CHAIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS
As outlined in the GNSO Working Group Guidelines, the purpose of a chair is to call meetings, preside over working group deliberations, manage the process so that all participants have the opportunity to contribute, and report the results to the chartering organization. These tasks require a dedicated time commitment as each call has to be prepared, the agenda concretized, and relevant material has to be reviewed.
The chair shall be neutral. While the chair may be a member of any group which also has representation on the EPDP Team, the chair shall not act in a manner which favors such group. The chair shall not be a member of the PDP Team for purposes of consensus calls.
In addition, it is required that interested candidates have considerable experience in chairing working groups. Direct experience with at least one GNSO policy development process throughout its lifecycle would be an advantage. Familiarity with the functioning of a working group is important to understand the various leadership skills that are necessary to employ during a WG's lifecycle. For example, a chair has to ensure that debates are conducted in an open and transparent matter and that all interests are equally represented within the discussions. During the later stages of a working group when recommendations are drafted, a chair will benefit from understanding the viewpoints of various members to ensure that an acceptable and effective outcome – ideally in form of consensus – can be achieved.
In short, the EPDP Team chair is expected to:
- Attend all EPDP Team meetings to ensure continuity and familiarity with the subject matter and the ongoing discussions.
- Prepare for meetings by reading all circulated materials.
- Be familiar with the subject matter, including but not limited to GDPR and data protection laws. Actively encourage participation during the calls.
- Be active on the EPDP Team mailing list and invite EPDP Team participants to share their viewpoints.
- Drive the EPDP Team forward and assure that discussions remain on point.
- Work actively towards achieving policy recommendations that ideally receive full consensus.
- Ensure that particular outreach efforts are made when community reviews are done of the EPDP Team's output.
- Underscore the importance of achieving overall representational balance on any sub-teams that are formed.
- Encourage and, where necessary, enforce the ICANN Standards of Behavior. Resolve any conflicts in a timely manner.
- Coordinate with ICANN org and ensure that the EPDP Team is supported as effectively as possible.
- Conduct consistent, timely reporting to the GNSO Council on the progress of the EPDP.
Finally, as also pointed out the in GNSO Working Group Guidelines, "appointing a co-chair(s) or vice-chair(s) may facilitate the work of the chair by ensuring continuity in case of absence, sharing of workload, and allowing the chair to become engaged in a particular debate." As a result, similar tasks and skills are expected from vice chairs, although the overall workload may be reduced as a result of being able to share this with the chair.
REQUIRED OR HIGHLY PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
To express interest in this role, please submit an Expression of Interest that answers the following questions:
- What is your interest in this position?
- What particular skills and attributes do you have that will assist you in chairing the EPDP?
- What is your knowledge of the Temporary Specification for gTLD Registration Data, EPDP Team's Phase 1 and Phase 2 work, and associated challenges and requirements particularly as it relates to the EPDP?
- What is your experience in and knowledge of the GNSO policy development process, ICANN's consensus policies, ICANN's registry agreements, and the Registrar Accreditation Agreement related to gTLD registration data?
- Are you able to commit the time required and necessary work needed to chair the EPDP?
- Conflict of Interest Statement: do you have any affiliation with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial or non-financial interest in the subject matter of this EPDP?
- Please also include:
- A link to an up-to-date Statement of Interest (SOI).
- A statement confirming your commitment and ability to act neutrally.
Expressions of Interest are to be submitted to EOI-EPDPTeam-chair@icann.org by Friday, 13 November 2020 at 23:59 UTC.
TIME COMMITMENT
The EPDP Team is expected to have regular calls at least once a week, although it may be necessary to hold calls more frequently if need arises. In addition, the chair is expected to participate in regular planning calls with the ICANN org support team. Within three months of reconvening, the chair of the EPDP Phase 2A Team and GNSO Council liaison to the EPDP will report back to the GNSO Council on the status of deliberations. This report is expected to include an update on progress made and the expected likelihood of consensus recommendations. The GNSO Council will then decide on next steps. This could include providing additional time for the EPDP to finalize its recommendations or termination of the EPDP if it is clear that no progress is being made or consensus is unlikely.
SELECTION PROCESS
Application materials will be reviewed by the GNSO Council leadership and will not be shared publicly. Names of applicants, including the recommended candidate, will be shared with the GNSO Council for its consideration. The Council leadership is expected to provide its recommendation to the GNSO Council in time for the next scheduled GNSO Council meeting on 19 November 2020.
Additional questions and inquiries can be sent to EOI-EPDPTeam-chair@icann.org.