(EIARD), 22.4.15 - Amazon Web Services

Subject: Governance Option
Importance: High
Dear Maxine,
Please take note of a further suggestion to move the governance issue forward taking into account
that we could not arrive at a common EIARD position to agree on one of the four options. So this
does not represent an EIARD position but a contribution to the debate in finding a solution where
many members remain on their favorite option. Please spread these inputs among the other
members of the FCGC. Thanks.
Best regards,
Juergen
Dr. Jürgen ANTHOFER
Executive Secretary
European Initiative for Agricultural Research for Development
Senior Advisor
Agricultural Research for Development
European Commission
DG Research & Innovation
F3 Agri-Food Chain
COVE 08/105
B-1049 Brussels/Belgium
+32 229-91790
juergen.anthofer@ec.europa.eu
http://ec.europa.eu/research
EIARD suggestion on governance
EIARD has been reviewing the different governance options. We agreed on the analysis presented in
the report setting out the weaknesses and challenges inherent in the current model. However, we
found it hard to reach on a consensus position on a single option. In response to this we would like to
suggest a two tiered board option. The objective is to strengthen the overall governance:



separating management from strategy
removing the ambiguity of the Co Office
providing scope for strong leadership
We think also that this would enable much more strategic engagement of the ISPC in the science
agenda of the CGIAR.
What we propose is the separation of roles and responsibilities through the establishment of a Policy
Board and a Management Board. The indicative functions are set out below:
Policy Board (Objective and priority setting, oversight - supervisory)
-
Establish the overall Results Framework (RF) and priorities for the CGIAR
Approves system strategy and funding
Appoints Mgt Board
Sets system policy (e.g. gender)
ISPC (administratively at the management office but advice independent):
-
Advises the Policy Board on global priorities for agricultural research and the CGIAR
Comments on CRP proposals
Management Board (excecutive arm of the Policy Board) fiduciary and programming
-
Accountable to the Policy Board
Develops a strategy responding to the RF
Composition of the Board? (technical and management experience professionals, Centers are
active observers)
Appoints CEO
Sets standards
Approves risk mgt frameworks and monitoring risks
Approves communication strategy
Commissions reviews
Management Office (executive arm of the mgt board) fiduciary and programming
In summary,
- it is a one pillar system with one accountability hierarchy instead of confusion.
- it separates policy from management
- it merges two offices, thus reducing confusion and duplication
- it provides for CGIAR leadership, vested in a strong executive office with an explicit public profile
We want to stress that this is not a finalized version but work in progress towards a potential
solution.
Questions the FCGC may want to consider:



Management Board: How many and who?
Is the Management Office CEO on the management Board and if yes, in what function?
Other question?
Two-tiered Options: streamlined decision making with clear
responsibilities
OVERSIGHT and
STRATEGY
Policy Board
ISPC
Management Board
IEA
FIDUCIARY and
PROGRAMMING
Management Office
Lead
center
CRP
Lead
center
CRP
Lead
center
CRP
Lead
center
CRP
Lead
center
CRP
IMPLEMENTATION