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Call for Volunteers for the Third Review of ICANN Accountability and Transparency (ATRT3)

01-Feb-2017 | Source : ICANN | Visits : 5119
LOS ANGELES - Represent the global stakeholder community by participating in ICANN Reviews. Apply to join the team of global experts that will help improve the transparency and accountability of ICANN, and ensure it meets its commitments to the global community.

ICANN is seeking volunteers to serve on the third review of ICANN Accountability and Transparency (ATRT3). To apply, please click here [PDF, 2.78 MB] to fill out your Statement of Interest. You may also print out the Statement of Interest form and submit it to reviews@icann.org.

Candidates are asked to submit their application materials by Friday, 21 April 2017, 23:59 UTC. All applications and supporting materials will be published as they are received on the public ATRT3 wiki page.

Context and Chronology

The specific objectives for the Accountability and Transparency (ATRT3) Review are to review ICANN's execution of its commitment to maintain and improve robust mechanisms for public input, accountability, and transparency so as to ensure that the outcomes of its decision-making reflect the public interest and are accountabile to the Internet community.

ICANN's Accountability and Transparency Review originated under the Affirmation of Commitments in 2009. Effective 1 October 2016, ICANN's obligation to conduct this review was incorporated into ICANN Bylaws. The composition of the Review Team will be determined by the ICANN community. For more information, please see Section 4.6. of the ICANN Bylaws.

More information is included in the "Background" section below to provide an overview of events leading up to this Call for Volunteers.

Scope of the Accountability and Transparency Review

The ICANN Bylaws mandate that the community conduct a periodic Review to assess how ICANN is executing its commitment to maintain and improve robust mechanisms for public input, accountability, and transparency. This ensures that the outcomes of its decision-making reflect the public interest and are accountable to the Internet community. The focus of the ATRT3 Review may include, but is not limited to, the following:
Assess and improve Board governance which may include an ongoing evaluation of Board performance, the Board selection process, the extent to which the Board's composition and allocation structure meets ICANN's present and future needs, and the appeal mechanisms for Board decisions contained in the Bylaws;
Assess the role and effectiveness of the GAC's interaction with the Board and with the broader ICANN community; make recommendations for improvements to ensure effective consideration by ICANN of GAC input on the public policy aspects of the technical coordination of the DNS;
Assess and improve the processes by which ICANN receives public input (including adequate explanation of decisions taken and rationale);
Assess the extent to which ICANN's decisions are supported and accepted by the Internet community;
Assess the policy development process to facilitate enhanced cross community deliberations, and effective and timely policy development;
Assess and improve the Independent Review Process; and
Assess the extent to which prior Accountability and Transparency Review recommendations have been implemented and the extent to which implementation of such recommendations has resulted in the intended effect.

Compensation

ATRT3 Review Team members will not receive compensation from ICANN for their service on the team. However, travel, meal and lodging costs for Review Team members who participate in Review Team meetings will be reimbursed upon request in accordance with ICANN's community support travel guidelines.

Responsibilities

Review Team members will have the following general responsibilities:
Participate in creation of charter documents for the Review Team;
Select appropriate performance indicators and benchmarks;
Consider public, ICANN Organization and Board input and incorporate it as appropriate in Review Team recommendations;
Determine whether additional data or analysis is needed and participate in an ensuing provider selection, if necessary, in accordance with ICANN procurement practices;
Provide timely updates to the community on the status of the Review Team's work;
Analyze findings;
Draw conclusions based on findings, develop useful, feasible and implementable recommendations;
Provide guidance on prioritization of recommendations and definition of desired outcomes;
Post the Draft Report of the Review Team for public review and comment;
Deliver a Final Report of the Review Team;
Designate several Review Team members to participate in the implementation planning work that follows the delivery of the Final Report of the Review Team and Board action on the recommendations.

Skills and Experience

To compose a well-balanced Review Team, ICANN seeks members who, in the aggregate, possess the following skills and experience:
Performance assessment and audits
Good governance and board performance
Performance measurement
Process improvement
Knowledge of recognized frameworks for organizational excellence
Principles of accountability applicable to organizations broadly similar to ICANN

Desired Attributes

Applicants should possess the following professional and personal attributes:
Commitment and time to participate
Multistakeholder community understanding
Team spirit, adaptability, consensus-seeking attitude
Willingness to learn
Readiness to contribute
Capacity to reason objectively, putting aside personal opinions or preconceptions
Analytical skills
Good communication skills using multiple methods and tools
Methodology, Budget and Support

ICANN will provide the Review Team with a clearly articulated review budget. Throughout the Review, the Review Team will periodically report on its progress related to planned schedule and budget.
ICANN organizational support will be made available to the Review Team. Support will include assistance with project management, organization of work, documents and activities, and sharing of tools and best practices for conducting an effective review.

English is the working language of the Review Team. Key communications and documents will be translated in accordance with the ICANN Language Services policies [PDF, 277 KB].
 
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