Junior Consultancy, Parliamentary Developments
Background
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Building effective and empowered parliaments is one of the main objectives of the IPU Strategy 2022-2026.
On an ongoing basis, the IPU monitors developments in the structure and functioning of national parliaments around the world. Particular attention is paid to parliaments which are not functioning, transitional parliaments and countries where the political situation is impacting the functioning of parliament. A report is compiled for the IPU’s governing bodies at each Assembly.
The number of parliaments monitored by the IPU has increased in recent years, and the durations of transitional periods have become longer. Therefore, the IPU wishes to enhance its monitoring, analysis and reporting capacities.
Accountabilities
Under the supervision of the Senior Parliamentary Researcher at the IPU Resource Centre, the junior consultant will:
- Carry out research on parliaments under monitoring
- Draft reports on parliamentary developments for the IPU’s governing bodies
- Monitor amendments to constitutions and electoral laws around the world
- Create PowerPoint presentations on the major parliamentary developments for the attention of the IPU governing bodies
- Record key parliamentary developments in a standardized and structured manner for use in its studies and IPU programmes in support of parliaments
- Propose the best way to present parliamentary developments in the Parline database on national parliaments
- Analyse changes to country names and parliamentary structure over time
- Contribute to data visualizations and reports for Parline and for IPU events, such as the IPU Assembly and the 30th anniversary of the Parline database
- Work as a focal point for the Parline stand during IPU Assemblies
- Support the youth and gender programmes during the IPU Assembly
- Carry out research on gender and youth quotas as required
- Provide general support for Parline-related activities and parliamentary data as needed.
Deliverables
- Draft reports on parliamentary developments are written with clarity
- Data on parliamentary developments and changes to constitutions and electoral laws are compiled in a standardized and structured way
- Proposals on the parliamentary developments section in Parline are submitted and implemented
- Proposals on data visualizations and reports for Parline and IPU events are implemented
- Successful organization of the Parline stand during IPU Assemblies
- Support the youth and gender programmes during the IPU Assembly
- Carry out research on gender and youth quotas as required
- Provide general support for Parline-related activities and parliamentary data as needed.
Requirements
Currently studying Masters’ degree or above in political science, public policy, international relations, data science or other relevant fields
Excellent knowledge of parliamentary developments
Good knowledge of parliaments
A passion for research, data analysis and an interest in parliamentary and political developments in the world
Excellent research and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail
Good data visualization skills
Interest in gender and youth issues
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
Experience with data visualization tools (e.g. Excel charts, Tableau, Power BI, Google Data Studio).
Experience in working with structured data
A creative mindset with a strong interest in exploring innovative ways to present and analyse data
Knowledge of WordPress is a plus
Location
The consultancy should be carried out at the IPU headquarters in Geneva, with the possibility of occasional remote working.
Duration
The consultancy is for up to a maximum of 140 days of work, 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, Parliamentary Developments” 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.
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, Parliamentary Developments” in the subject line.