GNI Seeks Organizations to Become Accredited Assessors for its Independent Assessment Process

GNI Independence and Competency Criteria for Assessors

Applications will be accepted from November 16 until December 11, 2012 from organizations interested in becoming an accredited assessor for the Global Network Initiative (GNI).

The work of the GNI is based on a set of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Privacy for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, and corresponding Implementation Guidelines, developed through a multi-stakeholder process, based on international human rights standards and consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Companies, civil society organizations, investors and academics are members of GNI. All member organizations commit to uphold GNI’s Principles, but companies play a particular role through their commitment to implement the Principles within their organization. GNI’s work around the Principles incorporates an independent assessment process to verify whether the companies are meeting their commitments, and shared policy and learning work on freedom of expression and privacy issues around the world.

Earlier in 2012, the first stage assessments of our three founding companies, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo! were completed. GNI is now moving into the next stage of its assessment work and looks to recruit and accredit assessors who will then be eligible to conduct the independent assessments of GNI member companies going forward.

For details of the independence and competency requirements for assessors, please see the attached criteria. For more information about the process of becoming an accredited GNI assessor, please contact GNI at [email protected].

To submit your application please send a letter detailing your organization’s interest and credentials, as well as the CV’s of particular individuals within your organization that would be involved in the assessments if you were to become accredited.