Applicants should note the selection process will proceed quickly and only a few days notice may be given for the informal telephone interviews.
Applications are due on
6 November 2009. Applications should be sent to Jacqui Thomson by email or by post to the addresses below.
Email address: Jacqui Thomson (jacqui.thomson@fahcsia.gov.au)
Postal address:Jacqui Thomson
International Section
Australian Government Office for Women
PO Box 7576
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610
If you have any queries, please contact Jacqui Thomson in the International Section, Australian Government Office for Women on (02) 6212 9528.
Selection Criteria – Indigenous Delegates
Please address the selection criteria set out below, noting that each criterion carries the same weighting. Please limit your response to a maximum of
300 words per criterion and include specific examples. Either paragraph or bullet point format is acceptable.
- Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting Indigenous women in Australia and capacity to contribute to advice on these issues for the Australian delegation to CSW/ Beijing +15.
- Well developed written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated leadership experience including working with Indigenous communities.
- Willingness to share experiences and learn, including well developed liaison and networking skills.
- Please tell us why you would like to be involved in the Australian delegation to CSW/ Beijing +15 in 2010, how this will benefit your development as a leader in your community and what strengths you can bring to the Australian delegation in the capacity of Indigenous Delegate.