January 2016
Position Profile – New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
(members and Chair)
Appointed by:
Minister of Education
Term:
Up to 3 years (potential for reappointment)
Remuneration:
Up to $8,700 per annum for members (currently $4,350
based on 15 days)
$17,500 per annum for Chair (based on 50 days)
About the National Commission for UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is the United
Nations agency with responsibility for promoting cooperative action between member states in the
areas of education, science, culture, social science (including peace and human rights) and
communication and information.
The National Commission is the main channel of cooperation between New Zealand and
UNESCO. It fulfils New Zealand’s obligations as a member state, manages New Zealand’s
relationship with UNESCO, maintains activities in support of the UNESCO mandate and provides
advice to Government on UNESCO matters.
The functions of the Commission are to:
advise the government and its agencies on all matters relating to UNESCO and on any
matters referred to it by the Minister, including the composition of New Zealand’s
delegations to UNESCO’s General Conference and other UNESCO meetings
serve as a first point of contact for UNESCO in New Zealand and to undertake a
programme of activities which promotes UNESCO objectives in New Zealand
act as a conduit for contributing New Zealand leadership and expertise to the work of
UNESCO and to represent New Zealand’s views and positions on UNESCO-related
matters
facilitate the engagement with UNESCO of New Zealand’s government agencies and non
governmental organisations, institutions and individuals, including through funding support
and the establishment of sectoral sub-commissions and networks
provide a governance structure and strategic direction for the work of the National
Commission
approve an annual work plan for consideration by the Minister and to report to the Minister
at six monthly intervals on progress against agreed objectives
assist with the recruitment and appointment of suitably qualified New Zealanders to
UNESCO positions internationally
assist the Pacific sub-region to derive full benefit from its engagement with UNESCO.
Workload, remuneration and term of appointment
The National Commission meets in Wellington around four times a year. Attendance at UNESCO
events and communication between meetings is also expected.
Position Profile – National Commission for UNESCO January 2016
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January 2016
Members receive a fee of up to $8,700 per annum for an assumed commitment of 30 days per
year for meeting attendance and other National Commission business. Fees are set in accordance
with the
Cabinet fees framework. The fee is payable in two parts:
- $4,350 per annum, based on 15 working days per year paid in monthly instalments of
$362.50
- Any additional work beyond 15 days at a rate of $290 per day.
The Chair receives a fee of $17,500 per annum (based on 50 days).
Members and the Chair are entitled to reasonable and actual allowances for travelling and other
expenses relating to performing their duties and responsibilities.
Appointments are for terms of up to three years. Members and the Chair may be considered for
reappointment when their term expires, up to a maximum of six years.
Position purpose
The National Commission for UNESCO provides advice to the New Zealand Government on its
relationship with the international organisation. It manages a programme of activities nationally and
sub-regionally which supports NZ membership and promotes UNESCO objectives.
Skills profile
National Commission members are expected to have:
proven skills and expertise, professional standing and established contacts and networks
in the cultural sector and/or other UNESCO's programme areas (education, natural
science, social sciences, communication and information)
experience in working across and between sectors
governance and financial acumen
international experience and/or empathy with the ideals of the United Nations
an understanding of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and its implications for the
work of the National Commission
a commitment to a strong multi-cultural society.
Responsibilities of all members
Members are responsible for the following:
To collectively determine the National Commission’s policies and strategic direction
To collectively guide the work of the Secretariat
To collectively govern the National Commission’s Crown appropriation
To provide specialist advice on the development of UNESCO international programmes
and strategic direction and New Zealand’s engagement with those programmes
To provide leadership in the sectoral area of UNESCO’s programme for which they have
responsibility
To identify activities for inclusion in the National Commission’s work plan and budget which
further UNESCO objectives in the New Zealand and Pacific contexts
To engage as appropriate with government and non-governmental agencies with a direct
involvement in the sector concerned
To contribute to New Zealand’s responses to consultations on UNESCO planning
processes, in particular UNESCO’s strategic plans and quadrennial programmes and
budgets
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January 2016
To provide advice on the selection of participants in UNESCO activities and on applications
for funding
To participate as appropriate in events and functions involving the National Commission.
Additional responsibilities of the Chair
The Chair is responsible for the following:
To provide leadership to the National Commission
To liaise with the Minister and Ministry of Education on matters relating to the National
Commission and its Secretariat
To ensure the full implementation of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Ministry
and the Commission
To provide leadership and support to members of the National Commission
To convene and chair meetings of the National Commission and other meetings as
required
To provide guidance and support for the secretariat staff in carrying out their duties
To take a leadership role in the co-ordination of New Zealand responses to consultations
on UNESCO planning processes in particular UNESCO strategic plans and quadrennial
programmes and budgets
To identify and manage risk to the National Commission in NZ and internationally
To ensure prudent management and use of Crown financial resources allocated to the
Commission
To report to the Minister of Education six-monthly on implementation of the National
Commission’s work programme
To maintain relationships with Ministries and Departments whose core business is relevant
to UNESCO’s mandate
To represent the National Commission at functions and events within NZ and overseas
where required
To maintain lines of communication with the NZ Embassy in Paris and the UNESCO Office
in Apia
To participate in the NZ delegation to UNESCO's biennial General Conference including
leadership of the delegation as required.
Resignation or removal from office
A member may, at any time, resign from office by notifying the Minister and the Chair in writing.
Any member, including the Chair, may be removed by the Minister by written notice.
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