Call for applications: The International Advisory Committee to work with the Power of Pride Program

(*) Apply through this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IACPOP2020 by 1st September

Background

The Power of Pride Alliance is a consortium of three organisations, ILGA-Asia, Pan-Africa ILGA and COC Netherlands, that has been invited to enter into a Strategic Partnership with the Dutch government for the next five years (2021 – 2025). The main aim of the program is WORKING TOWARDS DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETIES WHERE LGBTI PEOPLE CAN PARTICIPATE TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. This is based on a Theory of Change developed after broad consultations in the movement. The program will support LGBTI groups, initiatives, and organisations in the Asian and African regions. 

Our vision on working with local organisations is closely linked to our goal of ensuring that LGBTI can participate to their full potential. Consequently, LGBTI and their organisations play a central role in the shaping of our program. We work inside-out, supporting LGBTI CBOs in their efforts to bring about change from within their own communities.We aim to transform asymmetric power relations and challenge systemic exclusion, discrimination and oppression. In line with that the Alliance is setting up an International Advisory Committee and inviting candidates from the PAI and ILGA-Asia regions to help us shaping and implementing our program in line with those principles.

Mandate

The international advisory committee (IAC) will be part of the governance structure of the Power of Pride alliance and the main body advising the alliance on planning, implementation and decision-making processes of the program.

The IAC will maintain an overview on strategic governance processes of the alliance and ensure that the interventions and ways of working of the alliance are in line with their core working principles as formulated in the Vision document.

The IAC applies their knowledge and experience to inform the alliance about the main trends, gaps and needs in the broader LGBTI movement.

The IAC can give solicited and unsolicited (open) advice, which must be considered by the Alliance members according to the IACs own Rules of Procedures.

Roles & responsibilities

The International Advisory Committee consists of 10 to 12 members, of which at least 75% are LGBTI identified.

The Committee will be established during the program development phase and will function for the full duration of the program.

The IAC will meet four times per year at most, but with a minimum of at least two meetings. Meetings will be held online, with a possibility of one physical meeting per year.

The role of the Committee is to provide the Program Team with advice on all aspects relating to the implementation of the programme to ensure this is in line with the interests of the partners in the program, the Theory of Change and the Vision, and supports the advancement of LGBTI human rights and the movement globally.

The committee’s areas of advice are:

  • Development of the program proposal to be submitted to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Implementation of the Vision & strategy of the alliance (ToC) 
  • Financial and program management – structures and reporting processes
  • Agenda-setting, decision-making and program management of the consortium
  • Advocacy strategy
  • Grant-making structures 
  • Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, including mid-term and end evaluation
  • Selection of themes/topics for the learning agenda
  • Communication and public outreach strategy
  • Partner involvement in decision making
  • Sustainability and innovation
  • Integrity and conflicts of interest related to stakeholders of the PoP program

In practice

The IAC will work in close collaboration with the program team. They can reach out to any of the working groups depending on their area(s) of interest. One member of the program team will assist at each committee meeting and the preparation of the agenda. The program team will ask the committee for their advice on relevant issues. In addition, the committee can give unsolicited advice on a relevant area to the program team. The program team will communicate to the Committee how it’s dealt with the advice and with what follow up steps. Advice and communication with the program team are internal by nature and confidential.

The Committee members have the following responsibilities: 

  • To attend online and in-person committee meetings and engage in online conversations or email exchanges with committee members and program team
  • Develop internal rules of procedures and decision making 
  • Elect co-chairs of the committee as well as a secretary from among the members
  • Consult with partners 
  • Contribute to discussions and internal conversations on planning 
  • Writing recommendations & advice reports
  • To select and appoint new members on the committee
  • Adhere to the Vision and principles, including conflict of interest, of the alliance

One committee meeting will be linked to the finalisation of the annual work plan to be submitted to the Dutch Ministry. This could be a physical meeting.

Commitment & remuneration:

Committee members must be able to commit to attend and actively participate in 4 meetings per year, of which 3 online and 1 in-person meeting. Online committee meetings last approximately 2 to 3 hours. Time outside of meetings must also be spent on correspondence, reviewing materials, research, and consultation. Preparation time for all meetings is required. Members are expected to spend an average of 50 hours per year on this as well as 4 or 5 days (including travel) for the in-person meeting.

A member who is absent from more than two consecutive formal meetings without a leave of absence is deemed to have resigned.

Members will receive a remuneration of 250 Euro per meeting, based on attendance, as well as travel expenses, including per diem, to attend the in-person meetings. 

Timeframe

Members serve on the Committee for a two-year term and can both be from partner organisations and non-beneficiaries in the Power of Pride program. Of the first committee composition selected half will stay on for a term of 3 years and a half will step down after 2 years to ensure a smooth transition and continuity to new committee members afterward. The first Committee is expected to begin on 15 September 2020.

Structure of the IAC

  1. The Power of Pride Alliance is seeking to set up an International Advisory Committee representing a wide diversity of identities, expertise, competencies, and skills as well as organizational types and levels of operation from within the LGBTI community.
  2. The Power of Pride Alliance will do so by publishing an open call for expressions of interest for candidates to submit their nominations. The alliance will also reach out and encourage known individuals in their network to apply.
  3. The Governance working group will review all applications based on the list of qualification criteria below and will make a shortlist for the program team to approve the final list of candidates.(*) Apply through this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IACPOP2020 by 1st September

Membership participation/qualification criteria:

  • Diversity: The alliance is inviting candidates from diverse backgrounds within the LGBTI movement, with a particular emphasis on those less visible and more vulnerable communities due to intersecting forms of discrimination. 
  • Demonstrable experience and knowledge: Candidates have at least 3 years of demonstrable experience of LGBTI work in their country or region, and must have an understanding of working with multiple types of stakeholders, including allied governments, donors, other NGOs and activists.
  • Youth participation: to encourage meaningful participation of young activists and leadership development, the alliance is particularly welcoming applications from candidates under 30 (UN definition).
  • The alliance is inviting more junior staff (paid/unpaid) of partner organisations to apply instead of heads of organisations.
  • Network & representation: Individuals must be active in the LGBTI movement and able to demonstrate strong ties and recognition with the communities they work in.
  • Balance of geographical/operational level: Activists/individuals from both local grassroots organizations, country-level, and inter-regional/global actors are invited.
  • Organizational type: Candidates can come from formal or informal organisations or initiatives, established as well as new initiatives.
  • Language: Ability to communicate verbally and in written in English and/or French

Conflict of Interest: 

Committee members will need to act in line with the alliance’s code of conduct and declare any possible conflict of interest at the start of their term as well as at the start of a meeting in relation to agenda items where this may arise. Members cannot be involved in conversations that may impact or involve their organisations directly.

(*) Apply through this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IACPOP2020 by 1st September

Deadline:

If you are interested in contributing to the International Advisory Committee and play a role in the implementation of an international LGBTI program, please submit your candidacy by 1 September the latest by filling out the questionnaire. Make sure to address the criteria as mentioned above.

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Mahnoor Ch, also known as Moon, is a prominent advocate for gender rights, HIV awareness, and social justice in Pakistan. As a development practitioner, social scientist, and gender rights expert, she brings extensive experience and a multidisciplinary approach to her work. In her role as Program Director at the Khawaja Sira Society, she has led impactful initiatives, including the Multi-Country South Asia Global Fund Project. Her contributions have earned her several accolades, such as the Community Hero Award and formal recognition from both the Governor of Punjab and the President of the United States.

Beyond her leadership in community-based projects, Mahnoor has served as a trainer and technical expert, providing guidance on national policy development for the National AIDS Control Program and conducting training sessions for law enforcement in Lahore and Rawalpindi. She also plays a key role on the steering committee of the Global Fund Advocates Network for the Asia-Pacific region, helping shape global strategies for health and rights advocacy. Currently, Mahnoor is a member of the Prime Minister’s Counsel in Pakistan, advising on high-level policy decisions. She also works as a community-based implementing partner with UNDP, ensuring HIV prevention and treatment services are accessible to marginalized populations. Her unwavering dedication to equality and justice continues to inspire meaningful change across Pakistan and beyond.

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Shane (he/they) is a non-binary disabled activist and Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) consultant. They also serve on the advisory panel of Access For Everyone and are on the Global Advisory Board of a MHPSS and QMU project. Shane’s advocacy focuses on trans and disability issues, working to destigmatize conversations about mental well-being in these communities. Their journey reflects resilience and a commitment to breaking down societal barriers, with eight years of experience in the non-profit sector.

Shane’s notable projects include making regional LGBTIQ+ conferences more accessible, hosting a roundtable on the intersectionality of LGBTIQ+ and disability, creating a media publication featuring photos of LGBTIQ+ disabled individuals and a project to enhance the competency of suicide hotline crisis workers on LGBTIQ+ and disability issues.

With over a decade of work experience, Shane has been featured in the media, on blogs, podcasts and video interviews. Additionally, he has authored an e-book named A11y: A guide to accessibility for employers. Their expertise stems not just from their work experience, but also lived experience. In 2024, they were involved in developing the Kathmandu Charter for the rights of people with lived experience of mental health conditions, a never done before initiative.

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Aisha Mughal

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Joyce Teng

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Khine Su Win

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Khine Su Win is a health professional, medical doctor, researcher, trainer and human rights advocate with a profound focus on Global Health. Her career is anchored in the cause of capacity building among marginalized communities in various regions of Asia including South East Asia, South Asia and East Asia.

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Sean Sih-Cheng Du

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Chitsanupong "Best" Nithiwana

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