Dear IFSA World,

The Head of Cultural Competencies Sub-Commission position is now vacant, hence we are making an open call to find a candidate.

Position description

Background

Cultural Competencies Sub-Commission aims for a better cultural understanding and inclusion of all members in IFSA.

Tasks

  • Work with IFSA Local Committees to develop the skills needed to improve knowledge of different cultural practices and world views;
  • Identify ways to further develop positive attitudes towards cultural differences and identified sensitivities;
  • Aid IFSA members in developing skills for communication and interaction across cultures;
  • Work with heads of delegations to identify cultural sensitivities for upcoming events and help delegates in appropriately managing them;
  • Work with OC to ensure that there is a provide support and suggestion regarding possible cultural sensitivities at international events.
  • Survey to the participants after the event to point out some sensitivities for improvements

Estimated Workload

  • 2-5 hours per week

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for an IFSA Official position, you first need to ensure that you comply with the requirements.

The application consists of a letter of support from your LC, a motivation letter (max. 800 words) and a video (max. 2 minutes) and needs to be submitted by the 27th of March 2020.

Requirements

In order to apply to an official position you MUST comply with those requirements:

  • You need to be a member of an IFSA Local Committee and either be an active student or have graduated no longer than one year ago.
  • Proficiency in English, as it is the official language of IFSA and therefore the only means of communication between Officials.
  • Good internet connection: given the fact that all the work as an Official is done remotely (especially because of the travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19), a good internet connection is crucial to effectively accomplish your tasks.
  • Access to a Computer or tablet.

Motivation letter

The motivation letter should cover all the following points and be no longer than 800 words. Note that these points correspond to the criteria that are used to evaluate the motivation letter.

  • What is your background?
    • Introduction: name, age, country, university, current studies
    • LC of membership
  • What is your previous experience in IFSA at the international level (participation and/or organization of IFSA international meetings, IFSA partner events, commissioner or official position)?
  • What is your previous experience in IFSA at the regional and local level (participation and/or organization of regional events, activity in own LC, position held in own LC)? [Only relevant for Regional Representatives or applicants without international experience]
  • Why are you interested in applying for this position?
  • What is your understanding of the position you are running for?
    • Role of the position
    • Tasks of the position
    • Functioning of the position within the Department/Commission
  • What are your overall plans for the IFSA term?
  • Consideration of required skills

Video

Record a video (max. 2 minutes) where you introduce yourself and present the main points from the motivation letter.

Some tips for the video:

  • If the video is longer than 2 minutes, just shorten it talking about the key points from your letter; the other points are covered by the letter;
  • Ensure good lighting
  • Make sure the sound is clear and has good volume so the video is easy to understand (no background noise/music)

Application procedure

You must send one email with the subject: Name of position you are applying – Applicant’s name to opencall@ifsa.net with all of the following documents attached:

  1. A verification letter from your Local Committee (LC) signed by the President of your LC, verifying that you are a member of the LC in PDF format.
    In case you are the President of your LC, ask the Vice President to sign it. The headed letter of your LC must be used for the letter. Here you can find a template for the verification letter.
  2. The motivation letter in PDF format (max 800 word).
  3. A video (max 2 minutes)

The deadline for submission is 27th March 2020 23:59 UTC+0.

Applications that do not follow this procedure (eg. late, incomplete or sent to an email address other than opencall@ifsa.net) will not be considered.

In case of technical issues with the submission of the application, please send an email to opencall@ifsa.net specifying the problem that you are encountering.

Both successful and unsuccessful applications will receive an answer within 10 days after the deadline. In this timeframe, candidates can be contacted for an online interview.

For any questions please email vicepresident@ifsa.net.

Good luck with your application,

The IFSA Board