Dear All,

The ccNSO seeks one (1) volunteer for the Root Server System Governance Working Group (GWG). The GWG is the core of the community-driven process to develop a final cooperation and governance model for the Root Server System (RSS).  This call for volunteers closes Thursday, 24 March 2021, 23:59 UTC. Further background details, information on how to join as well as the Candidate Qualification requirements are included below.

Purpose and Mandate

The ICANN Board initiated the Root Server System Governance Working Group (GWG) in November 2019.  The GWG is the core of the community-driven process to develop a final cooperation and governance model for the Root Server System (RSS).  In carrying out its work, the GWG embraces the principles outlined in “RSSAC037: A Proposed Governance Model for the DNS Root Server System” and refers to other relevant Root Server System Advisory Committee publications as source documents. The GWG shall ultimately present its deliverable to the RSSAC, ICANN Board, Internet Architecture Board/Internet Engineering Task Force, and root server operators. 

Workload & working method

Since early 2020, the GWG has been developing its proposal during recorded teleconferences every other week. The GWG estimates there is one year left in its work.

Who can join?

The ccNSO appointed members to the RSS GWG can be representatives from all ccTLD managers listed in the IANA database, whether members or non-members of the ccNSO.

In 2019, the ccNSO appointed Luis Diego Espinoza and Peter Janssen to the RSS GWG. Peter Janssen recently stepped down from the committee.

Candidate qualification requirements

Candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Direct experience and in-depth knowledge of the DNS Root Server System as it relates to ccTLD registry operations
• Analytical skills, ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative evidence, and capacity to draw conclusions purely based on evidence.
• Able to work and communicate in written and spoken English.
• Effective communication skills.
• Experience in managing and/or participating in committees (e.g. meeting coordination, reporting, and escalation) in order to contribute meaningfully to the work of the GWG.
• Demonstrated ability in relationship management to support diplomatic discussion, consensus driven decision making, and productive negotiation.

Composition of the RSS GWG

The GWG shall comprise ten (10) invited representatives due to their subject matter expertise:

• Two (2) from the Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO)
• Two (2) from the Internet Engineering Task Force/Internet Architecture Board (IETF/IAB)
• Two (2) from the Registries Stakeholder Group (RySG)
• Three (3) from the Root Server Operators (RSOs)
• One (1) from the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC)

The GWG shall also comprise three (3) liaisons:

• One (1) from the ICANN Board
• One (1) from the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)
• One (1) from the Root Zone Maintainer (RZM)

As per its charter, the GWG shall elect from its representatives a chair to manage its work and preside over GWG meetings. There are membership changes underway, and the goal is to have the new membership of the GWG in place to conduct a chair election process during the month of April, so that the GWG can resume its work by May.

Compensation

RSS GWG members are not compensated. The ccNSO has a limited number of travel funding slots to ICANN public meetings with a face-to-face component, for those participants that actively participate in the work of the ccNSO and makes a special contribution to its projects and meetings.

How to apply?

If you are interested in joining the RSS GWG, kindly send an e-mail to joke.braeken@icann.org, with the following materials:

• your statement of interest.
• Kindly specify your affiliation with a ccTLD Manager, and disclose potential conflicts of interest.
• If applicable, kindly add a letter of support from your employer in respect to the required time commitment to participate actively in the RSS GWG.

Closing date of this call for volunteers is Thursday, 24 March 2021, 23:59 UTC

Once we have received your intent to join the RSS GWG, ICANN staff will send you a Public Data Consent Form. Via this form, you consent to ICANN processing data in order to add you as a member of the RSS GWG and its mailing list(s). The form explains the information ICANN will process to administer your participation in the RSS GWG and how the information will be used for this purpose. It also describes the rights you have regarding your information.

Selection procedure

After receiving your application, the materials you submitted will be sent to the ccNSO Councillors eligible to select the members of the RSS GWG. Further details on the selection criteria and the selection procedure by the ccNSO Councillors can be found here. By the end of March 2022, the ccTLD representative on the RSS GWG will be appointed by the ccNSO council.

Background & Links

The GWG charter, operating procedures, and work plan as well as relevant resources are published on its workspace.

Consult here the ICANN Board resolution to initiate the RSS GWG: https://www.icann.org/resources/board-material/resolutions-2019-11-07-en#2.d

Best regards,

Joke Braeken

joke.braeken@icann.org