Terms of Reference

Introduction 

The Advisory Committee for the James R. Mancham Peace and Diplomacy Research Institute (PDRI) comprises of practitioners from Government, Non-Government Organisations and UniSey academic staff affiliated with the above institute. Membership of this Committee shall be for a period of two years and renewable for a further period with the possibility for revision as appropriate.  

Purpose and function 

The role of the Advisory Committee is to offer guidance and support in aligning the institute’s activities with its overarching objectives. It will assist in shaping the strategic direction of the institute, providing insights on emerging trends and issues in the field, and offering recommendations on research priorities. Additionally, it will review the progress of the institute and make suggestions or amendments as appropriate in line with the university’s Strategic Plan 2022-2030. The members of the Advisory Committee will contribute to networking opportunities, fostering collaborations, and enhancing the institute’s overall impact in the realm of peace and diplomacy. Their collective knowledge and experience serve to strengthen the institute’s effectiveness and relevance within the local and international context. 

The formal functions of the Advisory Committee would be to: 

• Provide advice on research projects and consultancy opportunities aligned with national priorities. 

• Recommend funding opportunities to enhance the research portfolio. 

• Provide insights into emerging trends and issues in relevant fields. 

• Facilitate networks to foster national and international collaborations. 

• Guide the institute’s engagement with the community. 

Meetings  

• All meetings will be chaired by the Director of the James R. Mancham Peace and Diplomacy Research Institute. 

• A meeting quorum will be half, or where the committee comprises of an odd number of members, half of the members plus one shall constitute a quorum for a meeting.  

The Advisory Committee will meet quarterly (as agreed by the committee members). Members will be notified in advance, and necessary reports, including minutes of the previous meeting, will be made available for the meeting to follow.