Australian Delegation to the 54th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (Beijing +15)
Community Sector 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 community sector representatives to participate in the official Australian Government delegation to CSW in 2010 in the capacity of an NGO adviser on Australia's progress on the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
The Community Sector Delegate will be an important member of the Australian delegation, providing high level advice to the delegation from a non-government perspective, acting as a liaison point between Australian NGOs and the delegation, and attending specified sessions and diplomatic functions as an official member of the delegation. Delegates will work together with other members of the Australian delegation including representatives from the Office for Women, who will be responsible for taking decisions and co-ordinating the delegation throughout CSW.
Flights to and from New York and accommodation for the CSW meeting in 2010 will be funded by the Australian Government Office for Women.
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Role Description – Community Sector Delegate
The successful candidate for the role of the Community Sector Delegate 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 candidate will be expected to exercise discretion in particular instances, and will be required to agree to terms of confidentiality while acting in this role.
Pre-CSW/Beijing +15
In preparation for CSW, the Community Sector Delegate will be required to:
- Provide the Australian delegation with advice on Australia's progress towards the implementation of the BPFA.
- Liaise with key Australian Government and community stakeholders in the lead up to CSW in order to inform the preparation of the Australian Delegation to CSW.
- Participate in discussions and meetings to assist Australia's preparation for CSW. This may involve participating in roundtable discussions in Canberra prior to CSW.
During CSW/Beijing +15
During CSW, the Community Sector Delegate will:
- Accompany the Australian delegation to the 54th session 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 a non-government perspective.
- Actively contribute to the performance and capacity of the Australian CSW delegation. This will include attending briefings, side-events, forums, and other events, providing daily briefings to the Australian delegation on events attended, and performing additional tasks as requested.
- Provide timely advice to the head of the delegation, and other members of the delegation during CSW.
- Act as a conduit between the Australian delegation and Australian NGO's attending CSW independently, where required.
Post-CSW/Beijing +15
Following CSW, the Community Sector Delegate will be expected to share their experience with the Australian NGO community. This will include:
- The production of a discussion paper detailing the outcomes of the 54th session of CSW, relating them to the Australian context.
- Attend and contribute to one post-CSW roundtable in Canberra to discuss the outcomes of CSW, and how Australia can move forward.
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Lodging an application
To lodge an application for the position of Community Sector Delegate for the Australian delegation for the 54th session of CSW/ Beijing +15, please provide:
- Your Resume;
- Covering letter which includes telephone, email and postal contact details;
- Claims against the selection criteria detailed 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 a telephone interview.
Applicants should note the selection process will proceed quickly and only a few days notice may be given for the 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- Community Sector Delegate
Address the selection criteria set out below, noting that each one carries the same weighting. Please limit your response to a maximum of
300 words per criteria.
- Capacity to contribute to the Australian CSW delegation in an active and constructive way as an NGO adviser on Australia's progress towards the implementation of the BPFA.
- Demonstrated highly developed communication skills, both oral and written, to effectively communicate complex matters to a diverse audience including Australian Government representatives and the Australian NGO community.
- Ability to be an effective liaison point between the community sector and the Australian CSW delegation.
- Demonstrated specific knowledge of issues relating to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and its implementation in Australia and/or internationally. An understanding of the international context would be beneficial.
- Demonstrated knowledge of international instruments and forums for the advancement of women, particularly the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
- Ability to build capacity and knowledge within the Australian NGO community by sharing your experience and promoting CSW outcomes within the women's NGO sector on return to Australia.