Consultant, Climate Change and SDG Financing (maternity cover)

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 SDG financing.
• Ensure continued implementation of the MOUs signed with UNEP and UNFCCC respectively.
• Ensure regular exchanges and strengthen cooperation with UNDRR, Adaptation at Altitude partnership, 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.
• 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:

• At least one capacity building activity on green economic recovery from COVID-19 is developed and implemented at national level.
• The IPU-UNDRR advocacy toolkit is promoted among parliaments.
• A panel on green COVID recovery is organized at the 5th Conference of Speakers of Parliament.
• Parliamentary meetings at Pre-COP and COP 26 are organized.
• Support is provided to IPU officials in terms of speeches, briefings and notes for file.
• Support is provided to IPU’s work on development cooperation and SDG financing, including through the production and dissemination of the note on SDG investments.
• 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 12 July to 12 November 2021.

Sanitary situation permitting, this consultancy will be based at the IPU Headquarters, otherwise it will be home based.

The consultancy is offered at a rate of CHF 320/day.

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.