Lead author, 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 consultant with at least 10 years’ experience to lead the drafting of the report.

The person will draw upon the research and analysis that have been carried out to date. This includes research activities 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.

The lead author will use this material to draft a report that is global in scope, practical in nature, and is focused on supporting parliaments in strengthening their engagement with the public. The report will contain elements such as case studies, good practice examples, tips for parliamentarians and recommendations. The target launch date is October 2021.

Tasks

• Finalize the outline for the Global Parliamentary Report, taking into account the report’s objectives, audiences, the report’s outline and the research and analysis that has already taken place
• Write content for the Global Parliamentary Report
• Coordinate the work of other people who are providing contributions to the drafting process
• Gather input from stakeholders, partners and the project’s review mechanisms throughout the drafting process
• Contribute to the process of review of drafts, and the finalization and production of the report
• Contribute to the creation of the digital version of the report
• Participate in the launch of the report and other follow-up activities

The consultant 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. Final outline of the Global Parliamentary Report
2. Draft content for the Global Parliamentary Report
3. Final content for the Global Parliamentary Report
4. Material (slides, handouts etc) to present and promote the Global Parliamentary Report
5. Regular summary reports and progress updates

Timing

The consultancy is expected to be full-time from January to December 2021. Up to 220 days should be carried out within that time.

Location

The consultant will work remotely.

Requirements

Candidates for the consultancy need to be able to demonstrate:

• 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
• Familiarity with the research that has been carried out for the Global Parliamentary Report in 2020 is highly desirable.

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 personnel 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.