Consultancy to develop training modules for parliament

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic that emerged with startling speed in early 2020 has served to underline the essential role of parliaments in holding the government to account and ensuring that human rights are not undermined during times of crisis.  The IPU is being innovative in using technology to continue its capacity building work in support of national parliaments.

There is little available and accessible training material that offers both a comprehensive understanding of core functions of parliament and comparative understanding of effective practices used by parliaments.

A series of modules on the functions of parliaments will consolidate IPU’s knowledge over forty years in parliamentary capacity development and support MPs, staff and stakeholders engaging with parliament to take effective action to address key global and national issues and agendas. IPU’s role in inter-parliamentary communication and collaboration allows a unique opportunity to tap into best practice experience and practical examples of how parliaments undertake their functions.

The modules will be used to guide both training for MPs and staff of member parliaments and will provide valuable material approved by parliaments for use by the community of practice in parliamentary strengthening. A comprehensive and accessible package of material can also be used to enhance public understanding and build trust and engagement with parliament.

The objectives of IPU’s programme of modular training are to:

• Increase access to principles and best practice in the functions of democratic parliaments for MPs, parliamentary staff, and all stakeholders engaging with parliament;
• Support parliaments to identify practical action to address key global including peacebuilding, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment and sustainable development, helping to meet international agreements and standards in these areas;
• Strengthen peer-to-peer learning, inter-parliamentary dialogue and comparative understanding;
• Provide a comprehensive training resource for the community of practice in parliamentary strengthening, helping address the Common Principles on Support to Parliament.

The ultimate outcome of the modular training is stronger democratic parliaments through consistent and effective capacity development material on core functions of parliament, based on democratic norms and standards, which facilitates enhanced parliamentary engagement and action on key global and national issues and agendas.

Scope of work

The modules will be designed in two main areas: the core functions of parliament of oversight, law making and representation and thematic modules on gender, human rights, development and other relevant areas identified by IPU members and partners.  Modules will also be designed for specific groups such as women and youth.

Apart from seeking to strengthen knowledge, learning and understanding on the work of parliaments the training modules will be designed in a manner that facilitates interaction and engagement among MPs, Parliamentary staff, subject experts, facilitators and IPU staff. It will also encourage reflection and identification of actions for participants on relevant themes in order to promote organizational changes that support the improved functioning of parliament.

The selected consultant will design the modules in English, in coordination with IPU staff across its seven programmatic areas and in response to identified needs and priorities in the realm of each programmes strategic plan.

The work will require consultation and interaction with each programmatic team within the IPU

The following deliverables are expected:

1. Complete the design, concept, methodology and resource requirements for the training module initiative that factors in a flexible and innovative monitoring, evaluation and learning approach.
2. Undertake in depth research on available platforms to house a training module and provide recommendations for a platform that best meets the needs of the modular work.
3. Test the platform with pilot training modules.

Timeline and duration

Starting date: 30 November
Duration of contract: 30 working days
Location: Home-based

Competencies

The training modules will be designed and delivered by a consultant who will bear the overall responsibility for the assignment and ensure its strategic focus, relevance and coherence as well as the quality of the outputs. The consultant is expected to follow an agreed methodology and workplan and in close collaboration with the IPU focal point.

The consultant must comply with the following requirements:

• Corporate competences:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the IPU’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the IPU;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Functional competences:
  • Excellent analytical, communication and writing skills;
  • Ability to produce high quality outputs and in a timely manner;
  • Sound judgment, strategic thinking and the ability to manage priorities;
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure and in a team;
  • Knowledge of the functioning of parliament and additional related categories;
  • Knowledge of online communication, networking and collaboration tools;

Required skills and experience

Education

Advanced degree in relevant fields, such as Political Science, Law Public Administration, related fields.^

Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in the above-mentioned fields;
• Experience in capacity building applying innovative techniques;
• Solid knowledge and understanding of parliaments and how they function;
• Experience using online tools and platforms for the delivery of training courses;
• Previous experience developing training materials on the work of parliaments.

Language

Applicants must be fluent in English, the course materials must be designed in English, and will be translated into French.

Criteria for evaluation of proposal

Only those applications which are responsive and compliant will be evaluated.  Offers will be evaluated according to the Combined Scoring method – where the educational background, experience on similar assignments, letter of interest and brief methodology will be weighted at 100% and the price proposal will weigh as 30% of the total scoring.  The applicant receiving the Highest Combined Score that has also accepted IPUs General Terms and Conditions will be awarded the contract.

Technical Criteria -– max. 100 points:

    Criteria A – Relevant work experience in the field of parliament – max points: 30;

    Criteria B – Knowledge and experience in the development of training materials on the functioning of parliament – max points: 25;

    Criteria C – Knowledge and experience working with bilateral development agencies and/or IPU- max points: 25;

    Criteria D – Methodological approach – max points: 20.