Organisational Development 28 th October 2009

Context Global environment – There is a slow movement towards consolidation of the entire global ICT4D environment, where GeSCI must find its own place. Internal organisation – The overall objective is to ensure the long-term success, sustainability, stability and efficiency of the organisation.

Global ICT4E Environment

Optimum organisation structure Criteria for assessing different options of GeSCI’s legal, operational and governance structure Mission and mandate: All options for future organisational development are founded in achieving GeSCI’s mission and mandate (as set out by the UN ICT Task Force) and on building on its achievements to date. Legal structure: Ideally a single legal entity operating globally. Governance: Broad membership that reflects the global mandate and interests of the organisation and a broader Board of Directors in line with best practice. Funding: To support and facilitate GeSCI in raising funds internationally. Human resources: Sustainable HR framework that minimises compliance and tax costs. Finance & operations: To minimise costs while still ensuring sustainability and compliance. Tax status: To minimise tax costs globally while ensuring tax compliance. The overall objective is to ensure the long-term success, sustainability, stability and efficiency of the organisation.

Option: International Organisation Kenya Explanation: Obtain International Status (and tax exemptions) in Kenya. GeSCI headquarters moves to Nairobi and the Dublin office/legal entity is closed. Impact: Simpler organisation structure. Cost savings from closure of the Dublin office. New Members and Directors and new governance structures. Can have a broad international profile. One new legal entity with international organisation status. GeSCI maintains its independence. Facilitates fundraising at a regional African level. Issues and risks: International organisation status and the related tax exemptions are a pre-requisite to avoid additional costs. Risk that GeSCI is perceived as a regional African initiative rather than a global initiative. International organisation status may not be recognised outside Kenya so there may be continued issues in establishing operations in new countries. Transition costs in establishing new governance structures and in migrating staff and operations to the new Kenyan legal entity.

Option: U.N. Hosting Explanation: GeSCI is an independent initiative operating with its own name and brand but under the legal structure of a U.N. Host (UNESCO or UNICEF). Governed by a Steering Committee. Financial administration is undertaken by the Host in return for a fee. Impact: Confirms GeSCI’s status as a U.N. Initiative Can support all legal and governance and tax issues globally and facilitate global fundraising Simpler organisation structure with possible cost savings. Members and directors are replaced by a Steering Committee with a broad international profile. Issues and risks: GeSCI may lose its independence. U.N. Organisations may not be willing to host GeSCI or take on the financial administration. U.N. Organisations may not be willing to accept GeSCI staff. Transition costs in migrating staff and operations to the new structure.

Organisational Development Roadmap