Junior Consultancy

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments. It has a membership of 178 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.

In the field of peacebuilding, conflict prevention and security, the IPU works to promote disarmament and help parliaments deal with threats such as proliferation of weapons, including weapons of mass destruction or cyber warfare. The IPU also plays a special role in countries emerging from conflict or in transition to democracy, helping to develop their parliaments as robust and democratic institutions that can contribute to national reconciliation, heal national divisions and achieve lasting peace.

**Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships**

The consultant will work directly with the Senior Programme Officer on Peace and Security, Secretary of the IPU Standing Committee on Peace and International Security.

**Tasks**

The consultant will assist the Senior Programme Officer on Peace and Security with the following duties:

- Conduct research, attend meetings, organize events, and draft reports for IPU activities in the areas of disarmament and human security.
- Assist in designing and implementing the project to engage parliamentarians in the universalization of the Arms Trade Treaty.
- Prepare and attend meetings and draft meeting reports and notes for the file.
- Follow and report on relevant debates.
- Provide, as requested, other assistance in the area of peace and security.

**Deliverables**

The consultant will contribute to:

- webinars and workshops related to disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation, military spending, and human security
- the compilation of good practice examples that will serve to draft practical guidance notes for parliaments on issues related to disarmament and human security
- the collection of data and information on human security, military spending and disarmament actions in Parliament in the framework of research projects and publications.
- the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, conduct of qualitative surveys, and analysis of results, that will help monitor and evaluate change and impact brought by the projects.
- the development of communication tools and documents, including news stories and regular updates for the IPU website.
- the preparation of projects-related correspondence, speeches and briefing notes, as required

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

- Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff;
- Officials from the United Nations and other partner organizations;
- Staff of the IPU Secretariat.

**Competencies**
- Professionalism: knowledge of parliamentary systems; proven ability to produce high-quality reports and papers; ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
- Planning and organizing: proven ability to plan and organize meetings and work, ensuring that these are consistent with the overall Strategy of the IPU;
- Communication: Excellent drafting ability and communication skills, both oral and written; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful;
- Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural, multi ethnic environment.
- Team spirit: Adaptability to varying working environments and conditions;
- Judgment/Decision-making: good political judgment and initiative, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact.

**Qualifications**
- Advanced university degree in political science, law, international relations, or related fields. A combination of academic qualifications and extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree;
- Experience and research skills in the fields of international relations, disarmament, human security, peace and democracy, parliamentary practices, and conflict resolution;
- Knowledge of the functioning of national parliaments;
- Knowledge in Women, Peace, and Security and Youth, Peace and Security UN Security Council Resolutions and related policy framework on women and youth participation in peace processes, would be an asset.
- At least two years of progressively responsible international experience. Experience with parliaments will be an advantage;
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills;
- Excellent oral and written command of English and French, including the ability to draft in at least one of these languages. Knowledge of a third official UN language is an advantage.