NATIONAL COMMISSIONS FOR UNESCO

1. NATIONAL COMMISSIONS FOR UNESCO New Secretaries General 26th February to 2nd March 2007

2. THE MANDATE • UNESCO’s Constitution • The Charter for National Commissions • The consequences

3. EFFECTIVENESS • Governance – a governing body, a constitution, policies, quality assurance, reporting, communication. • Management – implementing and managing policy delivery, reporting on outcomes and achievements, risk management.

4. PROBLEMS • Who is the Chair? • The size of the National Commission • Clearly stated job descriptions • Formal structures • Lines of Communication and reporting

5. Attributes of the Chair of a National Commission • Leadership • Vision • Chairmanship – a knowledge of Standing Orders • Knowledge • Speaking ability • Organisational Skills

6. Essential Tasks of the Chair • Commitment, Time and Energy • To Chair meetings of the Commission and attend standing committees • To liaise with the Secretary General • To engage with Ministers, ministries and government departments • To liaise with partners and NGOs • To oversee the preparation of the Budget for the National Commission

7. To maintain open communication with the Permanent Delegation in Paris • To ensure reports on the Executive Board and General Conference go to Ministers • To oversee and contribute to an Annual Report for the National Commission • To represent the National Commission at functions and to lead activities organised by it and UNESCO

8. To attend conferences of interest to UNESCO within the Member State • To provide leadership and to represent UNESCO’s position on important issues • To ensure that the Member State is represented at international conferences by competent, knowledgeable people • To receive and action communications from HQ and FO

9. Who is this person? • A bit of a boss • Someone who smiles – says please and thank you and well done or could do better • Expects action and efficiency • Has good networks • Leads a team, has the time and • Establishes good relationships