The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) plays a crucial role in supporting democratic parliaments globally. Through various initiatives, the IPU works to strengthen parliamentary institutions, enhance their effectiveness, and promote inclusive and representative governance. This includes fostering dialogue and cooperation among parliamentarians worldwide, providing capacity-building programs, and advocating for parliamentary democracy as a cornerstone of sustainable development and peace. The IPU also conducts research and produces publications on key issues related to democratic governance, such as the functioning of parliaments, gender equality in politics, and the role of parliaments in addressing global challenges.

The consultant will contribute to a range of activities within IPU’s work on democratic parliaments, including flagship initiatives such as the Global Parliamentary Report and the Indicators for Democratic Parliaments. The work will include contributing to overall implementation of activities, organizing in-person and online events, preparing print and online content for publication, and developing partnerships with parliaments and relevant organizations.

Organizational setting and reporting relationships

The consultant will work in the Resource Centre in the Division of Programmes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and report to the Programme manager, Parliamentary standards and knowledge.

Accountabilities

Within delegated authority, the consultant will be entrusted with the following:

• Follow-up on the 2023 Indicators for Democratic Parliaments
  • Strengthen partnerships with organizations involved in the Indicators
  • Organize regular meetings of the Project team, which brings together the partner organizations for planning and implementation
  • Raise awareness of the Indicators among the parliamentary community
  • Support parliaments in carrying out assessments using the Indicators
  • Develop case studies, good practices and lessons learned in using the Indicators
• Support preparations for the next Global Parliamentary Report
  • Take stock of lessons learned from the previous Global Parliamentary Reports
  • Develop proposals for the concept and theme of the next Global Parliamentary Report
  • Contribute to fund-raising initiatives for the next Report in partnership with UNDP
  • Design and support the process leading to the publication of the next Report..
• Follow-up on the 2022 Global Parliamentary Report
  • Coordinate the activities of the IPU-IPEN Public engagement hub in IPU’s Centre for Innovation in Parliament
  • Organize online events related to public engagement
• Provide general support to IPU’s work on democratic parliaments:
  • Monitor project expenditures and keep administrative records
  • Draft activity reports for donors and IPU’s governing bodies;
  • Support development of partnerships for the advancement of project activities;
  • Provide assistance to democracy-related activities at IPU Assemblies and in areas relevant to democratic parliaments.

Work will involve regular interaction with:

• Parliaments, including parliamentarians, Secretaries General and parliamentary staff
• Partner organizations, including ASGP, UNDP, IPEN, partners to the Indicators for Democratic Parliaments, and others
• Researchers and civil society organisations
• Colleagues in IPU’s Division of Programmes, including the Centre for Innovation in Parliament

Deliverables

Deliverables will be defined according to the agreed workplan, and will include:

• Activities to promote awareness and use of Indicators for Democratic Parliaments are carried out, including IPU support to self-assessment processes in at least two parliaments
• Planning for the next Global Parliamentary Report is completed
• Webinars on public engagement in the work of parliament are organized

Requirements

Candidates for the consultancy should be able to demonstrate:

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field, and at least 5 years’ professional experience at increasing levels of responsibility
• Practical experience in working on strengthening democracy and democratic institutions
• Good knowledge of politics and political systems. Personal commitment to the core values of parliament and democracy
• Ability to conceptualise, plan and deliver projects
• Ability to write clearly and persuasively
• Fluency in English. Working knowledge of French is highly desirable; Working knowledge of Spanish or Arabic an asset.
• Highly desirable:
  • Experience in working with parliaments
  • Experience with mainstreaming gender and human rights
  • Experience in monitoring and evaluation
  • Experience in fund-raising
  • Strong digital skills. Good knowledge of online communication tools

Duration

The consultancy is for up to 100 days of work over the period 1 March 2025 to 31 December 2025. Subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds, the consultancy may be extended in 2026.

Location

The consultancy is home-based. The work may require occasional participation in events in Geneva or elsewhere. It would also be possible, but not a requirement, for the consultant to work from IPU headquarters in Geneva.

Employment conditions

The External Collaborator is an independent contractor, is not considered to be an official or employee of the IPU and is not subject to the IPU Staff Regulations and Staff Rules. The External Collaborator is not entitled to recover from the IPU any income tax payable in respect of the fee provided under this contract and shall be solely liable for the payment of any national income tax due in respect of the emoluments payable under this contract. The External Collaborator will not be included in the IPU pension scheme.

Recruitment principles

Our guiding principle in selecting candidates is to secure the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. We do not discriminate on any grounds and are committed to promoting diversity in our workforce.

Particular attention is paid to candidates from developing countries and to achieving gender balance. We strive to provide an environment where the contribution of each individual is valued.

All our consultants are expected to possess the following qualities:

• Motivation and a strong commitment to our principles
• Ability to work well in a multicultural team
• High level of technical knowledge relevant to the post
• Work experience at national and/or international level
• Fluency in at least one of our official languages (English, French) and a working knowledge of the second language. Additional languages are an asset

How to Apply:

Candidates should provide the following:

• Curriculum vitae
• A brief description of why they are the right person for this consultancy, including details of their personal contribution to at least two relevant projects
• Expected monthly fee
• Information about their availability to begin work

The deadline for applications is 28 February 2025. Applications should be sent by e-mail to job@ipu.org with “Project Officer – Democratic parliaments” in the subject line. For further details about the consultancy, please contact Andy Richardson at the IPU Secretariat (ar@ipu.org).

Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

We ask all our staff to agree to our Code of conduct for personnel and our Fraud and corruption prevention policy available at https://www.ipu.org/about-us/working-with-ipu.