Appointees to the Civil Society Advisory Governors

Background and invitation process

The Commonwealth Foundation has a tradition of involving civil society in its governance structure. The Foundation’s Board of Governors comprises representatives of its member states and five seats are reserved for representatives of civil society. The CSAG Terms of Reference can be downloaded at the link at the bottom of this page.

The selection process for the five Civil Society Advisory Governors is now being undertaken. This is in line with the Foundation’s memorandum of understanding and in conjunction with the Terms of Reference as approved by the Board of Governors. Expressions of interest will be invited from civil society leaders on the basis of:

• • Familiarity with the Foundation and its work;
  • Activity in civil society within their countries, regions, constituencies or sectors;
  • Extent of experience in participatory governance and networking and operating at national, regional and international levels;
  • Knowledge of one or more of the Foundation’s Strategic Outcome Areas;
  • Experience of relationships and dialogue with their governments or other institutions in governance such as donors or the private sector;
  • Willingness to give their time and advice and participate in meetings on a voluntary basis, with agreed costs covered and defined expenses reimbursed.

When submitting an expression of interest, these must be accompanied by two references – one from a peer and another from a previous manager.

Expressions of interest received will be reviewed by the Deputy Director-General, the Chair of the Foundation’s Executive Committee and the Foundation’s Human Resources Manager, with selected nominees being presented to the Foundation’s Board for approval in June 2019. Appointed Civil Society Advisory Governors will serve a two-year term that will run from July 2019 to June 2021.

All submissions, questions, comments, requests for clarifications must be sent to cf-recruitment@commonwealth.int no later than the closing date of 5 June 2019 6pm GMT.

Download CSAG terms of reference 2019