Roles and responsibilities

It is important for the host to talk to the “IRI Ambassador” early on in the process to get an idea of what is involved and avoid setting off on the wrong track.

Role of the IRI Ambassador:

• First point of contact for host when thinking about having an IRI
• Plan the IRI and timing
• Help draft the ToR
• After approval, help put together the review team
• Once team leader and team members are appointed they take responsibility for the review but the Ambassador remains available to provide advice

Once the IRI project has been approved by the General Assembly the review team leader can be selected.

Qualifications for a team leader:

• Needs to be a good Chair person
• Encourages all review team members to participate and contribute
• Experience with previous IRI
• Good use of English
• Diplomatic.

The review team should have a maximum of 7 members and this should include at least one experienced team member and someone from an upcoming IRI. It was noted that in previous reviews it has been useful to have a member of the host authority on the review team. They can help with points of accuracy as well as any translation issues. It also shows that the review team is working in cooperation with the environmental authority during the review and that there will be no shocks.

Qualifications for team members

• Familiar with IRI guidance, Doing The Right Things methodology and IRI questionnaire before review
• Knowledge of relevant issues of inspection and permitting
• Actively participates in discussions
• Is confident to speak in English.

Ideally two rapporteurs would be chosen for a review. This helps share the burden of capturing the points during discussions and writing the report. One of them should have participated in a previous IRI. Both should be working in an environmental authority or have a good knowledge of the subject.

Both team leader and rapporteur will need to have a good level of spoken and written English. It would also be beneficial if one rapporteur had a good knowledge of the language of the host country.

Qualifications for a rapporteur:

• Is able to write good notes and write up into a report in English
• Has knowledge of the subject matter
• Is also a participant in the project and takes part in discussions.