ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund

Criteria for Accessing Support and Resources

Closing the gender gap at all levels of governance

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Table of Contents

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S FUND ......................................................................................................... 3

PURPOSE OF THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA .......................................................................................... 4

GUIDING PRINCIPLES .................................................................................................................. 5

GUIDE TO FILLING THE APPLICATION FORM .................................................................................. 7

SCREENING PROCESS .................................................................................................................... 12

Explanatory Notes ......................................................................................................................... 15

APPLICATION FORM ...................................................................................................................... 18

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ABOUT THE WOMEN’S FUND The Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund was created in 2011 to enhance good governance in Nigeria by increasing the representation of women in the Nigerian political space and addressing the growing concerns about the gender imbalance in elective and appointive positions. The Women’s Fund is the first civil society-public-private led initiative of its kind established specifically to invest in the political aspirations of Nigerian women and focuses on four critical areas: Leadership Development; Research & Information; Gender Advocacy and Fund Raising & Grant Making.

In order to institutionalise access to resources for women in politics in Nigeria, the Women’s Fund is focused on the following:

Transparently support aspiring female candidates with technical and other resources towards their political campaigns, irrespective of their political party affiliations;

Enhance the leadership capability of women in both elective and appointive positions for increased efficiency and effectiveness in their respective careers;

Raise funds, invest and manage resources for sustainable participation of women in politics to realise the national goal of 35% minimum representation by women;

Facilitate networking/caucusing by Nigerian female politicians with other relevant organisations within and outside the country; and

Support research, advocacy and communication to create an enabling environment for increased numbers of women in governance and decision-making and build a country where women and girls have all the opportunities and options to achieve their aspirations.

PREAMBLE

Civil society organisations, working with development agencies, have with each successive election cycle since 1999 worked to increase female participation and representation in the elective process and with time, in appointive positions. From less than 1% in the National Assembly in 1999 to 9% in 2007 and from 7.4% representation in the Federal Executive Council in 1999 to 33% in 2011, there have been gains that cannot be ignored. However, the challenges that women face to successfully contesting elections in Nigeria e.g., violence, fund raising and lack of internal party democracy etc. means there remains immense opportunity to do more to increase the numbers and improve the operating environment. The Women’s Fund was therefore set up to respond to these challenges and opportunities.

In 2011, the Federal Government through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the

President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Federal Ministry of Women

Affairs and Social Development provided the initial take-off grant for the Women’s Fund. Since

inception, the Women’s Fund has supported the election campaigns of over 150 women from

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25 different political parties, published a book on the challenges of women’s participation in

politics and is working steadily on tracking and disseminating information about the

performance and challenges of women in elective and appointive positions around the country,

in order to effectively support them in their various offices and advocate for more women in

decision-making positions.

PURPOSE OF THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Eligibility Criteria serves two purposes:

a) Set a standard procedure for evaluating applications for support from the Women’s

Fund thereby creating an objective and transparent process for accessing non cash

financial resources and technical expertise and

b) Provide benchmarks for enhancing the capacity of female politicians towards

electioneering campaign strategies, effective negotiations and dialogue within the

party or constituency in seeking elective and appointive positions or offices.

The Women’s Fund sees enormous benefits for various stakeholders with the launching of this

Eligibility Criteria. The publication of the Eligibility Criteria will result in a number of benefits

some of which include:

1. Set a standard by which women can articulate and implement strategic campaigns as

well as transparently access funds and other resources;

2. Encourage more women from the private and public sector including professionals with

years of experience, social or technical pedigree to participate in politics with the

assurances of the availability of appropriate support from the Women’s Fund;

3. To mobilize interested female politicians to fast track expression of interest for elective

or appointive positions particularly towards 20151; and

4. To provide a basis for assessing the campaign needs of applicants in order to provide the

necessary support and training on, amongst other things, transformative leadership,

campaign techniques, campaign management, accessing the media and public speaking.

1 Applicants must consider the prescribed election campaign rules as provided in the Electoral Act.

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES

In the development and design of the Women’s Fund Eligibility Criteria certain principles have

been adopted to guide the selection and evaluation process and guide the applicants.

1. Transparency

Applicants are expected to exhibit the highest degree of integrity in providing

the information required by the Women’s Fund as well as demonstrated capacity

for credible management and engagements within their political parties,

constituency and during campaigns;

The Women’s Trust Fund commits to employing and displaying the highest level

of integrity and due process in the selection of beneficiaries of its support in

accordance with the requirements of its Eligibility Criteria.

2. Acceptability

The Eligibility Criteria has been subjected to a rigorous validation process with

key stakeholders (female politicians, the political parties Woman Leaders, civil

society organisations, gender advocates, donors and private and public sector

women), which thereby makes it an acceptable tool/process for determining

eligibility of applicants for support from the Women’s Fund;

By completing and submitting applications to the Women’s Fund, applicants

accept the requirements of the Eligibility Criteria and will be bound by the

outcomes of its use in the screening process.

3. Accessibility

All Nigerian women, from any registered political party, who aspire to contest

elective and appointive offices can apply for the support of the Women’s Fund

Women of different levels of political aspirations (local, state and national) and

different political parties may apply and access technical and financial support as

long as they meet the requirements of the Eligibility Criteria.

5. Accountability

Through the Women’s Fund, successful applicants will be held accountable to

donors, gender advocates and the Nigerian public who support the aspirations

and/or election of women into office.

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Successful applicants will be accountable to and promote the principles, values

and objectives of the Women’s Fund i.e., the effective participation of more

women in decision-making in order to positively impact on the lives of millions of

Nigerian women and their children.

4. Flexibility

The application of the Eligibility Criteria will generally support innovation and inclusivity in women's participation in politics and the particular context of applicants will be taken into consideration during the assessment of applicants.

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GUIDE TO FILLING THE APPLICATION FORM This document is designed to meet standards of best practices for the selection of beneficiaries to ensure that access to the Women’s Fund’s support is fair and transparent. The Explanatory Notes at the end of this form will serve as a guide for users in interpreting and understanding the requirements.

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A Applicant Individual Eligibility

Exclusivity: The applicant must be an individual natural woman

ONLY

This means support cannot go to a political party, men,

organisations, a coalition etc.

Citizenship: Applicant must be a citizen of Nigeria either by birth,

marriage or naturalization as provided in the 1999 Constitution

Age: Applicant must meet the legal and constitutional age

requirements for the position being contested. However,

applicants who will meet the age requirements by the time of the

elections are considered eligible for this purpose

B Framework for Assessing Applicants Eligibility

Area of Consideration

Requirements Evidence

1. Political Party Bio data: name, age, date of birth

Proof of bonafide membership of a

political party

Period of party membership/years of

membership

Demonstrable knowledge and

understanding of party structures

and workings

Registration of membership (ward,

state or national level)

Party position or party rank and

financial and non-financial

contributions to party

Birth certificates, affidavits,

copy of membership card etc.

Copy of 1-page party SWOT Analysis

2a. Applicant’s Standing

Basic educational qualification

Evidence of political/quasi political

experience

Leadership experience

Interpersonal skills & problem

solving capabilities

Resume or curriculum vitae

(CV); copies of certificates,

details of previous

appointments and or

positions in any

social/political context

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2 The relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution on the qualifications of elected officers are as follows: Section 7(4),

Local Government Council, Sections 65-66 (National Assembly), Sections 106-107 (State House of Assembly), Section 131 (President), and Section 177 (Governor). Note: The support of the Trust Fund is currently structured for the general elections covering the above mentioned offices.

History of previous elections i.e.,

position(s) contested for & number

of times contested

Applicant’s name recognition

History of Community or

constituency projects

1-page Applicant SWOT

Analysis

2b. Suitability for elective office sought

The Applicant should have:

the basic educational qualification for the position as required by law

working knowledge of the statutory responsibilities of the office being contested

clear understanding and articulate vision of what her election into a particular office would help achieve for [community] [state] [nation] [women]

reputation for integrity & principles

met the minimum Age Requirements for the role to be contested: 40 for president, 35 for Governor or Senator and 30 for member of the House of Representatives or State House of Assembly2

Education qualifications certificates, diplomas etc. Applicant Manifesto/ Charter Attestations to character from reputable individuals in community

Applicant profile (printed or

electronic)

3. Appreciation for Gender Issues

Basic or specific knowledge/experience of gender issue(s) and history of engagement on the issue(s)

Documentation about gender activism – report, letters, pictures of events, partnerships with gender organisations etc.

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Gender advocacy strategy for campaign (if any)

Plan on how applicant will use position being sought to promote solutions to gender issue(s)

Gender advocacy strategy or plan

1-page plan

4. Intra, Inter Party and/or Constituency Opposition

Clear understanding and application of party and constituency dynamics

SWOT analysis of opposition to applicant’s election

Demonstrate ability to build alliance with key stakeholders

Lobbying skills

Copy of 1-page party and

constituency SWOT Analysis

Copy of strategic plan to respond to party and constituency dynamics, opposition and opportunities

5. Party & Constituency Engagement

Excellent knowledge of the socio-political and economic direction of the party/issues in her constituency

Ability to include all elements of community (ethnicity, religion, gender etc.)

Evidence of any established project(s) in the constituency

Regular or strategic community involvement

Campaign Strategy and

Manifesto content

Endorsements from at least 3

leaders of the different

community influencers

Record of service to or projects implemented in her constituency

6. Campaign Status & Needs

Applicant must:

have and be able to defend a comprehensive campaign plan & strategy

have a campaign budget that clearly defines challenges & response plans

articulate her perception of her challenge(s) which the Women’s Fund can assist in addressing

show personal and family commitment of resources towards her campaign

show additional resource mobilization avenues using realistic and practical strategies (this would be an advantage).

Campaign & communication plan with budget Campaign Expenditure plans & report validated with bank statement and other supporting documents List of organisations & individuals showing type and quantity or scale of committed resources supporting the applicant

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7. Additional Criteria for Elective Offices A. Executive Offices: President and Governors . B. National Assembly: (Senate, House of Representatives)

C. State House of Assembly, Local Government Chairpersons & Councillor

In addition to the basic criteria, Applicants running for executive offices must demonstrate the following qualities for the respective offices as outlined:

excellent administrative, mobilisation & leadership skills

past experience in executive positions

sound record of management of both human and material resources

Understanding of gender issues

Good knowledge of socio-economic dynamics and needs of her constituency, some appreciation of gender issues, community based/civil society understanding and links, appreciation of decision/policy making dynamics

Sound record of management of both human and material resources

Position & role in the party and constituency,

Community based initiatives,

Evidence of participation in decision/policy making at family or community level

Social Capital within the community

Applicant manifesto and

Applicant profile (electronic +

printed validated by referees)

8. Personal Traits Applicant should ideally have:

Sound oratory and/or communication skills

Confidence

Appearance & Composure

Integrity would be interrogated on her grasp of values and ethics, as well as her plans on ensuring good governance and enabling other women to aspire for elective positions

Availability for physical interview

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SCREENING PROCESS

1. All applicants must submit their application and accompanying documents either in paper format (duplicate) or electronically to:

The Eligibility Criteria Committee Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund 19 Monrovia Street Off Aminu Kano Crescent Wuse 2 Abuja Email: info@nigerianwomentrustfund.org Applicants are responsible for ensuring and confirming that their electronic submissions have been received within the deadline for applications.

2. Applicants must allow for at least six (6) weeks after submission to know the status of their application.

3. Short-listed applicants will be invited for interviews with the Eligibility Criteria Committee.

4. Interviewed applicants must allow for at least three (3) weeks after the interview to

know the outcome of the interview.

5. Upon notification, successful applicants will be informed of the nature and quantity/scale of support from the Women’s Fund.

Guide to initial assessment of documentation

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The Eligibility Criteria Committee3 will review all the documentation submitted as part of the applications in accordance with a weighting scheme that will be provided. The weighting scheme is as follows: Area of Consideration Total Mark/Weighting

1 Political Party 10 2 Applicant’s Standing & Suitability for

elective office sought 15

3 Appreciation for Gender Issues 10 4 Intra, Inter and/or External Party Knowledge 10 5 Constituency Knowledge & Engagement 15 6 Campaign Status & Needs 15 7 Additional Criteria for elective office sought 10 8 Personal Traits 15 Total 100 Guide to Physical Interview Successful applicants who have been shortlisted will be invited for an interview in person at one of the interview locations, which will be in Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Gombe, Kano and Lagos and subject to proximity only for applicants living with disabilities, which disability must be indicated in the eligibility documentation submitted, for the purpose. Every assessment panel will be made up of at least 5 but no more than 7 members of the Eligibility Criteria Committee. The assessment will consist of a series of uniform questions that the applicants will be expected to answer, including sharing a 5-minute campaign pitch. SUPPORT PROCESS Except where donors specifically instruct that cash disbursements be made to applicants from the pool of funds donated, successful applicants will be receiving in kind support for their campaigns. In kind support will be in the form of payment for campaign managers/consultants, media costs, campaign training, production of campaign items (flyer, posters, T-shirts etc.) and other items as may be determined by the Women’s Fund.

3 The Eligibility Criteria Committee (ECC) will be made up of no less than 7 and no more than 11 individuals pooled from the

management and board of the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WimBiz), civil society organizations, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development as well as at least 3 individual professional assessors skilled in appraisals and evaluation. Prior to the commencement of the assessment the ECC will undergo a session to ensure uniformity in assessing the qualitative requirements.

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The support for successful applicants, who meet the eligibility criteria, will be granted pre and post the political party primaries subject to availability of resources.

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Explanatory Notes Age Requirements: applicants who will have attained the age specifications required by the Constitution and other relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the date of the elections are eligible to apply to the Women’s Fund. Appreciation for Gender Issues: this refers to a minimum knowledge and understanding of gender issue(s) the applicant has and/or is concerned about, has worked on and/or plans to work on when in office e.g. domestic violence, maternal mortality, gender based violence, discrimination in the work place etc. Basic Criteria: the applicant must provide evidence that they meet all the requirements of aspirants as provided in the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act. Bonafide membership of a political party: a copy of a membership card or attestation of the National Woman Leader of the applicant’s party and/ or INEC candidate list (depending on when the applicant is applying for support). Campaign expenditure report: this should be a document which captures all the expenses made by the applicant in preparing for elections and projected spend for the rest of the campaign period. Campaign structure: this refers to the applicant’s campaign team and reach depending on the position being contested. Applicant manifesto or charter: this is the personal and political party statement of vision and

action on which the applicant is campaigning and should outline the promises being made to

the community and/or constituents with special highlights on promotion of gender equity and

empowerment.

Committed resources: this means the applicant’s own personal resources already deployed or spent and/or set aside for the election campaign. This may include resources raised from friends and family which has already been spent Demonstrable ability to engage key stakeholders: this refers to all the diverse groups and stakeholders in the applicant’s constituency e.g., women, young men and women (between 16-30), traditional rulers, religious clerics, people living with disabilities etc.

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Endorsement from community leaders: applicants must get the endorsement of at least 3 non-secular leaders/representatives of social groups who have the respect of the people e.g., leaders of youth organisations, trade groups especially market women associations and teacher associations, age groups etc. Gender advocacy strategy for campaign: Applicants are required to share what their plans/strategy/key messages are for getting the support of women and other special groups during the elections Leadership Experience: this covers all experiences of leadership whether formal or informal. Formal refers to the work place and informal refers to the community, social group etc. Non-Financial contribution/resources: this refers to contributions the applicants have made (time, space etc.) to the success of their political party such as planning events, supporting meetings, driving caucuses, sitting on committees, etc. Particular Context: in the assessment of applications due consideration will be given to amongst other things, women running for elective office for the first time, women who have only joined political parties prior to declaring their intention to run, women contesting for positions which have never been held by women, etc. Party position: this refers to the applicant’s standing within the political party i.e., as an official, a member of any committees and or evidence of activity within the political party. Personal Traits: this refers to an applicant’s special natural, social attributes, charisma, interpersonal skills etc. The Particular Context of applicants e.g., those living with disabilities, will be given special consideration Political parties: political parties for the purpose of this eligibility criteria means only political parties accredited and registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Political qualification: this refers to the applicant’s political history particularly any previous or

current political engagement or office held.

Regular community involvement: this refers to the applicant’s level and depth of involvement in

community affairs such as volunteer participation, fund raising for community interventions,

brokering negotiations between parties etc.

Interpersonal skills: this should cover party and/or community politics and provide insights into

the applicant’s political party and constituency interface

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Social Capital: this refers to and is not limited to an applicant’s name recognition in her community or state or nation or within specific groups, reputation, personal brand and personal standing of an applicant in her community. It refers for example to the good will a person has accumulated within the community by virtue of her profession (e.g., being a midwife) and/or service to the community Statutory qualifications & responsibilities: it is critical that the applicant is familiar with the responsibilities attached to the role being contested. Knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities should be evident in the applicant’s manifesto or charter. SWOT analysis: this is to ensure the applicant knows and appreciates the impact of her Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) as a politician and applicant for an elective office. Analysis should be no longer than two pages but must demonstrate clear campaign strategies on how to deal with the issues and challenges to the applicant’s campaign.

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APPLICATION FORM Electioneering Support Application Form

1. Applicant Individual Eligibility

1 Title: Surname First Name Middle name

2 Age State of Origin State of Residence LGA (Origin)

2. Framework for Assessing Applicants Eligibility

3 Constituency Position Aspiring/Contesting When?

4 Educational Qualification

5 Name of Political Party Name of your Party Woman Leader and Ward leader

6 How Long have you been registered with this political party? (please attached evidence of your party dues receipts and other documents stated in the Eligibility Criteria )

7 Constituency Background: Please summarize your constituency

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8 In one paragraph, please state why you should be the best candidate for this position and what are the special benefits that your constituency stands to gain from your representation?

9 Who is your political mentor? What are the special characteristics of this figure that attracts you most?

2b. Applicant’s Standing

10 As a female politician, what roles would you play to increase women in decision-making/women in politics?

12 If you receive support from the Women Fund, what are your plans for its use?

13 Full Contact Address: Email:

Telephone Numbers

Office Address (Or Campaign Office) Signature (your signature legally hold you responsible for all information provided in this application – so sign below)

14 What is your current or last job before this political ambition? Can you give brief information on your position and main roles?

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2b. Suitability for Elective Office Sought

15 What is the minimum educational qualification of the position you are aspiring for?

16 What is your knowledge of the responsibilities of the office contesting for?

17 What is your vision and plan for your constituency?

Attach copy/ copies of attestations to character from reputable individuals in community

3. Appreciation for Gender Issues

18 What are your achievements / record of work done in the area of gender?

19 What are the prevailing gender issues in your constituency and how do you intend to address them?

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4. Intra, Inter Party/or Constituency opposition

20 Kindly prepare a SWOT analysis and your strategic plan of engagement and attach?

5. Party and Constituency Engagement

21 What are the community engagements you have embarked upon in your constituency?

22 What level of lobbying have you done within and outside your party?

6. Campaign Status and Needs

23 Are there individuals or organizations that are already committed to your political ambition? If yes, kindly list them

Kindly attach a copy of your campaign expenditure plan, communication plan and budget

7. Additional Criteria for Elective offices

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24 Have you held any position with experience relevant to the position being aspired for?

Attach a copy of your manifesto

25 Are you available for physical interview?

8 Referee 1 Referee 2

Referee’s Contact Details Referee’s Contact Details

Telephone No Telephone No

Email Email

16 For Office Use

Program Coordinator’s recommendation CEO approval & comments to the BOD

9 For Office Use

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Board of Directors Approval comments

10 Grant Successful Grant Unsuccessful Amount Approved

Notes:

1. Please do not restrict your answers to the space provided in the application form. Use extra sheets of paper to capture your response but please take care to number the pages and make sure the content for each response is clearly indicated e.g., if extra space is required to respond to the question “Have you held any position with experience relevant to the position being aspired for?” then on the extra sheet of paper you should indicate as such “24. “Have you held any position with experience relevant to the position being aspired for?” and put your answer below.

2. Please return completed application along with 2 passport photos and other supporting documents such as a copy of your party nomination form and receipts and any other required document as stated in the guideline to the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund, 19 Monrovia, Wuse 2 Abuja.

3. For enquiries: Call 07033559634, 08022238697 or Email: eoke@nigerianwomentrustfund.org

4. The form is also available for download at Women Fund’s website :

www.nigerianwomentrustfund.org