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| Catherine A. Bell
Strathavon, South Africa
Age: 40-49 |
Nominated as:
Nominated by: |
Treasurer
South Africa Association |
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| Professional
Field and/or present occupation |
Computer Systems and Training Consultant - Specialist
in Training Project Management for large computer system implementations. |
| Skills
and experience (volunteer and professional) that have prepared you to be an IFUW Board Member |
IFUW: Member of the 2007-2010
Board as Treasurer. During this period IFUW has implemented
a new financial accounting system that includes functional
accounting as recommended by the 2004 Task Force report
and promised at the start of the triennium.
- In 2006 I developed a new dues model for IFUW, proposed
it to the Board and presented it to Conference where it
was approved.
- As a member of the 2004 Task Force, I presented a Board
meeting with a suggested
Implementation Plan for the Task Force Report.
- I participated in the last four triennial conferences
as an occasional alternate voting
delegate, in the Young Members’ group, and in founding
the Next Generation group at
Perth. I was a member of the Credentials Committee in Ottawa,
and helped to organize and run the Workshops Day.
SAAWG: Since joining the South African Association of Women
Graduates as a student
member in 1984 I have held office on national and branch
committees , including as
membership secretary and as treasurer, and have organized
and managed the finances of
conferences.
COMMUNITY volunteer work includes: treasurer of the Old
Girls’ Association of my school, which raises funds
for bursaries, and has raised considerable funds for the
restoration of an historic building; treasurer of Ekutuleni
Anglican Mission, which provides relief for the poor.
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: As manager of training projects for
large corporations, I consult on strategies to implement
large sustainable projects and their short-term preliminary
application.
My particular
expertise is strategic thinking and planning to initiate
projects. I design and
present practical, cost-effective and sustainable solutions,
strictly within the specified time limit and budget. I work
with a staff of from three to forty and an annual budget
of up to
CHF3m, managing budget expenses weekly.
My own business service has set up offices for businesses
moving into South Africa. I also consult on computer systems
designed to enhance efficiency.
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| Experience or knowledge of the United Nations, its specialized agencies and their national commissions |
Little experience prior to my exposure through IFUW.
I have learned about the UN and its specialised agencies
in order to understand better the place of IFUW in the UN
and NGO world, and have followed some of the debates that
are carried by the different bodies. This has lead to a
greater understanding of the UN and its agencies and the
work they do.
Delegate to the World Summit on Sustainable Development
2002, in South Africa. |
| Other relevant skills and experience from the last 10 years relevant to this position |
I try to keep up with world financial trends by
reading local and international financial publications and
newspapers.
Have assisted the SAAWG Aurora project for the past 15 years
with the organisation and finances. |
| Goals for this position and the contribution you believe you can personally make if elected or appointed |
IFUW needs to balance the
requirements of the more established NFAs and members with
the needs and aspirations of the newer affiliates and members
to ensure the goals it sets are supported by all. A multi-pronged
approach to the mission and objectives of IFUW is needed
as a one-size-fits-all solution falls short of most members'
expectations.
Competing for members with other NGOs and professional groups,
IFUW faces problems of ageing and declining membership,
with NFAs questioning the benefit they receive from dues
paid. This makes it imperative to develop new approaches
to attracting and retaining members and publicizing its
work.
IFUW should interact more closely with its NFAs, tapping
their potential more effectively; identify what new “products”
and “services” it could offer to attract a new
generation of members; encourage NFAs to develop programmes
and publicize the good work they do; encourage NFAs to disseminate
news of programmes and achievements so as to inspire each
other; keep members well informed of exactly how IFUW interacts
with the UN.
The financial crisis, coupled with the loss of the Bina
Roy Partners in Development programme as a mechanism for
dues reduction, has led to undue hardship for some NFAs.
In the new triennium IFUW has to seek for new means of funding
beyond dues.
To address these issues, if elected Treasurer I would:
- Investigate new permutations to the dues model.
- Look for funding for projects within the wider community.
- Encourage the development of varying types of programmes
to suit different target populations.
- Look outside of IFUW’s traditional dues base to
develop new income sources.
To survive and grow – and pursue its founding aim
of world peace through education and development in its
widest sense – IFUW can and should introduce modern
methods to create a current agenda
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| What do you see as the role of the Board? |
The role of the Board should be to:
- Ensure effective planning, assist in its implementation
and monitor the plan's goals.
- Provide proper oversight of the finances, including the
investments.
- Support the Secretary General and her staff in the performance
of their duties.
- Ensure the effective functioning of the staff.
- Ensure adequate resources are obtained to achieve the
goals set.
- Balance the policies with the needs of the members to
determine the programmes and services IFUW should provide
to fulfil its mission and ensure that they are delivered,
while considering the vast disparities in income and age
across the membership.
- Identify and highlight areas where IFUW should change
to enhance its attractiveness to potential members.
- Ensure implementation of policies.
- Periodically evaluate their own performance and make adjustments
as required.
- Endeavour, at all times, to enhance the public image of
IFUW by clearly articulating its mission and accomplishments.
- Oversee the proper functioning of all committees and provide
guidance.
- Provide guidance to one another on issues as they arise.
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Board members serve as committee liaisons or have special responsibilities in the following areas: international advocacy, programme, projects, membership, communications, finance, resolutions, fellowshis and assistance to displaced women graduates.
For which of these roles are you most suited and why? |
The Treasurer constitutionally serves as an ex-officio
member of the Finance Committee. In addition to this role
over the past three years I have been the Board liaison
to the Hegg Hoffet Fund for Displaced Graduate Women and
I would be happy to serve in such a capacity again.
Finance covers almost all aspects of IFUW, except perhaps
the Status of Women Committee, so while I have not had direct
contact with the committees I have kept abreast of what
they are doing from a financial perspective, and I would
continue to fulfil this role.
I have experience in setting up, budgeting for and running
projects, but they are very different from the projects
run by the NFAs. However, I will willingly provide whatever
expertise I can to this aspect of IFUW.
I lack experience in such areas as programme, membership
development and communications, but am very willing to take
on a new challenge. |
| Education: |
Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Quantitative Management),
UNISA 1994
Programme in Financial Management, UNISA 2009 |
| Mother
tongue: |
English |
| Ability
to speak English: |
Excellent |
| Ability
to understand spoken English: |
Excellent |
| Ability
to read English: |
Excellent |
| Ability
to write English: |
Excellent |
| Other
languages: |
French - sufficient to understand the basics
Dutch - understand and can speak a little
Afrikaans - basic fluency |
| Computer
skills: |
Considerable experience sending e-mail and using the
Internet |
| Internet
Access: |
Regular access to e-mail at home or the office |
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