Federal Council Elections 2017 - Job Descriptions

What Does Federal Council Do? 

Federal Council is the body that governs the Party between Biennial General Meetings (National Conventions) of the membership. As the party also has a Leader and Shadow Cabinet to put the party's message before the public, Council's role is focused primarily on the Party's strategic and budgetary planning and development. As Party policy is set by the membership in general meeting, and the Shadow Cabinet is responsible for formulating the Party's platform for any given election, Federal Council does not create party policy or the platform. 

If you have media skills, or an interest in policy development or political strategy -- your help would be better directed to Shadow Cabinet, the Party's Federal Campaign Committee, supporting a local candidate, or running yourself!

Requirements

  1. A willingness to dedicate at least 10 to 20 hours per month of personal time and effort to council work including attending meetings by teleconference, time between meetings preparing materials and reading reports, time spent serving on Council sub-committees, and attendance at one or two weekend Council retreats per year.
  2. The ability to effectively communicate in a team environment.
  3. The ability to perform at a governance level and display the leadership skills required of a Federal Council of this nature.
  4. A strong belief in the purpose and six key principles of the Party, and a commitment to applying them to the management of the Party.
  5. A familiarity with Party policy, platform, and governance documents, such as the Party's Constitution, Bylaws, the Green Rules of Procedure, applicable Codes of Conduct, GPC Fund Bylaws -- and a commitment to further the understanding of these documents.
  6. Access to the Internet and familiarity with computer word processing, spreadsheet, presentation programs, the ability to view such documents, and the ability to read and understand financial statements.
  7. A very high standard of personal ethics.

Councillors should:

  1. Always act in good faith and in a manner which they believe is in the best interest of the Party and membership as a whole, contribute to discussions as part of decision-making, and respect Federal Council decisions on all issues.
  2. Respect the confidentiality of in-camera discussions and privileged information.
  3. Provide leadership to ensure that Party employees are viewed as an integral part of the Party and are treated fairly and equitably.
  4. Make certain the Party has clear long, medium, and short-term plans that can be developed and measured realistically.
  5. Project a positive image as a leader of the Party.
  6. Seek input from the membership and report openly on all aspects of the Party's activities (respecting confidentiality).

Other Valuable Skills

  1. Experience in financial management, work or experience with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), experience in a treasurer role.
  2. Experience in practicing law or an understanding of legal requirements and implications relevant to political parties, governing boards, and corporations.
  3. Governance experience. That is, a previous role on a nongovernmental organization (NGO), corporation, or political party's board of directors.
  4. Fundraising experience and/or demonstrated fundraising skills.
  5. An ability to promote consensus and team building, as well as conduct conflict resolution.
  6. A wide range of political knowledge and experience.
  7. Life experience reflective of Canada's diversity in both its people and landscape.

Job Description: Provincial/Territory Representatives

Provincial/Territory Representatives play a vital role not only in providing input to the governance of the GPC but also in acting as a conduit between local members in their jurisdiction and Council. Using as a base, the GPC Constitution, the Party Rules and Procedures, the Councillors Fiduciary Responsibility and Code of Conduct, the Provincial/Territory Representatives will:

  1.  Represent Party members and EDAs in their respective provinces or territories on Federal Council
  2.  Contribute as an equal member of Federal Council in making responsible decisions regarding the governance of the Party.
  3. Be an active member on at least one of the Council sub-committees.
  4. Contribute to the annual and long term strategic planning of the Party.
  5. Be a member of the Green Party of Canada Fund.
  6. Carry out other duties as agreed by Federal Council.

Role of the Executive Council (or Executive)

Using as a base, the GPC Constitution, the Party Rules and Procedures, the Councillors Fiduciary Responsibility and Code of Conduct, the Executive Council shall:

  1. Act as the interim decision making body on behalf of Federal Council, with the overall goal to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Council.
  2. Meet regularly, on a weekly basis to respond to the immediate decision making needs of the Party. Wherever possible, allow for Federal Council, and any other members to observe the meetings.
  3. Ensure that Executive activities are transparent and accountable.
  4. Affirm that the interim decisions reflect the will of Federal Council at the monthly Federal Council meetings.

Job Description: President

Using as a base, the GPC Constitution, the Party Rules and Procedures, the Councillors Fiduciary Responsibility and Code of Conduct, the President shall:

  1. Act as the Chair of Federal Council and ensure that Federal Council and Executive Council meetings are organized and facilitated in accordance with the Party's Rules of Procedure, including the appointment of process people.
  2. Ensure that decisions of the Party, Federal Council, Executive Council and committees of Federal Council are duly carried out. 
  3. Represent the Council with staff, volunteers and members as may be required to ensure efficient and professional execution of decisions.
  4. Be a member of the Executive [as defined by Bylaw 2.6.1 of the Party's Bylaws].
  5. Be a member of the Green Party of Canada Fund.
  6. Carry out other duties as agreed by Federal Council.
  7. Contribute as an equal member of Federal Council and Executive Council in making responsible decisions regarding the governance of the Party.
  8. Call upon the Vice President Francophone and Vice President English to support the execution of these roles.
  9. Be elected for a two-year term by the membership.

Note: the President is the Chair of Federal Council

Job Description: Vice Presidents

Using as a base, the GPC Constitution, the Party Rules and Procedures, the Councillors Fiduciary Responsibility and Code of Conduct, the Vice Presidents French and English shall:

  1. Assist the President in ensuring that the President's responsibilities and decisions of the Party, Federal Council, Executive Council and committees of Federal Council are duly carried out.
  2. Be a member of the Executive [as defined by Bylaw 2.6.1 of the Party's Bylaws].
  3. Be a member of the Green Party of Canada Fund.
  4. Carry out other duties as agreed by Federal Council.
  5. Contribute as an equal member of Federal Council and Executive Council in making responsible decisions regarding the governance of the Party.
  6. Be elected for a two-year term by the membership.

Job Description: Fund Representative, often referred to as Treasurer

Using as a base, the GPC Constitution, the Party Rules and Procedures, the Councillors Fiduciary Responsibility and Code of Conduct, the Fund Representative shall: 

  1. Represent the Green Party of Canada Fund [as defined by Articles 7.3.8 and 12 of the Party's Constitution].
  2. Be a member of the Executive [as defined by Bylaw 2.6.1 of the Party's Bylaws].
  3. Be a board member of and represent Federal Council within the Green Party of Canada Fund.
  4. Carry out other duties as agreed by Federal Council.
  5. Contribute as an equal member of Federal Council and Executive Council in making responsible decisions regarding the governance of the Party.
  6. Be elected for a two-year term by the membership.

Young Greens of Canada Council

Introduction

The Young Greens’ Council represents the youth wing of the Green Party of Canada and serves all members under the age of 30. We promote the core principles of green politics, and help shape the policy and strategies of the Green Party of Canada. By networking Green campus clubs and working closely with the Green Party Federal Council, the Young Greens help young Canadians become more active and effective within the Green Party of Canada. The YGC Council typically spends 30 hours a month performing all of these duties, please carefully consider the commitment before submitting your application.

The Young Greens of Canada are currently holding nominations for the following positions on the Young Greens' Council:

  • Co-Chair (two positions)
  • Campaigns and External Affairs Chair
  • Communications Chair
  • Finance Chair
  • Policy Chair (new position, conditional on the passing of a constitutional amendment)

A description of each position is outlined below. Please complete the nomination application to be presented to the Young Greens for consideration in the upcoming YGC election.

Job Description: Co-Chairs (2 positions, Young Greens)

Co-Chairs share the dual mandate of facilitating the Young Greens’ Council’s activities and meetings, while working collaboratively with the other members of the Council. Co-Chairs are responsible for reaching consensus on Council’s broad objectives and goals for each term. Co-Chairs are also responsible for representing the Young Greens of Canada on the Green Party of Canada’s Federal Council (the GPC’s highest governing body) as full voting members. The Co-Chairs will work together to divide and delegate their own duties according to personal interests and skill sets.

It is encouraged that Co-Chair applicants possess some knowledge of how the GPC is organized, or other board experience in a position with a similar organization. Co-Chairs should be comfortable speaking up on governance issues and be able to facilitate discussion among councillors.

Tasks at a glance:

  • Scheduling and chairing weekly/bi-weekly YGC meetings
  • Attending monthly GPC Federal Council meetings
  • Coordinating Action items and projects between Young Greens’ Council members and external volunteers
  • Participating on YGC/GPC Working Groups or Committees
  • Representing the Young Greens of Canada at public events

Campaigns and External Chair (Young Greens)

The Campaigns and External Chair (CEC) is responsible for growing the Young Greens’ Council’s volunteer base, supporting campus clubs, and directing campaigns as determined by the Council. The CEC chairs the YGC’s Campaigns Envisioning Sessions. Drawing from both of these roles the CEC advises the YGC on where to make electorally strategic investments and initiatives.

We encourage all kinds of activists, social change realizers, and political campaigners to nominate themselves for this position. CEC nominees should have at least some experience dealing with political issues/campaigns and be skilled in maintaining communication with a disparate group of volunteers.

Tasks at a glance:

  • Attending weekly/bi-weekly YGC meetings
  • Attending bi-weekly GPC Campaign Committee meetings
  • Coordinating campaigns and action plans between YGC and local groups - Chairing and directing YGC’s Campaigns working group
  • It is encouraged that the CEC attend local GPC EDA meetings

Communications Chair (Young Greens)

The Communications Chair is responsible for managing the Young Greens’ Council’s messaging and brand. This involves developing a communications strategy to further the ideas, vision and identity of the YGC to a broad audience. The Communications Chair is assisted by the YGC’s Communications Directors in implementing this strategy. The Communications Chair also presides over the Communications Envisioning Sessions, which consists of both communications directors and interested Young Greens.

Social media experts, aficionados, or plain enthusiasts make a great fit for the Communications Chair position. We also encourage those with experience in creative writing, graphic design, or other artistic avenues to put their names forward. Bilingualism is encouraged!

Tasks at a glance:

  • Attending weekly/bi-weekly YGC meetings
  • Chairing monthly Communications Working Group meetings
  • Generating and sharing content on the YGC’s social networks and website - Managing the YGC’s Wordpress account
  • Creating mailings and editing YGC publications
  • Developing YGC messaging and promotional materials

Finance Chair (Young Greens)

The Finance Chair is responsible for working with the GPC’s finance director, preparing the YGC’s annual projected budget, and coordinating the payments and losses. The Finance Chair is also expected to participate on the GPC’s quarterly Annual Planning and Budget Committee (APBC) meetings to advocate on behalf of Young Greens. The Finance Chair is also encouraged to participate on YGC Envisioning Sessions, contribute to local clubs, and maintain contact with strategic campaign partners regarding financial support and supplies.

It is encouraged that anyone running for this position possess at least some experience in accounting, administration, or budgeting. Running for Finance Chair is a great way to gain experience in administration of a growing non-profit organization.

Tasks at a glance:

  • Attending weekly/bi-weekly YGC meetings
  • Preparing the YGC’s annual projected budget
  • Coordinating P + L’s; ensuring that payments are issued and expenses are refunded - Participating in quarterly APBC meetings
  • Setting rough spending levels for YGC campaigns, projecting expenses

Policy Chair (Young Greens)

N.B. The formation of this new position is conditional on the passing of a constitutional amendment

The Policy Chair is responsible for working with the Youth Critic on Shadow Cabinet. Aside from research, preparing the YGC’s policy proposals for Shadow Cabinet and present resolutions for Conventions.  The Policy Chair is also encouraged to participate on YGC Envisioning Sessions, to discuss and engage members on youth policies.

It is encouraged that anyone running for this position possess at least some experience in GPC policies and . Running for Finance Chair is a great way to gain experience in administration of a growing non-profit organization.

Tasks at a glance:

  • Attending weekly/bi-weekly YGC meetings
  • Preparing the YGC’s policy proposal for GPC Convention, on behalf of YGC
  • Coordinating with Shadow Cabinet, specifically with the Youth Critic, to develop and discuss current youth-related policies in Canada
  • Work hand-in-hand with Youth Critic to draft press releases regarding current policy issues concerning youths