Internship (80%) - Division for Member Parliaments and External Relations

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments. It is the oldest political multilateral organization in the world, dating back to 1889. The IPU promotes the peaceful settlement of conflicts through dialogue and negotiation. Its mission is to work for stronger parliaments and better democracies. Its current membership stands at 180 Member Parliaments – www.ipu.org 

The IPU Division for Member Parliaments and External Relations is responsible for the organization of the two annual statutory Assemblies of the IPU, while working to enhance relations with member parliaments and advance towards universal membership of the IPU. It also takes the lead in the organization of the World Conferences of Speakers of Parliament (every five years – next edition scheduled to take place in July/August 2025 in Geneva) and the Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue (every two years, next edition in Rome in June 2025). The Division also works to enhance the parliamentary dimension to international cooperation, helping to develop a parliamentary perspective to the work of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the G20.

Tasks

The intern would work directly under the supervision of the Director and assist in carrying out various tasks as part of the Division team. This will include the following: 

• Assist the Director with drafting communications to member Parliaments;
• Conduct research on parliamentary action in follow-up to IPU resolutions and other decisions;
• Support IPU efforts of parliamentary diplomacy, especially as these relate to the situation in the Caucasus and the work of the IPU Task Force on the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine; 
• Provide support in the organization of the 149th IPU Assembly (Geneva, October 2024);   
• Support in-house collection of IPU documents for archiving;
• Other tasks as may be required.

Requirements

• University degree in international relations, political science, law, history or a related field.  
• Good research and analytical skills. 
• Sound research, analytical and organisational skills, strong drafting skills;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, international, multi-cultural environment;
• Attention to detail and high-quality, speedy delivery of tasks;
• A high level of discretion, political tact, and commitment in carrying out responsibilities;
• Good communication skills;
• Fluency, both oral and written, in English. Working knowledge of French is an advantage. Additional languages are an asset. 
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office including Excel; advanced use of the Internet including the use of social media tools.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Multi-tasking and flexibility.

Duration of internship

The contract will run from 6 May to 20 December 2024 at 80%. 

Location

The internship will be carried out at IPU Headquarters in Geneva. 

Remuneration 

The IPU will pay the intern a monthly allowance of CHF 1’200 (part-time).