Consultancy: Researcher, Global Parliamentary Report

Description

IPU and UNDP are working on a third Global Parliamentary Report (GPR). The main objective of the GPR is to develop recommendations and present good practice examples for more effective parliaments. The primary target audience is the parliamentary community, but also all other stakeholders. A gender perspective will be mainstreamed throughout the report.

The third GPR will be focused on public engagement in the work of parliament. It will be grounded primarily on experience and contributions from parliaments and parliamentarians, as it was the case with two previous reports: Global Parliamentary Report 2017—Parliamentary oversight: Parliament's power to hold government to account and Global Parliamentary Report 2012: The changing nature of parliamentary representation.

IPU is looking to recruit a researcher with at least 10 years’ experience to join the project team for the report. The consultant will undertake research in the area of public engagement in the work of parliament.

The person will have a lead responsibility for collecting and analysing information and data and will contribute to shaping the scope and content of the report. Multiple research activities are envisaged, such as: desk research; interviews with parliamentarians; survey of parliamentarians’ perceptions; written input from parliaments and other stakeholders; data provided by parliaments in response to a questionnaire; and national multi-stakeholder focus groups.

Tasks

• Contributing to defining the scope and content of the Global Parliamentary Report,
• Designing the research strategy and tools to gather the required information (surveys, interviews, etc.)
• Leading implementation of the various research activities and analysing the information gathered
• Drafting elements for the report, such as the report outline and chapter briefs, case studies, good practice examples
• Communication and coordination with parliaments and parliamentarians, UNDP Offices, CSOs and other stakeholders,
• Support to expert meetings and other events related to the GPR,

The researcher will carry out these tasks in close cooperation with the project focal points in IPU and UNDP.

Deliverables

The following key deliverables have been identified at this stage. Additional deliverables might be identified as part of ongoing work-planning.

1. Research strategy and tools,
2. Data and information collected, analysed and synthetised,
3. Report outline and chapter briefs, case studies, good practice examples
4. Regular summary reports of research activities and progress updates

Timing

The consultancy is expected to be full-time from March to December 2020. The total number of days of work in 2020 is expected to be up to 150 days, depending on the effective start date of the contract.

Depending on the development of the project, and subject to performance and availability of funding, there may be a possibility of extension of the contract in 2021.

Location

The consultant could be based at IPU headquarters in Geneva or at home, with a preference for the IPU headquarters. The work is likely to involve occasional travel, the costs of which will be covered by the IPU.

Candidates for the consultancy need to be able to demonstrate:

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• Advanced university degree in a relevant field, with 10 years’ experience in working for or with parliaments, at increasing levels of responsibility
• Experience in parliamentary strengthening in at least three countries
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize proposals for parliamentary reform
• Experience in large-scale research projects
• Experience in drafting major reports, including for parliamentary audiences
• Experience in analysing information, including from a gender perspective
• Excellent reading and writing skills in English. Ability to read French and/or Spanish is highly desirable.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team that spans different countries and organizations
• Excellent time management and attention to detail

Employment conditions

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.

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 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

We ask all our staff to agree to our  Code of Conduct for personnel and our Fraud and Corruption Prevention and Control Policy.

The work of the IPU is based on the Common Principles for Support to Parliaments that describes a series of fundamental principles for the planning and implementation of programmes aimed to strengthen the capacity of parliaments. The Consultant will be expected to factor the Common principles into his/her tasks.