Guernsey’s Overseas Aid & Development Commission is inviting applications for Islanders interested in serving as Commissioners.
The Commission will have three vacancies from August 2022 following the end of the terms of three of its six voluntary Commissioners. The initial term is four years with Commissioners appointed by the States on recommendation by the Commission.
It is an unpaid role but one which is both interesting and rewarding and provides an opportunity to make decisions that will have a real and enduring impact on the lives of some of the world’s poorest communities.
The Commissioners are required to apply their experience of development aid and professional knowledge to help ensure that the annual grant the Commission receives from the States is used to support projects that will offer a sustainable improvement of the basic needs of those living in poverty in the world’s least developed countries. The role does not involve overseas travel.
It would be an interesting and exciting role for any local residents with an active interest in third world issues, especially development aid. The current Commissioners bring a large range of skills to the Commission’s work including direct experience of working in a least developed country, professional experience in medicine, water, tertiary and health education, and legal matters, active participation with an established development aid charity and expertise in project management and good governance. The Commission would be particularly interested in applications from local residents with development aid
experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Medicine
- Education, especially within primary or secondary schools
- Micro-finance and community savings programmes
- Engineering, especially in relation to solar power and hydrology
- Climate change and mitigation of its impact;
- Legal matters
Deputy Chris Blin (pictured), the President of the OA&DC, said: “If you have experience of the developing world and aid, this is a relatively rare opportunity to use this expertise and skills in Guernsey. As well as helping the poorest countries of the world you will also be playing an active role in your own community. It always impresses me the depth of experience we have in such a small Island and I am sure I also won’t be disappointed on this occasion.
“The Commissioners will assess grant aid applications and also have the opportunity to consider and support new overseas aid initiatives, including providing guidance and putting forward ideas based on their own knowledge and professional expertise.”
Judy Moore, Commissioner and current Vice President, said: “I feel that being a Commissioner has enabled me to use my experience to guide the decisions made in relation to the distribution of Guernsey’s aid budget on behalf of the Island population. Opportunities to discuss projects with my fellow Commissioners and to meet representatives of local and national charities, combined with research into the areas we have been asked to support, have enabled
me to develop my understanding of the needs and priorities of communities less fortunate than ourselves. It has been a privilege to contribute towards improving the lives of people in some of the least developed countries in the world.”
Further information on the role can be obtained by contacting David Way, the Commission’s Principal Officer, on Tel 01481 223404 or by emailing verseasaid@gov.gg. Information is also available here.
Applications should be made by submitting a letter of application by the deadline of 4.00pm on Friday 13th May 2022.
