AU ECOSOCC Nigeria requests application from qualified NGOs/CSOs for membership

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Established under the provisions of Articles 5 and 22 of the African Union’s Constitutive Act, ECOSOCC is the vehicle for building a strong partnership between governments and all segments of African Civil Society. The Statute of ECOSOCC, adopted by the Heads of State and Government at the 3rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly in July 2004 defines it as an advisory organ of the African Union composed of different social and professional groups of the Member States of the African Union [Assembly/AU/Dec.42 (III)].

Convinced that popular participation in the activities of the African, as emanated in the African Charter for Popular Participation, is a prerequisite for its success; guided by the common vision of a united and strong Africa and by the need to build a partnership between governments and all segments of civil society, in particular women, youth and the private sector, in order to strengthen solidarity and cohesion among our peoples; the AU ECOSOCC Nigeria Chapter is requesting application from qualified NGOs/CSOs for membership of the African Union National Standing Committee (AU ECOSOCC – Nigeria) with the aims of:

1. Promoting continuous dialogue between all segments of the African people on issues concerning Africa and its future;

2. Forging strong partnerships between governments and all segments of the civil society, in particular women, the youth, children, the Diaspora, organized labour, the private sector and professional groups;

3. Promoting the participation of African civil society in the implementation of the policies and programmes of the Union;

4. Supporting policies and programmes that will promote peace, security and stability in Africa, and foster development and integration of the continent;

5. Promote and defend a culture of good governance, democratic principles and institutions, popular participation, human rights and freedoms as well as social justice;

6. Promote, advocate and defend a culture of gender equality;

7. Promote and strengthen the institutional, human and operational capacities of the African civil society.

Eligibility Criteria

The requirements to be fulfilled by NGOs/CSOs seeking membership are as follows:

1. Be a National CSO/NGO, CBO and voluntary organization with Corporate Affairs

Commission (CAC), or State Ministries of Youth Development, Women Affairs, and Health. These CSOs include but are not limited to the following:

1. Social groups such as those representing women, children, the youth, the elderly and people with disability and special needs;

1. Professional groups such as associations of artists, engineers, health practitioners, social workers, media, teachers, sport associations, legal professionals, social scientists, academia, business organizations, national chambers of commerce, workers, employers, industry and agriculture as well as other private sector interest groups;

1. Cultural organizations;

1. Have objectives and principles that are consistent with the principles and objectives of the African Union

• Show a minimum of three (3) years proof of registration as either a National NGO/CSO or local CBO including proof of operations for those years

1. Show proof that the ownership and management of the CSO is made up of not less than fifty (50%) of Africans or of African Diaspora.
2. Provide annual audit statements by an independent auditing company.

1. The basic resources of such an Organisation shall substantially, at least fifty percent

(50%), be derived from contributions of the members of the Organization. Where

external voluntary contributions have been received, their amounts and donors shall be

faithfully revealed in the application for membership. Any financial or other support or

contribution, direct or indirect, from a government to the Organization shall be

declared and fully recorded in the financial records of the Organization.

National Standing Committees

The following National Standing Committees will be established as key operational mechanisms of AU ECOSOCC (Nigeria Chapter) to formulate opinions and provide inputs into the policies and programmes of the African Union:

1. a) Peace and Security
2. b) Political Affairs
3. c) Infrastructure and Energy
4. d) Social Affairs and health
5. e) Human Resources, Science and Technology
6. f) Trade and Industry
7. g) Rural Economy and Agriculture
8. h) Economic Affairs
9. i) Women and Gender
10. j) Cross-Cutting Programmes

The National Standing Committees shall prepare and submit advisory opinions and reports of AU ECOSOCC Nigeria Chapter. They shall also perform any other functions as may be assigned to it by the Office of the Chairperson, Social Affairs and Health/Nigeria Representative

Please indicate interest in any of the above committees, most especially in the area where you and/or your organization have expertise or manpower.

Application Process

National NGOs/CSOs and local CBOs are requested to submit the following:

• An expression of interest duly signed and stamped by the Head of the organization;
• Copies of CAC Certificate of Registration. For local CBOs, you may present Certificate of Registration from State Ministries or any other government agencies in charge of CBOs in your state.
• Letter of Recommendation from a National CSOs/NGOs or State Ministry of Youth Development, or Women Affairs or Social Affairs or Health.

Application Deadline:

Your application should reach the below office on or before Monday 30th of November 2015 by 2:00pm Nigeria Time. You can forward your application with other requirements to:

The Nigerian Representative / Chairperson,

Social Affairs & Health (cluster committee),

African Union ECOSOCC,

NEPAD Building, 12 Faranah Street,

Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, FCT

Or through this email: auecosoccng1@gmail.com

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