Robert Carr Fund/Call for Nominations – RCF International Steering Committee Vice Chair

Call for Nominations - RCF International Steering Committee Vice Chair

Governance Charter
2025 RCF ISC Vice Chair Call for Nominations

 

Introduction

The Robert Carr Fund (RCF) is a unique pooled funding mechanism that focuses on providing long-term, core, and flexible funding to global and regional community-led and civil society networks in the HIV response. Over the past decade, RCF, as a participatory grant-maker, has been committed to improving the health and rights of inadequately served populations most affected by HIV and inequalities. As a cooperative effort of donors and civil society, the Robert Carr Fund is structured to maximize participation, empowerment, equity, transparency and accountability in our governance, fundraising and grant making.

The Robert Carr Fund works to mobilize and deliver core and strategic funding for regional and global networks to achieve four outcomes:

  • Protecting and promoting human rights
  • Improving access to HIV services
  • Mobilizing and monitoring funding for human rights and health
  • Building capacity of civil society and community networks

Our goal: Improved health, inclusion and well-being for inadequately served populations (ISPs).

The RCF has been impacted by the recent budget cuts, resulting in the halving of grantee partners and a shortened grant cycle. In response, RCF is accelerating its proactive fundraising, deepening strategic partnerships and leveraging our experience and the expertise of our partners to ensure continued support for the critical work of our partners.

RCF has three bodies: the International Steering Committee (ISC), the Program Advisory Panel (PAP) and the Fund Management Agent (FMA) of which the RCF Secretariat is a distinct part. In addition to implementing the work of the Fund, the FMA/RCF Secretariat provides logistic and administrative support to the ISC and the PAP.

The Robert Carr Fund is seeking to select a new Vice Chair to replace the outgoing Vice Chair of the International Steering Committee, who will transition into the Chair role.

Role and responsibilities of the Chair and Vice-Chair

The Chair and Vice-Chair shall be independent of donor and civil society affiliations. As representative of the ISC as a whole, the Chair and Vice-Chair work with the FMA and the Program Advisory Panel (PAP) to achieve the strategic vision of the Fund, providing broad guidance. The general tasks of the ISC are described in the RCF Governance Charter, paragraph 2.1.2.

  1. Guide the ISC and its members in its responsibilities;
  2. Act as the Chair of meetings and teleconferences of the ISC, including sub-committees. The Chair may call upon the Vice-Chair to share the work. The Chair will make sure that members bring their unique perspectives to the table and that policies such as the Conflict of Interest are adhered to;
  3. Ensure adequate time and procedures for informed discussion, consideration and voting on agenda items and decisions of the ISC, including reaching clear decisions and overseeing a vote if consensus is otherwise not reached; in essence, guide decision-making (in line with paragraph 2.1.5 of the Governance Charter)
  4. Facilitate the effective dialogue and interactions  between the ISC and the PAP and the ISC and the FMA/Secretariat;
  5. Act as spokespeople for the ISC to advocate, promote and raise funds for the RCF and its mission;

Maintain effective communication and engagement with relevant stakeholders including partners, donors, implementers and the media  to ensure the ISC adequately addresses the issues and concerns of its wide and diverse range of stakeholders.

Profile

The following competencies of the ISC Chair and Vice-Chair are collectively required:

  1. Experience with Marginalized Communities: Demonstrated experience working with marginalized and disenfranchised communities is essential.
  2. Leadership Experience: A seasoned leader with senior-level decision-making experience in the public, private, or civil society sectors, with a proven ability to lead and unite diverse groups of stakeholders.
  3. Expertise in Global Health and Human Rights: Extensive knowledge and active engagement in international health, with a specific focus on HIV, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), human rights, and other critical global health issues.
  4. Understanding of Grant making Practices: Solid knowledge of participatory grant making principles and pooled funding mechanisms, with experience in managing or overseeing funding processes.
  5. Stakeholder Engagement and Trust-Building: Proven ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and engage with key stakeholders across sectors, particularly in identifying and securing funding opportunities for the Robert Carr Fund (RCF).
  6. Strategic and Financial Acumen: Expertise in strategic planning, financial analysis, risk assessment, and the development of mitigation strategies to ensure effective decision-making and long-term impact.
  7. Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong focus on professionalism, confidentiality, and the ability to represent RCF effectively in various contexts.
    Read more about candidate’s profile, selection process, term and timeline in the Call for nominations.

Interested individuals who fit the profile should send a CV and short motivation letter or email outlining their motivation, fit to the profile and contact details of 2 referees to secretariat@robertcarrfund.org by Monday, 30 May 2025, 10 am CET.