ASA Expert Terms & Conditions

ASA Expert Terms & Conditions Online Registration and Profile Submission 1. INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE The Advocacy Society for the Arts (ASA) maintains a network of specialized experts who provide consulting, research, advocacy, and capacity-building services to Armenia's creative and cultural sectors. These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern your registration as an Expert on the ASA Platform and the submission of your professional profile. By completing the expert registration and submitting your profile, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not proceed with registration. 2. EXPERT NETWORK OVERVIEW 2.1 What is the ASA Expert Network? The ASA Expert Network comprises professionals with recognized expertise in designated domains within creative industries, policy, research, finance, international networks, and sector development. Experts provide services including: - Professional consultations and advisory services - Research and policy analysis - Training and capacity building - Mentoring and peer review - Advocacy and strategic planning - Industry-specific guidance (IP law, digital rights, export/import, arts management, etc.) 2.2 Expert Engagement Model ASA engages experts on a project-based, consulting-based, or annual contract basis, as mutually agreed. Engagement is not employment. ASA does not provide salary, benefits, or guaranteed hours. Each expert relationship is formalized through a separate Service Agreement or Contract. 3. ELIGIBILITY & ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA 3.1 Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the ASA Expert Network, you must: - Possess recognized expertise in a designated domain relevant to creative industries, culture, arts, or related fields - Demonstrate professional qualifications, credentials, or significant sector experience - Be willing to contribute to ASA's mission of advancing Armenia's creative ecosystem - Maintain professional conduct and adhere to these Terms 3.2 Designated Areas of Expertise (Examples) - IP Law & Digital Rights - Research & Publishing - Fine Arts & Curation - Performing Arts & Festivals - Film, Media & Photography - International Networks & Partnerships - Business-to-Arts (B2A) Development - Export/Import & International Trade - Digital Technology & Innovation - Financial Management & Accounting - Cultural Policy & Advocacy ASA may add or modify designated expertise areas as needed. 3.3 Acceptance Decision ASA reserves the right to accept or decline expert applications at its discretion. Acceptance is based on: - Relevance of expertise to ASA's needs and mission - Quality and completeness of your submitted profile - Professional reputation and references - Capacity and willingness to engage ASA will notify you of the acceptance decision within 7 business days of complete profile submission. 4. PROFILE REGISTRATION & SUBMISSION 4.1 Required Information During registration, you must provide accurate and complete information, including: - Full name, contact details, and location - Professional title(s) and organizational affiliation (if any) - Area(s) of expertise and relevant credentials - Professional biography and CV - Portfolio, publications, or examples of relevant work (if applicable) - Languages spoken - Availability for engagement (e.g., hours/month or project basis) - References (at least 2 professional references) - Hourly rate or project rate (for paid services, if applicable) 4.2 Profile Accuracy & Updates You represent and warrant that all information provided is: - True, accurate, and complete - Current and up-to-date - Not misleading or deceptive You agree to update your profile within 14 days of any material change to your qualifications, availability, or contact information. 4.3 Profile Verification ASA may conduct background checks, reference verification, or credential confirmation before accepting your profile. You consent to this verification process and agree to respond promptly to verification requests. 5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & CONFIDENTIALITY 5.1 Your Profile Content You retain ownership of the biographical and portfolio content you submit. By submitting to ASA, you grant ASA a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to: - Display your profile on the ASA Platform - Share your profile with organizations seeking expert services - Use your name, title, and expertise area in ASA communications (website, directories, event materials) - Include your profile in research, reports, or communications about the ASA Expert Network 5.2 Confidentiality Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality regarding: - Non-public information discussed during expert consultations - Client/project details shared by ASA or service recipients - Commercial terms of any engagement agreements Exception: Confidentiality does not extend to information that is (a) publicly available, (b) required by law to be disclosed, or (c) necessary to defend legal claims. 5.3 Work Product Rights Unless otherwise agreed in a specific engagement contract, intellectual property created during expert services (reports, analyses, training materials, etc.) is owned by the client/ASA or is jointly owned, as defined in that engagement's specific terms. 6. CODE OF CONDUCT & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 6.1 Professional Conduct As an ASA Expert, you agree to: - Maintain professionalism in all interactions with clients, ASA staff, and other experts - Act with integrity and honesty in all representations and services - Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose them promptly to ASA - Respect confidentiality of client information and project details - Provide quality services consistent with your area of expertise - Meet agreed deadlines and communicate clearly about availability or delays - Comply with applicable laws, including Armenian labor and tax regulations 6.2 Conflict of Interest Disclosure You must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including: - Financial interests in organizations you advise on - Competitive relationships with clients - Personal relationships with ASA staff or clients - Advocacy positions that may bias your advice 7. SERVICE TERMS & ENGAGEMENT 7.1 How Services are Matched When an organization requests expert services, ASA will: - Review available expert profiles - Identify experts whose expertise matches the need - Contact qualified experts with the opportunity Experts may accept or decline each engagement. No guaranteed work: Registration does not guarantee any specific engagement, volume of work, or income. 7.2 Individual Engagement Agreements Each specific engagement will be formalized through a separate Service Agreement or Consulting Contract that specifies: - Scope of work and deliverables - Timeline and deadlines - Compensation and payment terms - IP ownership and confidentiality provisions - Termination conditions - Liability and insurance requirements These engagement agreements supersede these general Terms for that specific project. 7.3 Rate Structure Expert compensation is determined individually based on: - Area of expertise and credential level - Complexity and scope of the project - Duration and timeline - Market rates for comparable services ASA may negotiate rates or offer discount rates for: - Capacity-building programs for artists - Research benefiting Armenian sector - Public advocacy or policy papers / articles - Early-stage or pro-bono consultations 8. LIABILITY & DISCLAIMERS 8.1 Independent Contractor Status Experts are independent contractors, not employees of ASA. You are responsible for: - Tax filings and reporting (income tax, VAT, professional fees) - Social insurance contributions - Professional liability insurance (if required for your field) - Compliance with Armenian labor and business regulations 8.2 Limitation of Liability To the extent permitted by Armenian law: - Neither party is liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages - ASA's liability for platform defects or service errors is limited to restitution of fees paid for that engagement - Experts are not liable for outcomes of client decisions made on the basis of expert advice, provided the advice was delivered professionally 8.3 Indemnification You agree to indemnify ASA against claims arising from: - Breach of these Terms or any engagement agreement - Infringement of third-party IP rights by your profile content or work product - Violation of law or professional ethics by you 9. TERMINATION & REMOVAL 9.1 Voluntary Withdrawal You may withdraw from the Expert Network at any time by notifying ASA in writing. Outstanding engagement agreements remain binding. 9.2 ASA Termination ASA may remove or suspend your profile if: - You violate these Terms or an engagement agreement - Your credentials or background information proves inaccurate or misleading - You engage in unprofessional conduct or harassment - You breach confidentiality or conflict-of-interest obligations - Required by law or regulatory requirement ASA will provide 7 days' written notice before removal (except in cases of gross misconduct), with an opportunity to respond. 9.3 Effect of Termination - Your profile will be removed from the ASA Platform - Future engagement opportunities will not be offered - Existing engagement agreements remain in effect until completion or separate termination 10. DATA PRIVACY & PLATFORM USE 10.1 Data Collection & Use ASA collects and maintains your registration data to: - Maintain the Expert Network directory - Match you with relevant engagement opportunities - Communicate about ASA programs and opportunities - Generate sector data and analytics (anonymized) 10.2 Data Protection You consent to ASA storing and processing your profile information in accordance with: - Armenian personal data protection law - International nonprofit data protection standards - ASA's Privacy Policy (available at asaarmenia.org) 10.3 Platform Access & Security You are responsible for: - Maintaining confidentiality of your login credentials - Notifying ASA of unauthorized access - Complying with platform usage policies - Not accessing others' accounts or data 11. COMPENSATION, INVOICING & PAYMENT 11.1 Payment for Services Experts are compensated only for specific engagements formalized through separate agreements. No compensation is provided for: - Profile registration or maintenance - Time spent in profile review or matching processes - Declined engagement opportunities - Members consulted through the platform for up to 30 minutes. 11.2 Invoicing & Payment Terms - You will invoice ASA or the client (as specified in engagement agreement) for services rendered - Invoices must include required tax documentation (per Armenian law) - Payment is typically due within 30 days of invoice, unless otherwise agreed 12. AMENDMENTS & GOVERNING LAW 12.1 Modifications ASA may modify these Terms by posting updated Terms on the platform and notifying experts via email. Continued engagement after notification constitutes acceptance. Material changes will be communicated at least 30 days in advance. 12.2 Governing Law These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Armenia. 13. CONTACT & SUPPORT 13.1 Questions or Support For questions about these Terms or expert registration: Email: [email protected] Mailing Address: ASA Operations, Yerevan, Armenia Website: www.asaarmenia.org 13.2 Notices Formal notices should be sent to the email or mailing address above. Notice is effective upon receipt or 48 hours after email, whichever is earlier. 14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT These Terms, together with any separate engagement agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and ASA regarding expert services. They supersede all prior understandings, oral or written. ACKNOWLEDGMENT By clicking "I Agree" and submitting your expert profile, you acknowledge that: - You have read and understand these Terms & Conditions - You agree to be bound by these Terms - All information in your profile is accurate and complete - You are eligible for the ASA Expert Network - You consent to data processing as described - You understand ASA's engagement model and compensation structure