Junior consultant

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments. It has a membership of 179 Member Parliaments. The IPU promotes democratic governance, institutions, and values, working with parliaments and parliamentarians to articulate and respond to the needs and aspirations of the people. It works to promote peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment and sustainable development through political dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary action. These objectives are pursued through the Organization’s political and programmatic work, which includes research, standard-setting, knowledge dissemination, technical cooperation and capacity-building.

The IPU recognizes gender equality as a key component of democracy and works to achieve equal participation of men and women in politics. It provides support to parliaments in advancing gender equality, increasing women’s political participation and leadership and transforming into gender-sensitive institutions that deliver on women’s rights.

Tasks

Under the supervision of the Manager of the Gender Partnership Programme, the consultant will assist in coordinating global projects and partnerships, including research projects, coalitions and the organization of global events. The consultant will also carry out outreach work and other tasks as required.

Deliverables

Key deliverables will include:

• Support coordination of partnerships in the framework of the International Gender Champions, the Generation Equality Forum and youth engagement with Plan International, the Equal Pay International Coalition, the Office of the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict (and the SG’s role as Global Champion for the Fight Against Sexual Violence in Conflict); tasks will include as applicable reporting on achievements, organization of events and meetings, preparation of documents, and contribution to meetings and other coordination processes and mechanisms.
• Contribution to research projects in 2021 and 2022, including:
  • The preparation of the CEDAW handbook for parliamentarians, with tasks including liaison with partners, coordination of internal communication, organizing consultations with MPs and experts, conducting additional research, supporting the production of the publication for print and online use, preparing a launch event;
  • The production of case studies on the influence of women in parliament, including reviews of existing studies, conducting additional research, liaison with member parliaments and consultants and planning the production of the studies for online use.
• Support other research projects and publications, including on women in parliament, as required by the Gender Partnership Programme.
• Support the organization of IPU events and outreach activities, including the 143rd and 144th IPU Assemblies (November 2021 and April 2022 respectively) and the March 2022 parliamentary meeting at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
• Prepare speeches and briefing notes as required.
• Support the development of communications tools and documents, including news stories and updates of the IPU website.
• Take part in and support meetings, consultations, group discussions and other events organized by the IPU and its partner organizations.
• Liaise with representatives from the IPU Member Parliaments and partner organizations.
• Respond to queries and requests for information received by the IPU.
• Co-operate with staff in other IPU programmes on joint projects, as necessary.

Required experience and qualifications

• University degree in political science or law; specialization in gender studies an asset.
• At least one year of experience in work related to gender equality and/or women’s rights.
• Experience in work supporting global networks and coalitions.
• Experience in a parliamentary setting as well as familiarity with the work of international organizations; experience of work with the IPU a strong asset.
• Excellent drafting skills and experience in developing communication tools.
• Complete fluency in English or French and working ability in both languages.
• Personal attributes of initiative, self-motivation, and sound judgement. Aptitude for human contacts and resourcefulness. Team spirit. Adaptability to varying working environments and conditions.

• General computer skills (MS Office applications, internet).

Time frame and conditions

The consultant will undertake this work over a timeline commencing on 1 August 2021 and concluding on 31 July 2022. They shall be expected to work a maximum of 219 days. In principle, the consultant shall be based in the IPU Headquarters in Geneva.

The IPU shall cover the expenses related to the missions that the consultant may need to carry out for purposes of the above assignments.

Employment conditions

The consultant 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 consultant 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.