International Development and Aid Governance Committee
- Ascend GRC
- Mar 12
- 2 min read
Terms of Reference
1. Purpose
The International Development and Aid Governance Committee provides strategic oversight and expert guidance on governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) practices within international development and aid-funded programs. The committee ensures that Ascend GRC’s training and advisory services help organisations receiving Australian aid (e.g., AusAid/DFAT) and other international funding to enhance governance effectiveness, accountability, and sustainability.
2. Objectives
The committee’s key objectives are:
Governance Strengthening – Promote and support robust governance frameworks in aid-funded organisations to improve transparency and accountability.
Risk and Compliance Oversight – Identify key risks in international aid governance, including corruption, financial mismanagement, and regulatory challenges, and recommend mitigation strategies.
Capacity Building – Ensure Ascend GRC’s programs contribute to institutional capacity-building for governance, risk, and compliance in developing regions.
Policy and Regulatory Alignment – Advise on international best practices, donor requirements, and Australian government regulations impacting aid governance.
Strategic Partnerships – Identify partnership opportunities with international NGOs, multilateral agencies, and government bodies to enhance global governance initiatives.
3. Membership
The committee shall comprise individuals with expertise in international governance, risk management, aid compliance, and economic development, including:
Experts in international development and aid-funded governance
Legal and regulatory professionals specialising in aid compliance
Representatives from AusAid/DFAT, NGOs, and global institutions
Academics and thought leaders in international governance and risk
The Managing Director and Executive Team may attend meetings in a non-voting capacity.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
Committee members are responsible for:
Reviewing and advising on governance challenges in aid-funded programs.
Assessing risks such as fraud, corruption, and financial mismanagement in international development initiatives.
Providing recommendations on compliance with donor regulations and global governance standards.
Supporting the development of training and advisory services tailored to the needs of aid recipients.
Advising on monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks for governance effectiveness.
5. Meeting Frequency and Structure
The committee shall meet at least quarterly or as required.
Meetings shall be chaired by an appointed Committee Chairperson, with an agenda distributed in advance.
The Committee Chairperson shall report key recommendations to the Managing Director and Executive Team.
6. Reporting and Accountability
The committee reports to the Managing Director, with recommendations provided to the Executive Team.
Meeting minutes and key decisions shall be documented and shared for review and implementation.
The committee may request additional reports, data, or external expertise as required.
7. Review of Terms of Reference
These Terms of Reference shall be reviewed annually to ensure alignment with evolving international governance challenges and donor requirements. Any proposed changes must be approved by the Managing Director.