COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP COMMISSION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM:
FIVE MEMBERS AND CHAIR DESIGNATE

Established by Act of Parliament, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is Britain’s largest provider of government scholarships to citizens of other Commonwealth countries to study in the United Kingdom. The Commission makes around 700 new awards each year, ranging from three year doctorates to short professional placements. Over one third of its current award holders are currently studying by distance learning. Our funding (currently over £16 million per annum) comes from the Department for International Development and Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The Secretary of State for International Development now seeks to recruit up to six new members, to take up their posts on various dates between February and June 2008, in order to replace retiring Commissioners and maintain a total membership of fifteen. It is anticipated that one of the new appointees will assume the role of Chair in December 2008, on the retirement of the current Chair. Current members of the Commission may also apply for the post of Chair Designate. In the event that an internal member is successful, then a sixth new Commissioner may be appointed.

Although the Commission meets formally only three times per year, it has an active system of committees in which members are expected to participate. For the Chair, it is expected that a commitment of three days per month will be required, for which an honorarium of £6000 per annum is payable. For other members, an anticipated commitment of fifteen days per year is anticipated, plus attendance at one or two selection meetings, each of which will require a time commitment of 2-3 days. An honorarium of £250 is payable in respect of each selection meeting attended. Members receive reimbursement of out of pocket expenses in addition to any honoraria payable.

Additional commitments (for which honoraria may be negotiated) may be required of those members who assume additional roles, such as Committee Chairs. Equally a reduced time commitment may be negotiated in the case of Commissioners who bring specific high level experience to our work, but who are prevented from wider involvement due to the demand of their current employment.

Given the strong focus of the Commission on development, it is expected that the majority of appointees (including the Chair Designate) will have demonstrable interest in, and experience of, international development issues. Since much of the Commission’s work involves higher education, several successful candidates will also have experience of academic issues and high level university management. Whilst applications are welcome from all subject areas, it is anticipated that at least one appointment will be made in the area of medicine, public health or biosciences. Other desirable background would include experience of Commonwealth affairs or working in Commonwealth countries, financial expertise and knowledge of international relations. Initial appointments will be for a period of three years, with the possibility of renewal for one further, three year, term.

The Commission is an equal opportunities body. Applications are welcomed from all parts of the community, and we actively encourage interest from women, ethnic minority groups and those with disabilities, all of whom are under represented in our current composition.

For more information on these appointments and an electronic application form, visit our website at www.dfid.gov.uk

Alternatively, call 01355 84 3833 or email DFIDRecruitment2@dfid.gov.uk to request an application pack, quoting Ref: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Closing date is 21 December 2007. Interviews will take place after 4 February 2008. Further information about the work of the Commission and copies of its latest Annual Report can be obtained here