The Chair of the Elections Committee of the International Co-operative Alliance has advised CMC that the call for nominations for the role of President of the Alliance is now open. Dame Pauline Green announced her decision to retire at the close of the ICA General Assembly in Antalya, Turkey, on 13 November 2015 and the ICA is now seeking a successor to serve the remaining 2 years of the current mandate.
The term of the elected President will run from the close of the General Assembly in Antalya until the next regular elections according to the four-year Board cycle, i.e. the elections at the General Assembly in 2017.
Under ICA Bylaws, the President is ‘the chief representative of the Alliance and presides over the General Assembly and Board’. S/he also ‘provides the policy and organizational leadership of the Alliance, in collaboration with the Director-General’.
Nominations can be accepted only from members in good standing. CMC is seeking expressions of interest from members as possible nominees for the ICA Presidency. Please note that CMC must nominate candidate(s) by 13 September 2015.
The Alliance President traditionally has been very engaged with members, traveling frequently to represent the Alliance at member conferences and events. S/he participates in all of the regional assemblies and regularly in regional board meetings. The responsibilities may include the President’s participation in policy-setting bodies, such as representing the Alliance at the United Nations and other inter-governmental organisations.
Representative attributes the President should possess include:
- Commitment to co-operative values and principles
- Experience and responsibility in a multi-national, multi-cultural, multi-lingual organisation
- Leadership presence and ability to represent the organization with global leaders as well as with individual co-operators
- Track record of co-operative leadership including governance
Requirements of the President include:
- Commitment of significant time to duties
- Ability to carry out extensive global travel
- Commitment of nominating member to cover required expenses
Historically, the post has been self-funded and the President was required to attract independent or host country funding for travel, any support staff, and any honorariums. Going forward, the Alliance will prioritize the allocation of funds from its core budget to cover in part only the travel expenses of the President for Alliance business. The intention is for this amount to provide for the President’s travel needs, other than travel to required global Board meetings, although the President will need to manage this fund judiciously. No compensation or salary is paid by the Alliance.
Please contact CMC Director of Corporate Affairs Madeleine Brillant at extension 225 for more information
mbrillant@canada.coop