Call for applications | expressions of interest in Blind Citizens (December 2022)

World Blind Union Country Delegate Positions
Rose Wilkinson, Chief Executive

Blind Citizens NZ is New Zealand’s country member to the World Blind Union (WBU). The number of delegates (representatives) assigned to country members is based on the country’s population. As New Zealand’s country member to the WBU, Blind Citizens NZ holds two delegate (representative) positions. While each of these positions differs in terms of the status given to them, it is important to recognise the work these two delegates carry out is complementary and requires them to work together. Each of the two positions must be held by an Ordinary Member (voting | financial) of Blind Citizens NZ.

The Board is calling for applications for the primary Delegate | Representative position and expressions of interest in the secondary Delegate | Representative position. The status of these two positions is explained below. The closing date for both positions is 9am Friday 10 February 2023. You can apply for one or both positions. However, if applying for both positions you are required to submit separately for each position.

At its February meeting, the Board will finalise its approach and timeline towards addressing each of the two delegate positions. This will be conveyed to those who have submitted applications and | or expressions of interest. The Board will also determine the term of office for each of the two positions i.e. one to three years.

Applications – Primary WBU Representative | Delegate Position

Applicants must be aware the successful person appointed to the ‘primary’ position, if they are not already on the Board of Blind Citizens NZ as an elected member in their own right, that they will be co-opted to the Board. This is a constitutional requirement which in turn means the successful person becomes a Board Member and is obliged to attend Board meetings etc. The point of reference for this constitutional provision is Rule 6.3 “Co-opting Additional Board Members”. 

Applicants should be certain to request in the first instance, the position description. It is also advisable to obtain a copy of the position description for Board Members. Each of these documents set out the respective skills, requirements and attributes the Board believes necessary for the person in this role. Applicants shortlisted for this position will be interviewed by a sub-committee of the Board of Blind Citizens NZ. 

Expressions of Interest, Secondary WBU Representative | Delegate Position

When submitting an expression of interest in the secondary position, please be certain to request the position description from our National Office. This sets out skills, requirements and attributes the Board believes necessary for the person in this role and should be aligned to your expression of interest. As set out in the position description there are reporting requirements to the Board of Blind Citizens NZ. However, there are no governance implications – these apply only to the primary position. Interviews are not a requirement of those people submitting an expression of interest in the secondary position.

Where to send applications and expressions of interest: these are to be submitted to Blind Citizens NZ’s National Office via either of the following two options: