Do you think that the accountability of international CSOs such as Plan International, Care, or Greenpeace International is of increasing importance? Would you be interested in joining a small group of internationally-recognised experts with backgrounds in development, human rights, business and academia, who play a key role in strengthening CSOs accountability? Then consider applying to join Accountable Now’s Independent Review Panel! 

Background

Accountable Now is a global cross-sector platform made up of development, humanitarian, environmental, rights-based and advocacy organisations and networks. Currently, 26 Member CSOs form Accountable Now, together with a large number of their national entities. Our Members commit to fulfilling Dynamic Accountability practices to go beyond compliance and truly create impact in the civil society sector. 

Accountable Now Members are required to report annually following a new approach to accountability reporting that is global and timely and delivers comparable data in plain language. Our reporting framework has been prepared in consultation with the Independent Review Panel, Secretariat and a review committee of five Members. 

We are currently seeking someone to join our Independent Review Panel (IRP). The IRP reviews member CSOs’ reports in line with the 12 accountability commitments and introduces a more impact-oriented, timely, and flexible reporting process. IRP assessments are made public and members have described how these assessments have triggered a significant improvement in their organisations (see CIVICUS’ and Educo’s reporting journeys). The IRP adds great value to the reputation of Accountable Now as an independent and robust accountability mechanism. You can find all members’ reports and the relevant feedback from the IRP on our website. 

We particularly need people who have had very considerable experience in CSO governance, gained in leadership roles either in major NGOs, in standard-setting CSO networks (such as national or international CSO associations), or in an academic comparative analysis of CSO governance. 

Key tasks and workload

Annual reports of 26 Accountable Now members have to be individually assessed. The Accountable Now Secretariat pre-screens the reports with regard to the completeness of the provided information and a preliminary assessment of their quality. A small group of two IRP members (from 8 members in total) is formed to give a detailed quality assessment of member reports, which ensures the credibility and integrity of the reporting process. 

Throughout the year, each IRP member is requested to review 4-6 reports and to have a high-level understanding of the remaining reports. 

This, together with occasional virtual and face to face IRP meetings, requires the equivalent of around 7 days of work per year. 

Requirements

A motivated Panel member should have the following profile: 

• Considerable experience and knowledge of international CSOs 
• A strong interest in driving improvements across the sector with regard to transparency and accountability 
• Strong sense of ownership for assigned areas of responsibility 
• Reliable and able to work collaboratively online 
• Experience serving on the board of an international CSO, and/or experience with the business world, is desirable 
• Experience and knowledge of environmental protection is desirable 

Qualified female applicants, as well as candidates from the global south and Indigenous Peoples, are strongly encouraged to apply, as these backgrounds are currently underrepresented. 

Terms and conditions

Workload: Ca. 7 days per year 

Salary: None – this is a voluntary position (travel and accommodation for face-to-face meetings is covered) 

Location: Global/Remote 

Term limits: Three-year term from the date of joining the Panel (with the possibility of extending for one additional three-year term) 

Application 

Your application should consist of a CV and cover letter expressing your motivation (in English). It should capture why you are a suitable candidate for the Independent Review Panel and tell us something about how you would like to shape this position. Please send it by email in one PDF document, stating your name and “Independent Review Panel” in the subject line, to Accountable Now’s Membership and Reporting Manager, Hector Payo ([email protected]). 

The deadline is 12 July 2020. In case of any questions, please get in touch via the same email address. 

We look forward to receiving your application!