Internship on Parliamentary engagement with religion and belief

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 diplomacy. Its mission is to work for stronger parliaments and better democracies. Its current membership stands at 180 Member Parliaments.

The IPU for many years has been engaging in parliamentary dialogue and cooperation across religions, beliefs and cultures to promote peaceful coexistence, inclusion and the rule of law. In the context of several IPU Assemblies, the membership adopted relevant outcome documents. These include the Quebec City Declaration (2012) on Citizenship, identity and linguistic and cultural diversity in a globalized world, the St. Petersburg Declaration (2017) on Promoting cultural pluralism and peace through interfaith and inter-ethnic dialogue, and the Manama Declaration (2023) on Promoting peaceful coexistence and inclusive societies: Fighting intolerance.

In 2023, the IPU convened the first Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue: Working together for our common future (Marrakesh, 13-15 June 2023), organized together with the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco, in cooperation with Religions for Peace and with the support of the Mohammadia League of Religious Scholars and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The Conference was attended by some 700 delegates, including over 70 parliamentary delegations and other stakeholders – representatives of governments, religions, beliefs, faith-based and civil society organizations, international organizations and academia. The Conference concluded with the presentation of the Marrakesh Communiqué, which outlined a road map for joint action ahead. The IPU also published Part 1 of the Parliamentary Report on Religion and Belief: Working towards more peaceful and inclusive societies which outlined ways that religion and belief were institutionally present in the life and work of parliaments.

Building on these activities and in line the policy priorities of the 2022-2026 Strategy, the IPU is preparing a second edition of the Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, together with the Italian Parliament, which is anticipated to take place in Rome in 2025, to coincidence with the Jubilee year announced by Pope Francis. The IPU is also compiling Part 2 of the Parliamentary Report on Religion and Belief, which will map good practices of parliamentarians in promoting peace, inclusion and the rule of law. In addition, the IPU continues to develop its work in responding to global conflicts with a religious or belief dimension through dialogue and diplomacy.

Tasks

The intern will support IPU work on religion and belief, including the finalisation of Part 2 of the Parliamentary Report on Religion and Belief, preparations for the second edition of the Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, and various tasks relating to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies through parliamentary engagement with religion and belief. 

Under the supervision of the Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations and the Advisor on Interfaith Dialogue, the intern will undertake the following:

• Support with a wide range of preparations for the Conference, including issuing invitations, maintaining a list of participants, acting as a focal point for inquiries relating to the Conference, amongst others; 
• Carry out research into and prepare briefing notes about conflicts with a religious or belief dimension, interfaith dialogue activities and organisations, and issues relating to freedom of religion or belief;
• Help with the organization of virtual or in-person meetings and other activities and produce meeting minutes;
• Assist with finalizing Part 2 of the Parliamentary Report on Religion and Belief; 
• Respond to queries relating to the IPU’s work on religion and belief;
• Support the Member Parliaments and External Relations Division with correspondence, communication and administrative tasks, as needed;
• Other tasks as may be required.

Applicants can be of any nationality, and should meet the following requirements and qualifications: 

• University degree in a discipline considered relevant to our work, e.g. religious studies, theology, political science, social sciences, international law, international relations, human rights, conflict resolution.
• Past work experience in interfaith and intercultural dialogue or in the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief is desired.
• Previous experience working in a parliamentary environment will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of the following will be an asset: the global religious landscape; non-Abrahamic religions or beliefs; religions, beliefs and cultures in different contexts of the global south; discourses around Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia; human rights; the functioning of national parliaments.
• Sound research, analytical and organisational skills, strong drafting skills;
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team;
• Ability to self-motivate in a remote working environment; 
• 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. 
• Proficiency in computer skills (MS Office applications, Internet)

Location: The internship can be carried out remotely in the CET / CEST time zone or in a hybrid fashion.

Period of internship: From 3 June to 20 December 2024

Working hours: The internship will be at 80% full time (30 hours/ week).  

Remuneration: The IPU will pay the intern a monthly allowance of CHF 1200 (part-time).