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.
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.
Within delegated authority, the consultant will be entrusted with the following:
Work will involve regular interaction with:
Deliverables will be defined according to the agreed workplan, and will include:
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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 daily 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.