[Ip-health] UNITAID NGO delegation: Call for applications for NGO alternate board member

[Judit Rius Sanjuan]

--
Rob Doble from Oxfam UK asked KEI to share this announcement with ip-
health readers.  For more information or the attachment contact him
directly, cc copied in this email.


>
> CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
>
> The NGO delegation to the UNITAID Board is looking for
> a new Alternate NGO Board member (unpaid position)
> Closing date: MONDAY 2ND MARCH 2009 (1PM GMT)
> (Applications to RDoble@oxfam.org.uk)
>
>
> Please see full terms of reference and application process annexed
> below and in attached document but below is summary:
>
> About UNITAID:
>
> UNITAID is an international institution working against AIDS, TB and
> malaria. Its main job is to reduce the prices of drugs and
> diagnostics used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria, in
> order to make easier to provide treatment for more people. Since its
> inception, UNITAID has generated a 50% reduction in the price of the
> most expensive HIV medicines.
>
> To learn more about UNITAID, please visit www.unitaid.eu
>
> The Position:
>
> The NGO delegation to the Executive Board of UNITAID
> (www.unitaid.eu) is looking to appoint a new Alternate Board Member
> to represent NGOs.
>
> The alternate will work with the NGO board member, liaison officer
> and advisory group to work to represent not themselves or their
> organisation, but the whole constituency of NGOs involved in the
> fight against the three diseases. Therefore, delegates need to be in
> regular interaction with other people in their constituency who
> follow the specific issues that UNITAID deals with, and to receive
> from them input to convey to the UNITAID Board, as well as give them
> feedback about what is going on in UNITAID.
>
> The term of service is two years (March/April 2009-2011) and the
> next Executive Board Meeting will be May 2009. Please note this is
> an unpaid position but travel costs will be covered by the UNITAID
> Secretariat.
>
> How to apply:
>
> 1: Send in your application
> Candidates to become the new NGO alternate board member will submit
> a concise application (only the first 5 pages in the application
> will be considered) that contains the following:
>      Filled-out Application Form ( maximum 2 pages  =96 see form below
> and attached)
>     Short Narrative ( maximum 2 pages ) outlining your understanding
> of UNITAID and your vision for its future; your NGO or community
> linkages, in    terms of relevant experience (particularly in
> southern and developing countries); and the most significant
> capabilities you would bring to the Board that address the specified
> criteria (see criteria below and attached).
>     Short Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining experience ( maximum 1
> page )
>
> Attached to the application needs to be:
>      1 letter of reference from your own organization, or closest
> affiliated organization, agreeing to the 25% workload and
> international travel involved (1 page only).
>     2 letters of reference from relevant organizations other than
> your own (1 page per reference letter only);
>
> The reference letters must be signed and on letterhead. Note that
> only the 3 references requested will be utilized, additional letters
> will not be considered.
>
> Please email applications to:
> Robert Doble
> UNITAID Board Civil Society Delegations Liaison Officer
> E-mail: rdoble@oxfam.org.uk
> Tel: +44.1865.473.508
>
> 2: Confirmation of short listing
>
> The UNITAID Civil Society Delegations Liaison Officer will contact
> short listed candidates to set dates for a phone interview with the
> selection panel.
>
> 3: Telephone interview
>
> The UNITAID Civil Society Delegations Liaison Officer will arrange a
> telephone conference with the selection panel; the panel members
> will ask you questions about yourself, UNITAID, its intervention
> areas, and Board member work. When all the short listed candidates
> have been interviewed, the panel with deliberate and come to a
> decision.
>
> Step 4: Get the results
> The Liaison Officer will notify the selected candidate, and announce
> it on a great variety of constituency listserves (see list in
> annexed documents attached).
>
>
> ANNEX 1: SELECTION CRITERIA FOR THE NGO ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBER
>
>
>
> Based on the UNITAID Board functions, the selection panel for the
> NGO Alternate Board member will look for the following qualities in
> candidates:
>
> UNITAID-specific requirements:
> Essential:
> -     Technical knowledge of issues related to access to drugs and
> diagnostics in developing countries, and especially market-related
> issues: prices, quality, formulation adaptedness, delivery lead
> times, demand sustainabilization, etc.
> -     Understanding of blockages to treatment access scale-up, and
> of the role of commodity market problems in these blockages (at
> global or national level)
> -     In-depth knowledge of the needs of people living with the
> diseases, especially from a gender and vulnerability perspective,
> and of issues facing NGOs fighting the diseases (at global of
> national level)
>
> Desirable:
> -     Understanding of HIV, TB and malaria commodity procurement and
> supply  issues (at global of national level)
> -     Understanding of the political environment of global health
> initiatives  including UNITAID, Global Fund, International Health
> Partnership, PEPFAR and GAVI, and of issues related to financing for
> development (at global of national level)
> -     Understanding of intellectual property  determinants of access
> to health products (at global of national level)
>
> Requirements common to Boards of all global fight initiative:
> Essential:
> -     Has time and ability to carry out the tasks derived from his/
> her role as a Board member
> -     Possess written assurance from employer regarding availability
> of up to 25% of working time for Board related duties for at least 2
> years.
> -     Fluent in written and spoken English (additional languages are
> preferred)*
> -     Knows how to work via computer and email
> -     Has strong experience in advocacy work
> -     Has influence/negotiation skills, as well as strategic
> thinking, ability to prioritize
> -     Is able and willing to recognize gaps in own abilities when
> new work requirements arise, and to seek out and enlist outside help
> in order to fill these gaps
> -     Is able to act within a team setting
> -     Is significantly rooted in an organization that can facilitate
> communication and liaison, as well as provide consultation and support
> -     Has minimum 3 years experience in civil society work in 1 or
> more of the 3 disease areas
> -     Is gender and vulnerability sensitive; has good skills in
> gender and vulnerability analysis
> -     Continuous access to internet-connected computer and
> international telephone
>
> Desirable:
> -     Has experience of campaigning and media work
> -     Ability to speak multiple languages (especially French)
> * UNITAID Board documentation will generally be provided in English
> (large volume), and group discussions will be in English.
>
> Length of terms:
>      The solicited position is for 2 years (with possibility to
> apply for vacant Board member position)
>     The position is subject to a performance review that is
> conducted on a yearly basis, which outcomes are binding and may
> cause either the Alternate or the Board Member to have to step down
>     Previous experience with the Delegation and participation in
> Civil Society Advisory Group and Civil Society Contact Group is an
> asset
>     A Call to Join the Contact Group will be issued annually through
> relevant listserves to encourage future candidates to get involved
> in the delegation=92s work before applying for the Board position.
> Membership is however always open to anyone interested in joining by
> contacting the Liaison Officer.
>     Board Member and Alternate select members of the Civil Society
> Advisory Group through an informal assessment process based on
> expressed interest and commitment to UNITAID and the civil society
> delegations=92 and the necessary level of expertise.
>     The selected candidate is expected to continue support to the
> Delegation after the end of his/her 2-year mandate at the Board
>
> This process is intended to ensure that selected candidates are well
> versed in the mechanics of UNITAID, prepared to effectively
> represent NGOs at the UNITAID Executive Board and are willing to
> share their expertise after the end of term.
>
> ANNEX 2: FULL TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE POSITION
>
>
>
> An NGO member of the UNITAID Board represents the viewpoint and
> needs of NGOs involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and
> malaria, concerning the UNITAID and the issues it deals with (see
> background information about UNITAID).
>
> In particular, UNITAID NGO Board members actively promote UNITAID
> decisions that:
> 1.     Respond to the needs of people living with the diseases, NGOs
> fighting the diseases, and programs to provide care to people living
> with the diseases;
> 2.     Lead to responsible and efficient use of the resources
> channelled through UNITAID, and through other channels as well;
> 3.     Have a positive impact on resources available to pre-existing
> essential institutions fighting the three diseases, such as the
> Global Fund;
> 4.     Advance the global fight against the three diseases, through
> facilitating the use of compulsory licensing of drug patents to
> ensure generic competition in the market for HIV/AIDS, TB and
> malaria drugs and diagnostics; financing UNITAID through additional
> funding; and supporting evidence-based, comprehensive HIV prevention
> programs for all;
> 5.     Maximize the accountability of UNITAID to people living with
> the diseases, to NGOs fighting the diseases, and to programs
> providing care to people living with the diseases.
>
> The role of an Alternate is that of a volunteer - there is no
> payment for participating.  Travel and per diem costs are covered by
> the UNITAID Secretariat. Previous NGO Board members have found that
> the position can demand 25 to 50% of their working time.
>
> Board Functions
> For a full list of Board Functions please take a look at UNITAID=92s
> Bylaws and Constitution which can be found at http://www.unitaid.eu/index=
.php/en/Governance.html
>      Determine, modify, and approve UNITAID=92s objectives, scope and
> workplan;
>     Consider, approve, monitor partnership arrangements with other
> organizations and institutions
>     Nominate and participate in the performance review of the
> Executive Secretary
>     Monitor UNITAID=92s progresses and approve its annual report
>     Review the annual financial statement prepared by the
> Secretariat and approve the budget
>     Establish conditions for additional donors and other contributions
>     Approve financial commitments
>     Set operational guidelines, work plans and budgets for
> Secretariat and Expert Advisory Group
>     Establish a framework for monitoring and periodic independent
> evaluation of performance and financial accountability of activities
> supported by UNITAID
>     Monitor conflict of interest and transparency policies as
> appropriate
>     Develop and implement strategic agenda regarding UNITAID in
> consultation with NGO constituency;
>     Represent the NGO constituency on policy, strategy, and
> implementation issues regarding UNITAID
>     Participate in committees and working groups of the Board.
>
> Mandate and working methods
>      Participate fully in all meetings of the UNITAID Executive
> Board, including Board retreats
>     Read all relevant documents prior to a Board Meeting to ensure
> effective input in the decision-making process
>     Participate in teleconferences and other means of communications
> among NGO delegation and Communities Delegation, NGO community,
> networks and other Executive Board delegations
>     Vote on all necessary electronic Board decisions
>     Maintain a focus on issues of interest and importance to the
> community and NGO movements
>     Seek input from the constituency on issues being considered by
> the Board prior to its meeting;
>     Consult with and report to a broader community of NGOs and CBOs
> and communities living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, malaria and
> tuberculosis before and after Board meetings
>     Represent the interests of UNITAID as necessary, both within the
> constituency and to external stakeholders
>
> *Main language of UNITAID and the NGO delegation is English, and
> group discussions will be in English but many discussions and large
> volume of documentation also in French.
>
> Cessation of Appointment
> An NGO (Alternate) Board member will cease to be a member if:
>      He/she resigns;
>     He/she no longer has an employer who is supportive of the time
> commitment required or he/she no longer has links to the
> organizations that secured his/her nomination and/or selection to
> the Board;
>     He/she is unable to perform the agreed upon tasks;
>     He/she is unable to work with the other NGO Board members as
> part of a team;
>     The outcomes of the performance review is that the person=92s term
> is discontinued, or
>     If a conflict of interest is declared.
>
> ANNEX 3: LISTSERVES WHERE RESULTS WILL BE POSTED
>
>
>
> The result of the selection, as well as the composition of the
> panel, will be announced (1 month maximum after the application
> closing date) through the following listserves.
>
--
[ mime-attachment.jpeg of type image/jpeg deleted ]
--
>
>
> ANNEX 4: APPLICATION FORM
> APPLICATION FORM
> to join the NGO delegation to UNITAID as Alternate Board member
>
>
> Applicants will answer the following questions:
> Name
> Country/city where you live
> Organisation of affiliation: name and short description.
> Position in organisation
> Issues, diseases or populations about which you work focuses
> Age
> Gender
> Email(s) and telephone number(s)
> There are 4 to 5 UNITAID meetings per year: will you be able to
> reserve 2 to 3 days days prior to each meeting for preparation (not
> counting travel)?
> Between UNITAID meetings, will you be able to spend an average 5
> hours per week on your Board-related duties?
> Are you fluent in spoken and written English ? Will it be easy for
> you to make written and spoken comments on Board documents ?
> Do you work well via computer and email ?
>
>
> Please describe your knowledge or experience in the following areas,
> using examples:
> Access to drugs and diagnostics in developing countries, and
> especially market-related issues: prices, quality, formulation
> adaptedness, delivery lead times, demand sustainabilization, etc.
> The blockages to treatment access scale-up, and of the role of
> commodity market problems in these blockages (at global or national
> level)
> The needs of people living with the HIV/AIDS, TB and/or Malaria,
> especially from a gender and vulnerability perspective, and of
> issues facing NGOs fighting the diseases (at global of national level)
> HIV, TB and malaria commodity procurement and supply issues (at
> global of national level)
> The political environment of global health initiatives including
> UNITAID, Global Fund, International Health Partnership, PEPFAR and
> GAVI, and of issues related to financing for development (at global
> of national level)
> Intellectual property determinants of access to health products (at
> global of national level)
> Advocacy work (please give examples of targets, issues, methods)
> Any additional knowledge or experience area that you feel might be
> particularly relevant for this work
>
> [PLEASE DO NOT EXPAND THIS APPLICATION FORM, ONCE FILLED OUT,
> FURTHER THAN THE CURRENT 2 PAGES, NOR REDUCE THE FONT SIZE.]
>
>
>
>
> Rob Doble
> Liaison officer, Civil Society Delegation to UNITAID Board
> Research officer, Access to Essential Services, Oxfam GB
> Telephone:    +44 (0)1865 473508
> Mobile:            +44 (0)7825 215849
> Email:              RDoble@oxfam.org.uk
> Skype:             'robdoble'

> Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering.
>
> Oxfam GB is a member of Oxfam International and a company limited by
> guarantee registered in England No. 612172.
> Registered office: Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Cowley, Oxford,
> OX4 2JY.
> A registered charity in England and Wales (no 202918) and Scotland
> (SCO 039042)

Judit Rius Sanjuan
Attorney
Knowledge Ecology International / Essential Information
www.keionline.org / www.cptech.org
Phone: +1.202 332 2670, ext 18