Junior Consultancy - Parliamentary support

Description

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.

In 2027 the IPU will begin implementation of a new 5-year strategy. The Strategy places emphasis on deepening engagement and strengthening the parliamentary community. The Strategy aims at developing and sustaining meaningful, mutual, long-term and proactive relationships with Members; finding ways to connect them to each other; and strengthening the opportunity and commitment for them to contribute to the realisation of IPU’s objectives. It furthermore highlights the importance of engaging at regional level for political and programmatic work and providing support to IPU geopolitical groups in that regard.

The consultant will contribute to a range of activities within IPU’s work to promote strong democratic parliaments, with a special attention for support and engagement with Parliaments of the Eurasia geopolitical group.

Organizational setting and reporting relationships

The consultant will work in the Technical Cooperation Programme in the Division of Programmes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and report to the Programme manager.

Accountabilities

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

• Contribute to the organisation of tailored capacity building work in support of Parliaments, with a particular focus on Parliaments from the Eurasia region
• Provide support to IPU’s work on Parliamentary oversight including:
  • Contribute to promoting activities related to the oversight dimension of the indicators for democratic parliaments.
  • Support parliaments, where relevant, in carrying out their oversight work
  • Develop case studies, good practices and lessons learned in oversight of strategic sectors
  • Support IPU’s collaboration with INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) including design the process leading to a publication on SAI Parliament collaboration
  • Promote follow-up to the IPU/NDI issues brief on oversight of critical minerals
  • Support finalization of a guide on the Common Principles for Support to Democracy
• Support IPU member engagement with the Eurasia group
  • Facilitate contacts, and exchange of experience among Eurasia Parliaments and their members;
  • Enhance relations between the IPU and Eurasia member parliaments,

Work will involve regular interaction with:

• Parliaments, including parliamentarians, Secretaries General and parliamentary staff
• Partner organizations.
• Researchers and civil society organizations
• Colleagues in IPU Secretariat

Deliverables

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

• A minimum of two case studies on oversight of strategic sectors, including with IPU support in at least two parliaments
• A minimum of three Parliamentary oversight activities delivered
• Demonstrable progress with the publication to enhance collaboration between parliaments and SAIs
• Stronger ties and engagement between the IPU and Eurasia member parliaments

Requirements

Candidates for the consultancy should be able to demonstrate:

• University degree in law, political science, international relations, or related fields;
• Good drafting and analytical skills;
• Experience and research skills in the fields of parliamentary practices or constitutional law and/or knowledge of the functioning of national parliaments would be an asset;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Excellent writing skills in English or French, as well as a good knowledge of the other language. Languages of the Eurasia region are a strong asset;
• Good general computer skills (MS Office applications, Internet, Zoom).

Duration

The consultancy is for up to 111 days of work over the period 18 January to 18 July 2027

Location

IPU Headquarters, Geneva (Switzerland)

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
• Information about their availability to begin work

The deadline for applications is 30 November 2026. Applications should be sent by e-mail to job@ipu.org with “Junior Consultant Parliamentary Support” in the subject line. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Employment conditions

The External Collaborator will be offered a daily fee of CHF 250. S/he is an independent contractor and 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 a second language. Additional languages of the Eurasia region are a strong asset

We ask all our staff and consultants 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.