Call for Applications: Selection of Governing Board Members for Ozurgeti Local Action Group (LAG)

Local Action Groups (LAGs) serve as regional development platforms that collaborate with local residents, civil society organizations, the business sector, and public institutions. Their goal is to empower civil society, ensure the efficient use of local resources, and support initiatives promoting sustainable development. LAGs operate under the LEADER approach—an European Union initiative aimed at promoting sustainable rural development. Local Action Groups play a vital role in improving the quality of life for rural residents, enhancing economic activities, and preserving cultural and ecological heritage. Their activities contribute to regional development, attracting investment, and strengthening local self-government institutions.

Ozurgeti Local Action Group (LAG) Ozurgeti LAG was established in January 2024 with the support of the European Union, under the project “Green Guria — Supporting Local Democracy and Rural Development for Inclusive and Sustainable Green Growth,” implemented by CENN in partnership with the Young Pedagogues’ Union, Institute of Democracy, and Keda Local Development Group. It brings together nearly 200 members from Ozurgeti Municipality. The 16-member Governing Board, elected by LAG members, represents all three sectors: public, private, and civil society. The public sector includes representatives from the municipality and other publicly funded institutions; the private sector represents businesses; and the civil society sector comprises local non-governmental organizations.

The goals of the Governing Board’s activities are:

• Promoting socio-economic development through partnerships among the public, private, and civil society sectors;
• Supporting inclusive, equality-based sectoral and territorial development;
• Fostering innovative development;
• Supporting Georgia’s full integration into the European Union by promoting the EU, its political values, and governance principles.

Currently, in accordance with Article 3 of the Ozurgeti Local Action Group (LAG) Statute, the renewal of the Governing Board is underway, and a call for applications is announced for Governing Board membership. The call is open to representatives from the public, private, and civil society sectors.

Qualification Requirements

The candidate must:

• Be registered, living, and/or working within Ozurgeti Municipality;
• Be familiar with and share the organization’s goals and statute;
• Have the desire and capacity to actively participate in LAG activities;
• Be prepared to attend Governing Board meetings and participate in other organization-related processes.

Required Documents

Candidates must submit:

• A written application for Governing Board membership (the application may be submitted in any format preferred by the candidate);
• A copy of an identity document;
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).

It is recommended that candidates briefly state in their application why they wish to join the Governing Board and what experience, knowledge, or resources they can contribute to the development of Ozurgeti Municipality.

Submission Process

Applications are accepted until September 30 of this year at the following email address: ozurgetilag@gmail.com

In the email Subject line, candidates must specify the relevant category:

• Public sector representatives: “Call for Applications – Public Sector”
• Business, civil society, and citizen representatives: “Call for Applications – Private/Civil Sector”

Candidates employed in state- or municipality-funded institutions are considered representatives of the public sector.

During the week of October 5, a General Meeting of Ozurgeti Local Action Group (LAG) members will be held, where each candidate will be voted on individually. The candidates with the highest scores will be elected as new Governing Board members. Candidates will be notified of the results on the same day via email.

For questions, please contact us at: +995 598 16 39 37.