Scholarship 2012 @ Commonwealth in the UK

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Scholarship 2012 @ Commonwealth in the UK

Department for International Development (DFID) is currently seeking to appoint five members of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is a non-departmental public body, responsible for delivering the UK’s contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. It achieves this through providing (mainly postgraduate) scholarships and mid-career fellowships to around 700 individuals from throughout the Commonwealth each year. The CSC also nominates UK candidates for scholarships to study in other Commonwealth countries. The CSC receives funding from the Department for International Development, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Scottish Executive, and most UK universities.

There are 15 Commissioners, drawn from a range of academic, development, diplomatic and private sector backgrounds. Their roles are to:
provide policy direction and oversight
monitor the effectiveness of awards.
ensure appropriate structures for governance and accountability
select recipients of awards through selection committees held in February and March of each year.

THE CORE REQUIREMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS ARE TO:
attend full Commission meetings (normally three half days per year)
contribute actively to at least one Commission committee (currently finance, awards policy, external liaison, evaluation, and audit and risk management)
play an active role in the selection process, which should involve attending at least one selection committee meeting each year, totalling 2-3 days’ work including reading time
In addition, Commissioners are actively encouraged to participate in policy discussions between meetings and to attend events with award holders, such as the annual Welcome Programme. The CSC’s secretariat is based at the Association of Commonwealth Universities, in Tavistock Square, London. Most (but not all) meetings are held in London locations.

Applications are invited from a range of backgrounds, and in all cases knowledge of international development issues and higher education is desirable. A number of further skills are being especially sought to ensure that a balanced range of expertise remains available to the CSC. Candidates with backgrounds in public diplomacy or the private sector, or with extensive knowledge of Commonwealth issues are also particularly encouraged to apply.

In addition to the qualities listed above, candidates should have the ability to work well in a team environment, to analyse complex information, and to contribute towards strategy development and implementation. An empathy with individuals from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds is also helpful. Specific skills, such as experience of legal issues, finance, governance, evaluation, human resources, or marketing would also be helpful, but are not likely to be the main requirements of the position.

Positions are for a term of three years in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for one further term. In accordance with legislative requirements, Commissioners must be UK citizens.

The positions are unremunerated, although Commissioners receive an honorarium (currently £250, but under review at the moment) in respect of each selection meeting attended. Travel and subsistence costs are reimbursed.

INFORMATION PACK AND APPLICATION FORMS
http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/commissioners-info-pack-2012.doc

TO APPLY
Please complete and return all forms in hard copy to the following address:
Dr John Kirkland
Executive Secretary
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United Kingdom
c/o The Association of Commonwealth Universities
Woburn House
20-24 Tavistock Square
London, WC1H 9HF
UK

Applications should arrive by 17.00 (GMT) on 13 April 2012. Applications may be submitted by email to john.kirkland@cscuk.org.uk by 17.00 (GMT) on 13 April 2012 but hard copies should also be sent to arrive by the same deadline.

Interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place in London in the week of 30 April 2012. Appointments will be made by the Secretary of State for International Development, following an interview process involving DFID staff, current Commissioners, and an OCPA Assessor.