Consultancy

Junior Consultancy, Parline database

Background

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments. and has published various comparative data on all national parliaments in the world via the Parline database since 1996. In April 2024, the IPU launched a redeveloped version of Parline that offers a new data model and additional tools such as the Data explorer, API and Data dictionary. 

Parline comprises some 650 data points for each parliamentary chamber in the world where there is a functioning parliament. About 70 data points relate to parliamentary elections, while others provide insight into the annual activities of parliaments, including their working methods, administration, composition, parliamentary mandate, and law-making, oversight and budget powers. The data is widely used and referenced by parliaments, researchers, journalists, civil society, international organizations and the IPU Secretariat. Notably, the IPU’s flagship Monthly ranking of women in national parliaments and data on the sex/age of Speakers, committee chairs and members are used to monitor Sustainable Development Goal targets 5.5 and 16.7 and reported annually to the United Nations. 

Data is collected from parliaments themselves – notably through the network of Parline correspondents – based on questionnaires, and via desk research using authoritative sources (e.g. election commissions, parliamentary websites, etc.).

Various teams at the IPU form a group of Parline stakeholders, each focusing on areas such as youth, human rights, gender equality, communications and Member relations. 

The junior consultant will cover the maternity leave of the Parline data officer to carry out desk research, ensure quality control and input data. Other tasks may include preparing datasets or infographics for IPU publications, events and social media (e.g. Assemblies and the 30th anniversary of Parline), as well as testing technical developments/enhancements. He/she will work under the supervision of the Senior Parliamentary Researcher in the IPU’s Resource Centre. 

Accountabilities

Within delegated authority, the junior consultant will support the operation of the IPU’s Parline database and related activities, contributing to the collection, quality control and dissemination of parliamentary data. The junior consultant will:

  • Collect, manage and process data, ensuring quality control of the questionnaires on annual activities and post-election questionnaires, and follow up with parliaments
  • Maintain a tracking file indicating the status of data collection
  • Follow up queries related to the reporting on SDG 16.7.1
  • Monitor and evaluate Parline KPIs
  • Maintain the membership list of the Parline Correspondent network
  • Assist with the collection, review and updating of parliamentary and election-related data
  • Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to promote and enhance the Parline database for its 30th anniversary in 2026
  • Contribute to data visualizations and reports for publications and IPU events such as the IPU Assembly
  • Prepare documentation for public users and IPU stakeholders
  • Contribute to the promotion of Parline among target user groups
  • Contribute to the planning and implementation of the roadmap for Parline’s future development, in particular Parline’s homepage
  • Carry out testing related to Parline’s future development
  • Provide general support for Parline-related activities and parliamentary data as needed. 

Deliverables

  1. New data on annual activities and post-election reports is collected and inputted in Parline after quality control
  2. Requests relating to the reporting on SDG 16.7.1 are completed
  3. Tracking file on the status of data collection is updated
  4. List of Parline Correspondents is maintained
  5. Communications with parliaments are saved appropriately in the electronic archive
  6. Data visualization work related to IPU events, in particular the 30th anniversary of Parline, is submitted
  7. Parline home page content is updated
  8. Parline stakeholder activities are supported

Requirements

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

  • Currently studying Masters’ degree or above in political science, public policy, international relations, data science or other relevant fields

  • Good knowledge of parliaments and parliamentary elections

  • Experience in database management or working with structured data

  • Good knowledge of WordPress

  • Good research and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and work independently

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel

  • Ability to manage remote work, as needed

  • Ability to communicate effectively in English, as well as ability to read Spanish and/or French 

Desired attributes

  • A creative mindset with a strong interest in exploring innovative ways to present and analyse data

  • Experience with data visualization tools (e.g. Excel charts, Tableau, Power BI, Google Data Studio)

  • Knowledge of leverage tools (such as Power Query, Power Pivot and/or macros) is a plus

Location

The consultancy can be carried out remotely or at the IPU headquarters in Geneva. 

Timeline

The consultancy is for up to a maximum of 140 days of work (based on a 7.5 hour day), to be carried out between mid-March and December 2026. 

Payment

Payment will be made monthly, upon receipt of an invoice for the number of days worked, dependent on completion of the work to the satisfaction of the IPU.

Applications

Applications should be sent to the IPU at job@ipu.orgby 23:59 (Central European Time, CET) on 20 March 2026 with ‟Junior Consultancy, Parline database” in the subject line. 

Applications should include:

  • Curriculum vitae

  • A covering letter (maximum 200 words) 

  • The consultant’s proposed daily rate for this work

  • Information about their availability to begin the consultancy

  • Contact details for three references

For further information about the junior consultancy, please contact postbox@ipu.org.

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

  • Fluency in at least one of our official languages (English, French) and a working knowledge of a second language. Additional languages are an asset

We ask all our staff, consultants and interns to agree to our Code of conduct for personnel  and our Fraud and corruption prevention policy available on the Working with the IPU page.

How to apply

Applications should be sent to the IPU at job@ipu.org by 23:59 (Central European Time, CET) on 20 March 2026 with ‟Junior Consultancy, Parline database” in the subject line. 

Deadline:
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.