Consultant, Climate Action

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 his or her duties, the consultant will report to the Programme Manager for International Development.

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

• Support the IPU’s engagement in the lead up to and during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
• Support the implementation of the IPU campaign on climate change.
• Develop and support cooperation work with the Association of Secretaries General of Parliament (ASGP) around climate change.
• Support the Programme’s partner engagement, in particular with Arizona State University and other emerging partners.
• Support preparations for the Second World Summit of the Committees of the Future.
• Support preparations for the Parliamentary Event at the SDG Summit and other High Level Meetings.
• Carry out research and support preparation of IPU publications in the area of climate change.
• Organize seminars/webinars and other types of meetings with parliamentary audiences.
• Provide, as requested, other assistance in areas relevant to the IPU’s work on international development.

Key deliverables:

• Material for parliaments on climate change oversight is developed and published.
• Preparations for the Parliamentary Meeting at COP28 and other relevant side events are supported.
• The Parliamentary Event at the SDG Summit and other High Level Meetings is conceptualized and organized.
• Webinars are organized to promote the IPU’s work on climate change, including on health and climate linkages and the IPU’s climate change campaign.
• Internal guidance and coordination support is provided to IPU colleagues in the area of climate change.
• Support is provided with the organization of relevant events at the 147th IPU Assembly.
• Support is provided to IPU officials in terms of speeches, briefings and notes for the file, and support is provided to the climate change campaign as required.
• Reports on the implementation of the activities are prepared and submitted to IPU governing bodies and donors.
• Other assistance in the area of climate change is provided as requested.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Parliamentarians, Secretaries General/Clerks of parliament, parliamentary staff.

• United Nations and other partner organization 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 or Spanish. Additional languages are an asset.
• Work experience with projects involving parliamentarians.

Dates and conditions:

The consultancy will run from 1 September to 31 December 2023 (72 working days). Subject to performance and the availability of funds, the consultancy may be extended. The consultant can be based at the IPU Headquarters in Geneva or home-based.