The Steering Committee (SC) is composed of individuals representing institutions, and recognized experts who committed to the Network Agreement. Each country has 2 representatives on the SC. There are also representatives from APEIR's development partners. To keep numbers manageable, the number of SC members from any country will not exceed than 2 (two) persons, although exceptions can be made with the agreement of the SC. The SC will be limited to 20 members, who will serve 2 years terms.
Ideally, members of the SC hold positions of decision-making authority in their institutions so that they can help disseminate any and all work from the network within their agencies, and among other institutions and government agencies. They should also have experience with research management, and if possible, be able to influence the decision making process, and be connected to national preparedness strategic planning structures, even if informally.
The establishment of SC aims to develop partnerships and networking; develop a core strategy of the APEIR; provide overall guidance, strategic objective, strategic direction and guidance on the network; and to coordinate, supervise, and provide support information to the process where available. The SC also strives to serve as representatives for their country, and share information based on study decisions and results from APEIR on an ongoing basis.
The APEIR SC will be chaired by one of the members of SC, who will be elected every 2 years by the APEIR SC.
Membership to the SC is voluntary. SC members will act as representatives and focal points for each of the country members. The SC will be serving for a term of (approximately) 2 years. The membership may review and propose any appropriate amendments to its mandate.
Membership renewal will follow the same process as original team selection. It is suggested that membership may include individuals who do not attend the project team meetings.
ROLE OF THE APEIR STEERING COMMITTEE
The SC sets the strategic objectives of the network, and guides the activities of the Coordinating Office with the overall goal of providing a supportive environment and mechanisms for the emergence of and support for research projects, research capacity building, and policy and social advocacy (KT).
The role of the APEIR SC includes 3 main functions:
- Ensuring the program is aligned with APEIR’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives
• Ensures the program makes good use of assets, and decides whether program/project efforts under the umbrella of the network should proceed or be wound up
• Plays an active role as a member of the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) by providing advice and guidance on issues raised during the ongoing program/project, and uses influence and authority to assist the project in achieving its outcomes
• Disseminates the research work of the Network, and pushes for evidence-based policy changes in relevant national, regional and international policy
• Builds constructive and collaborative relationships for the Network, including among research institutions, funders, and development partners, nationally, regionally and internationally - Advocating for resource mobilization, and other types of support for the network within their own institution/country and within APEIR as a whole
• Assists with resolving strategic level issues and risks
• Commits to taking action to aggressively pursue additional funding sources to maintain APEIR’s viability as a going concern - Assisting and overseeing the Coordinating Office (CO)
• Assists the CO to ensure an efficient M&E system: assesses program/project progress and reviews/approves final program/project deliverables; and assess the network’s output, outcome and impact
• Assists the CO to ensure coordination of national and international funding support to the Network's research efforts
• Encourages the emergence of new research ideas, and provides guidance to CO about new concepts and proposal development
