- ImpactWe help parliaments to become greener and to implement the Paris agreement.We support democracy by strengthening parliamentsWe work to increase women’s representation in parliament and empower women MPs.We defend the human rights of parliamentarians and help them uphold the rights of all.We help parliaments fight terrorism, cyber warfare and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.We encourage youth participation in parliaments and empower young MPs.We support parliaments in implementing the SDGs with a particular focus on health and climate change.
- Parliaments
Nearly every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 190 national parliaments in the world, 78 are bicameral (156 chambers) and 112 are unicameral, making a total of 268 chambers of parliament with some 46,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 181 national parliamentsFind a national parliament
The Swiss National Council © The Swiss Parliament
We help strengthen parliaments to make them more representative and effective. - Knowledge
Discover the IPU's resources
Our library of essential resources for parliamentsGlobal data for and about national parliamentsLatest data and reports about women in parliamentResolutions, declarations and outcomes adopted by IPU MembersRecent innovations in the way parliaments workThe latest climate change legislation from the London School of Economics' databaseIPU on air- Conversations about parliamentary action
Working with the IPU
Are you interested in working for peace, democracy, equality and human rights? We have staff in Geneva and New York who share a vision for a democratic world and a better life for citizens through strong and effective parliaments.
A vibrant organization, we seek to attract committed and suitably qualified staff to join our team at our Secretariat. Our work is very varied, covering a range of specialist skills and knowledge on parliaments and thematic issues.
There are a number of ways you can work with us. As well as staff vacancies and consultancies, we also offer a few internships to selected undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students who are pursuing a course of study or who specialize in fields related to our work.
In addition to drawing upon the expertise and experience of our Member Parliaments, we have a roster of parliamentary and subject experts who are deployed on missions aimed at helping parliaments strengthen their own capacity to function effectively.
We also use contractors to provide other services.
Employment profiles at IPU
Employment profiles at IPU
We recruit staff on fixed-term or temporary contracts. Staff are either recruited as Professional (P) or General Service (G). Directors (D) are part of the professional category.
Professional staff are usually hired internationally and occupy leadership functions or positions that require a significant level of technical expertise.
General Service staff are hired locally in Geneva or New York. Their main role is to assure the smooth functioning of all administrative matters.
Recruitment principles for staff vacancies
Our guiding principle in selecting candidates for employment 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.
We aim to achieve a broad representation of staff from across the world. 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. Staff are normally selected on a competitive basis.
Requirements for professional and general staff positions are defined in each job description. But in general, all our employees 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 are an asset
We ask all our staff to agree to our Code of conduct for personnel and our Fraud and corruption prevention policy.
Since January 2005 IPU has been part of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).
IPU Procurement Manual
Download the IPU Procurement Manual.
Staff code of conduct
Fraud and corruption prevention policy
In this section
© United Nations Photos
We offer advisory and consultancy services on the role and working methods of parliaments, as well as the development of MPs and staff to parliaments across the world so they can fulfil their mandate effectively.
We offer internships to selected undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students who are pursuing a course of study or work in fields related to our work.
© IPU
At times, we require specific services on a one-time basis or for a period of time that have to be contracted out to external providers. On these occasions, we carry out a tendering process in line with our strict procurement policy to identify the right contractor.