[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 227 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 83200-83201]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26110]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice: 12274]


Action: Notice of an Opportunity To Apply for Membership on the 
Advisory Committee on Responsible Business Conduct

SUMMARY: The Department of State is seeking applications for membership 
for the 2023-2025 term of the Advisory Committee on Responsible 
Business Conduct (the ``Committee''). The purpose of the Committee is 
to bring to the U.S. government a source of expertise, knowledge, and 
insight not available within the Department or elsewhere in the 
government on issues related to responsible business conduct (RBC), 
including business and human rights (BHR).

DATES: Applications for membership consideration are due by 5 p.m. 
Eastern Time (EDT) on December 29, 2023. After that date, the State 
Department will accept applications under this notice for up to two 
years from November 28, 2023 to fill vacancies, as applicable.

ADDRESSES: Please submit applications by email to 
[email protected] attention: Leslie Taylor, Designated 
Federal Officer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leslie Taylor, Designated Federal 
Officer, Senior Foreign Affairs Officer, telephone: 202-663-2758, 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee was established under the 
general authority of the Secretary of State as set forth in Title 22 of 
the United States Code, Sections 2651a and 2656 and consistent with the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq).
    The Department of State is accepting applications for Committee 
membership. The Committee shall provide information, analysis, and

[[Page 83201]]

recommendations to the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, 
Human Rights and Labor (DRL) related to opportunities and challenges 
regarding BHR, as well as RBC more broadly. The committee may provide 
advice and/or recommendations on topics, such as:
    (a) Implementing the U.S. National Action Plan on Responsible 
Business Conduct (NAP).
    (b) Access to remedy, forced labor, initiatives related to labor 
rights and supply chains, the U.S. National Contact Point (NCP) for the 
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the legally binding 
instrument, and/or other specific topics related to BHR and RBC more 
broadly.
    (e) The Department of State's role in advancing U.S. RBC, including 
BHR.
    Committee Makeup: According to the Committee's Charter, the 
membership of the Committee consists of representatives of 
organizations, companies, associations, institutions and other relevant 
stakeholders having an interest in business and human rights and 
responsible business conduct, and may include representatives of 
business, labor unions, public interest groups, trade and professional 
associations, members of civil society organizations, academic 
representatives, or any other stakeholder related to RBC. Each 
Committee member shall serve in a representative capacity, representing 
the views and interests of their particular organization, institution, 
association, company, or industry sector.
    Qualifications: The Department believes that the most effective 
member of the Committee will have:
     10+ years of proven leadership and experience related to 
RBC, including BHR.
     Well-documented thought leadership.
     Ability to work across stakeholder groups.
     Broad perspective of RBC issues, including BHR.
     Understanding of how government functions.
     Internal approval from their company, organization, and/or 
institution.
     Time to dedicate to the Committee and/or sub-committees 
through up to four in-person and/or virtual meetings a year and related 
preparation.
    Level of Seniority: The Department particularly seeks applicants 
who are executives and/or senior level leaders with decision-making 
authority; however, a person having substantial responsibility for 
shaping their organization's BHR and/or RBC activities may be 
considered. Once appointed, each Committee member may identify up to 
two staff representatives from their organization to formally support 
their participation in the Committee.
    Other: Members are not required to be a U.S. citizen or work for a 
U.S.-based organization; however, members may not be registered as a 
foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Additionally, 
no member shall represent a company that is majority owned or 
controlled by a foreign government entity or entities. Members of the 
Committee will be selected based on their expertise and experience as 
relevant to RBC, including BHR. In selecting members, DRL will strive 
for balance in terms of points of view, industry, demographics, 
geography, and organization and/or company size. Appointments to the 
Committee shall be made without regard to political affiliation. The 
Committee will meet, at a minimum, once a year.
    Appointments: The DRL Assistant Secretary appoints the members of 
the Committee in consultation with the Bureau of Economic and Business 
Affairs. Members shall serve a term of two years, at the pleasure of 
the DRL Assistant Secretary.
    Compensation: Committee members are not special government 
employees and will receive no compensation for their participation in 
Committee activities. Members participating in Committee meetings and 
events will be responsible for their travel, living, and other personal 
expenses.
    Meetings: At least once annually, in Washington, DC, or virtually.
    How To Apply: To be considered for membership, submit the following 
information by 5 p.m. ET on December 29, 2023, to the email address 
listed in the ADDRESSES section:
    1. Name and title of the individual requesting consideration.
    2. The applicant's personal resume and/or short bio (bio less than 
300 words, please).
    3. An affirmative statement that the applicant is not registered or 
required to register as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents 
Registration Act of 1938, as amended.
    Members of the Committee will be selected by the Bureau of 
Democracy Human Rights and Labor (DRL) in consultation with the Bureau 
of Economic and Business Affairs (EB). Committee members will include 
representatives from a range of business sectors, labor unions, civil 
society organizations, academia, as well as any others determined to be 
appropriate by DRL and EB.
    Authorities: The information is sought pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2651a 
(Organization of Department of State); 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq. (Federal 
Advisory Committee Act); and 41 CGR part 102-3 (the FACA Final Rule).
    Purpose: The information solicited on this application will be used 
to determine whether an individual should be considered for membership 
on the Advisory Committee on Responsible Business Conduct.
    Routine Uses: Information on the Routine Uses for the system can be 
found in the System of Records Notice State-79, Digital Communication 
and Outreach.
    Disclosure: Providing this information is voluntary. Failure to 
provide the information requested on this application may result in the 
applicant's inability to be considered for Committee membership.

Leslie B. Taylor,
Foreign Affairs Officer, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, 
Office of Multilateral and Global Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2023-26110 Filed 11-27-23; 8:45 am]
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