Consultancy: Project Assistant – Indicators for democratic parliaments

Organizational setting and reporting relationships

The IPU is coordinating a multi-partner project to create a set of parliamentary indicators for SDG targets 16.6 and 16.7. The indicators will help parliaments to measure their capacity and performance, as a tool for learning and further development.  This project will build on the work done in this area by many parliaments, international organizations and other stakeholders over the last two decades.

The consultant will contribute to the preliminary research for this project by helping to map and analyse existing parliamentary assessment frameworks, benchmarks and indicators. He/She will work in the Resource Centre in the IPU’s Division of Programmes, and report to the Programme Manager, Parliamentary standards and knowledge.

Accountabilities

Within delegated authority, the consultant will be entrusted with the following:

• Adjust content to the Project database in line with the project development and propose improvements
• Carry out further research into existing parliamentary assessment frameworks, benchmarks and indicators
• Research, select and analyse scholarly articles of relevance to this project
• Research good practice example in parliaments
• Analyse and categorize the information gathered
• Maintain and further improve the system for organizing, storing and retrieving this information, including on google drive
• Assist in the drafting and reviewing process
• Assist in organizing and coordinating activities with partners and other stakeholders
• Draft activity reports on the implementation of projects for submission to donors and IPU’s governing bodies;
• Undertake background research for purposes of backstopping project activities;
• Assist to democracy-related activities of Resource Centre and IPU
• Contribute to the design of parliamentary indicators and related project activities
• Provide, as requested, assistance in other areas of the Centre’s work, such as Centre for Innovation in Parliament and the Global Parliamentary Report

Deliverables

1. Mapping and categorization of existing parliamentary assessment frameworks, benchmarks and indicators
2. Regularly updated Project database
3. Compilation of good practice examples in parliaments
4. Analysis of relevant information
5. Organization of information and documents related to the project
6. Draft minutes and status update for the Project team meetings
7. Regular progress reports

Requirements

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• University degree in a relevant field, such as law, political science or international relations.
• Relevant experience in an international environment.
• Good knowledge of politics and political systems. Personal commitment to the core values of parliament and democracy. Experience of working with parliaments is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve expected results and outcomes.
• Strong research skills and methods. Demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively. Good knowledge of online communication tools
• Interest in parliamentary issues
• Experience with processes and tools for gathering and organizing information
• Curiosity, responsibility and willingness to learn
• Ability to communicate effectively in English. French or Spanish highly desirable. Ability to read other languages is highly desirable

Location

The consultant could be based at IPU headquarters in Geneva or at home.

Duration

The consultancy is for a total of 74 days of work. This is equivalent to working full-time (37h30 hours per week)during the period September-December 2020. The preferred start date is 1 September 2020. Subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds, the consultancy may be extended in 2021.

Remuneration

The consultancy fee can range between 150 to 250 CHF per day, depending on the applicant`s experience in the area related to the Project.

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
• Experience in working 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.