Diversity Council Representative
Statement of Roles and Responsibilities
Primary Purpose
The purpose of the Diversity Council Representative is to serve as a member,
representative and liaison to the Diversity Council for the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) and its employees and managers. The Diversity Council is a n advisory
body to the FDA Commissioner, the Management Council, and the Director of the
Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Management (OEEODM). The
Diversity Council serves as a communication link between FDA employees and
top management. Specifically, the Council shall:
- Review FDA’s programs,
policies, and plans, including the agency’s
Strategic Action Plan, as they relate to diversity management and make
periodic recommendations for updates, improvements, or other modifications.
- Provide advice and consultation to the Commissioner, Management Council,
and Director, OEEODM on the development, implementation and dissemination
of FDA’s diversity management initiatives.
- Provide advice and guidance on matters related to diversity issues such
as: removal of barriers to equal employment opportunity; improving understanding
of cultural characteristics and differences within the workforce; fostering
equity in access to training, educational, career development, and promotional
opportunities; organizational assessment as it relates to diversity; cultural
change; and leadership development.
- Ensure that diversity management is considered and included in strategic
management initiatives.
- Develop and support initiatives aimed at promoting diversity in the FDA.
- Serve as a communication channel through which all FDA employees will
be able to express ideas as they relate to diversity issues and link with
FDA senior staff.
- Support the Commissioner, Management Council, and Director, OEEODM in
other appropriate ways to foster an atmosphere of acceptance, inclusion,
equity, and cooperation within the FDA workforce .
- Assist FDA managers in their efforts to promote diversity and accomplish
equal employment opportunity objectives.
- Provide an annual report of its activities and recommendations to the
Commissioner and the FDA Management Council.
An incumbent serving in this capacity is appointed by his/her Center or Office
Director to represent FDA employees on the Diversity Council and serve as a
change agent within the FDA on issues related to diversity management. Managing
diversity is a process of creating and maintaining an environment that enables
all participants to contribute to their full potential in the pursuit of FDA
mission objectives. Diversity management includes, but is not limited to differences
based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age,
disability, physical appearance, culture, occupation, position, socio-economic
status, education, region of country, life style, language, etc.
Major
Duties And Responsibilities
- Attend and participate in monthly Diversity
Council Meetings, as scheduled; (unexcused absence from more than two consecutive
meetings may result in termination of appointment)
- Contribute to the development of the Diversity Council’s deliberations,
discussions, recommendations, activities, and reports;
- Serve as liaison and communication link between Diversity Council and
FDA employees on diversity issues;
- Serve on at least one committee or project sponsored by the Diversity
Council;
- Act as a “diversity ambassador;” model behaviors and practice
skills that demonstrate a respect for differences and promote full inclusion;
- Serve as conduit to communicate employee and supervisory concerns/needs/initiatives
in the area of diversity;
- Promote and support diversity initiatives, education, and training within
the FDA;
- Participate in EEO compliance and diversity awareness educational activities;
- Participate in activities to implement FDA-wide diversity initiatives;
- Develop, implement, and support activities that recognize and reward excellence
in managing diversity with the FDA;
- Work to incorporate diversity in all aspects of FDA management functions;
- Contribute to Diversity Council Annual Report to Management Council.
