Junior Consultancy - Democracy

Description

Democracy is at the heart of the work of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), having a crucial role in supporting democratic parliaments globally. Through various initiatives, the IPU works to strengthen parliamentary institutions, enhance their effectiveness, and promote inclusive and representative governance. This includes fostering dialogue and cooperation among parliamentarians worldwide, providing capacity-building programs, and advocating for parliamentary democracy as a cornerstone of sustainable development and peace. The IPU also conducts research and produces publications on key issues related to democratic governance, such as the functioning of parliaments, gender equality in politics, and the role of parliaments in addressing global challenges. 

Operating under its IPU Strategy for 2027–2031, the organization is dedicated to the goal of "Democratic parliaments working together for the people". The strategy also places a focus on strengthening member engagement.

The year 2027 stands as a milestone for the IPU, marking the 30th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy. The priority theme for the year is Celebrating democracy that delivers for the people. It answers the urgent need to strengthen democracy in the face of growing global challenges and democratic backsliding. The theme builds on existing and ongoing IPU work, including: political dialogue and conflict prevention; the protection of parliamentarians from intimidation and violence; democratic standards, including the Indicators for Democratic Parliaments; the role of the opposition and majority-opposition relations; and civic education.

The IPU will also launch the 2027 edition of its flagship publication, the Global Parliamentary Report - Parliaments under Pressure, which will identify responses to the political, societal and technological pressures facing parliaments. 

Organizational setting and reporting relationships

The consultant will work in the Division of Programmes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, under the overall guidance of the Manager for Standard setting and Knowledge production, and in close cooperation with the Division of Member Parliaments and External Relations. 

Accountabilities

Under the supervision of the Programme Manager and in cooperation with the Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations, the consultant will:

• Contribute to the organization of global and regional events foreseen as part of the 2027 priority theme work, including organizing special events, high-level dialogues, and technical sessions under the 2027 priority theme at the 154th IPU Assembly (Geneva, May 2027) and in preparation for the 30th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Democracy. This includes drafting concept notes, agendas, speaker briefings and follow-up reports.
• Contribute to facilitating engagement and contribution of IPU Members and Associate Members in activities related to the 2027 priority theme on democracy, and provide support to IPU regional initiatives in that regard
• Assist in preparing policy briefs, background notes, and other relevant texts focusing on the 2027 theme, building on IPU work on democratic standards, the Indicators for Democratic Parliaments, the role of the opposition, the protection of parliamentarians and civic education. Possible topics include:
  • what democracy delivers for people, including peace, prosperity, dignity and a sense of future,
  • how Generation Z perceives democracy and politics, and why many young people feel disconnected from institutions
• Provide support to the finalisation and dissemination of IPU’s flagship publication the Global Parliamentary report ‘Parliaments under pressure’ due to be published in May 2027.
• Contribute to organizing the International Day of Parliamentarism on the theme of democracy (30 June 2027).
• Any other relevant tasks in connection to the priority theme

Work will involve regular interaction with:

• Parliaments, including parliamentarians, Secretaries General and parliamentary staff
• Partner organizations
• Researchers and civil society organizations
• Colleagues in IPU Secretariat

Deliverables

The final deliverables will be set out in a workplan agreed during the first two weeks of the assignment. They will include:

• a workplan with milestones, agreed by the end of January 2027;
• at least 4 events or dialogues supported from planning to follow-up (concept note, agenda, logistics input and summary report), including at the 154th IPU Assembly;
• at least 4 relevant written products on the theme of democracy, such as policy briefs, background notes, op-eds or web stories;
• a contribution to the IPU’s activities and communication material for the International Day of Parliamentarism by 30 June 2027; and
• a short final report on the work completed, with recommendations for the second half of 2027, by 30 June 2027. 

Requirements

Candidates for the consultancy should be able to demonstrate:

• A university degree in law, political science, international relations, or related fields;
• Up to 3 years of relevant professional experience, including internships;
• Good drafting and analytical skills; 
• Experience and research skills in the fields of parliamentary practices or constitutional law and/or knowledge of the functioning of national parliaments would be an asset;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Excellent writing skills in English or French, as well as a good knowledge of the other language. 
• Good general computer skills (MS Office applications, Internet, Zoom).
• Knowledge of parliaments and of the IPU will be a distinct advantage.

Duration

The consultancy is for up to 111 days of work over the period 18 January to 18 July 2027

Location

IPU Headquarters, Geneva (Switzerland)

Geneva
Switzerland