How to Launch a LESA

Step 1: Initial Meeting of Spouses

Convene a meeting of spouses known to you in order to assess interest. In this meeting you should be able to describe the project and provide some materials. For this information see Step 6 under “Web Based Support Now” for the “LESA Starter Tool Kit”. If enough interest is generated in this meeting, go to Step 2.

Step 2: Resident Coordinator/UN Country Team Meeting

Ask the Resident Coordinator (RC) to put the spouse employment initiative and the formation of a LESA on the agenda of the next UN Country Team (UNCT) meeting. Request that the result of this meeting be the agreement to form a LESA and the identification of a focal point. The LESA Chairperson could also be named at this point.

Step 3: Formal Proposal to Spouses

The RC will now call a meeting of all expatriate spouses and partners. At this meeting, the RC provides information on the initiative and asks the spouses in attendance to form a LESA. If there is not a LESA Chairperson, one should be identified at this session.

Step 4: LESA Created

The LESA Chairperson will guide the spouses in the creation of a LESA which will best suit their country’s needs. The RC and the UNCT will be available to provide guidance and resources. The focal point will be the link between the LESA and the RC and UNCT.

There is no right way to organize a LESA. The spouses in each country should decide for themselves what works best for them.

Step 5: Work Groups Formed

As in any organization, it is necessary to have a structure in place which supports the accomplishment of the overall objectives. As well as an elected executive, what has worked best for the LESAs is the formation of working groups. Here are some suggestions for these groups:

• Career and Employment Opportunities Group
  Assess the employment situation in the country, find out where jobs are posted and where spouses register for work.
• Network Group
  Establish and promote the links between the LESA and other international organizations, NGOs and the private sector.
• Work Permit Group
  Identify legalities involved in working within the country as an expatriate spouse and facilitate change where possible.
• Web Site Group
  Provide employment and career information and country briefs for the global website.

Step 6: Support: Web and Personal

From a meeting announcement to fundamental documents, resources are and can be made available to you on the web. Also, for that personal touch, there is human being to “talk” to, by internet or by phone.

LESA Starter Tool Kit

If you are thinking of starting at Step 1, here is your “LESA Starter Tool Kit” which is available right now by clicking below.

• UNDG Joint Guidance Note on the Employment of Expatriate Spouses
  This 16 page document describes in detail all aspects of the initiative including the objectives of the LESA, the role of the GESA (Global Expatriate Spouse Association) and the responsibilities of the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team. Read this first to understand the initiative.
• Power Point Presentation
  The UN Dual Career and Staff Mobility power point overviews and describes all aspects of the initiative and is useful for presenting the project at meetings.
• Fact Sheet
  A one page document, continually updated, which provides a descriptive summary of the project.

Web Support when Forming a LESA (password protected)

If you are forming a LESA, you will need further assistance from the resource centre on the web called the LESA Document Centre. This is protected by password. To obtain your password contact the GESA Coordinator.

Personal Support

Remember the personal touch we promised? Our GESA Coordinator can be contacted by telephone, email, by post or even in person.
Please click here for contact details.

Summary

If you are an expatriate spouse or partner and want to launch a LESA in your country, the six steps to follow and the wealth of web and personal support available to you are outlined in this session.