Terms of Reference: Consultant, Climate Change and SDG Financing

Organizational setting and reporting relationships

The consultant will work in the International Development Programme of the Division of Programmes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). In performing her/his duties, the consultant will report to the Programme Manager for International Development. The position will focus on IPU’s climate change activities as well as on SDG implementation with a focus on financing, development cooperation and resource mobilization.

Accountabilities

Within delegated authority, the consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Develop strategies to promote action on climate change and support capacity building in parliaments to implement the Paris Agreement.
• In cooperation with UNEP, UNFCCC and targeted parliaments, organize and implement the various activities to strengthen parliamentary capacities and engagement in climate change.
• Support the programme’s work on development finance.
• Ensure the distribution and promote the use of the IPU-UNDP publication Enhancing the engagement and contribution of parliaments to effective development cooperation: A guidance note for parliaments and parliamentarians.
• Ensure continued implementation of the MOUs signed with UNEP and UNFCCC respectively.
• Ensure regular exchanges and strengthen cooperation with UNDRR, Zoï Environment Network, and other partners.
• Explore opportunities to fund IPU’s climate change activities.
• Monitor project expenditures within approved funding and keep administrative records in respect of project activities.
• Draft activity reports for submission to donors and IPU governing bodies.
• Provide material on project activities and results for publication on the IPU website and in other media.
• Provide support to preparation of IPU publications in the area of climate change and disaster risk reduction.
• Organize seminars/webinars and other types of meetings with parliamentary audiences.
• Provide, as requested, other assistance in areas relevant to IPU’s work on international development.

Key deliverables

• Capacity building activities on climate change are conducted in at least two parliaments in cooperation with UNEP.
• At least one event on either climate change or development finance is organized at the 142^nd IPU Assembly.
• A panel on climate change is organized at the Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.
• Support is provided to IPU officials in terms of speeches, briefings and notes for file.
• A textbook for parliamentarians on implementing the Paris Agreement is conceptualized and produced with UNFCCC.
• An online training course for parliamentarians on climate change is produced with UNFCCC.
• An advocacy toolkit on DRR is produced with UNDRR.
• An IPU-UNEP brief for parliamentarians is produced.
• The IPU funding proposal on climate change is continuously updated and presented to potential donors, as appropriate.
• Reports on the implementation of the activities are prepared and submitted to IPU governing bodies and donors.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Parliamentarians, Secretaries General/Clerks of parliament, parliamentary staff.
• United Nations and other partner organizations officials.
• Members of the IPU Secretariat.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Good knowledge of global development issues and current political affairs. Knowledge of the functioning and structure of national parliaments is desirable.
• Planning and organizing: Demonstrated organizational skills; ability to establish priorities, and to plan and monitor own work plan and meet deadlines. Demonstrated use of initiative in facilitating the production of a complex work product. Personal attributes of self-motivation, tact, sound judgment and a preparedness to accept responsibility.
• Communication: Ability to write and to communicate orally in a clear and concise manner.
• Technological awareness: Advanced knowledge of MS Office; advanced use of the internet.
• Teamwork: Aptitude for human contacts and resourcefulness. Team spirit. Adaptability to varying working environments and conditions.
• Commitment to continuous learning: Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the relevant fields and to develop own skills.

Requirements

• University degree in political science, law, international relations, or related fields.
• Good knowledge of project management tools and techniques.
• At least 3 years of proven experience in managing projects in an international environment. Demonstrated ability to achieve expected results and outcomes.
• Demonstrated awareness about key global climate change and financing concepts and their place in international development/SDGs.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team.
• Excellent reading, writing and speaking skills in English and a working knowledge of French.
• Work experience with projects involving parliamentarians is a distinct advantage.

Dates and conditions

                          The consultancy will run from 1 June to 31 December 2020. Sanitary situation permitting, this consultancy will be based at the IPU Headquarters, otherwise it will be home based.