Project: Enhancing parliamentary action on climate change: Building capacity and strengthening efforts to reduce methane emissions
Background: The IPU has launched a two-year project titled “Enhancing parliamentary action on climate change: Building capacity and strengthening efforts to reduce methane emissions”. The project is funded by the Global Methane Hub and aims to equip members of parliament and parliamentary staff with the knowledge and tools needed to drive legislative and policy actions to reduce methane emissions. The Andean Parliament is the project’s implementation partner.
Organizational setting and reporting relationships: The consultant will work in the International Development Programme of the Division of Programmes of the Inter‑Parliamentary Union (IPU). In performing her/his duties, the consultant will report to the Programme Manager for International Development. The consultant will maintain communication and coordination with the Project’s Regional Focal Point for Africa and other focal points as and when they join the team.
Accountabilities: Within delegated authority, the consultant will undertake the following responsibilities:
- Support the implementation of the IPU project “Enhancing parliamentary action on climate change: Building capacity and strengthening efforts to reduce methane emissions”, including the design and implementation of capacity-building and other outreach activities for national parliaments.
- Collaborate closely with the Programme Manager and the Climate Change Project Officer to identify strategic opportunities and execute activities that enhance parliamentary capacity and engagement on methane emissions reduction and broader climate change initiatives.
- Continuously refine the IPU’s approach on methane emissions reduction by integrating the latest scientific data, trends and developments, and identifying best strategies for action.
- Maintain regular communication with project partners, including the Global Methane Hub and the Andean Parliament, and foster a strong working relationship with the Andean Parliament’s focal point.
- Collaborate with other Global Methane Hub grantees and identify additional potential partners for the project.
- Proactively seek opportunities to advance the project’s objectives.
- Monitor project expenditures within approved funding and keep administrative records in respect of project activities.
- Ensure timely implementation of project activities and draft activity reports for submission to the donor and IPU governing bodies.
- Develop content on project activities and results for publication on the IPU website and in other media.
- Assist with the preparation and distribution of IPU publications related to methane emissions reduction.
- Provide additional support in areas relevant to the IPU’s work on international development, as needed.
Key deliverables:
- At least three awareness raising activities organized at the global level, including at the IPU Assemblies.
- At least one in-person activity organized on the regional level.
- Support provided for at least two national parliaments.
- Developed and published “Issues brief” for parliaments.
- Established and maintained effective coordination with the project partners and collaborators.
- Support provided to IPU officials in terms of speeches, briefings and notes for file.
- Drafted and submitted reports on the implementation of the activities to the IPU governing bodies and the donor.
- Parliamentarians, Secretaries General/Clerks of parliament, parliamentary staff.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
- Officials of the United Nations and other partner organizations.
- Members of the IPU Secretariat.
Requirements:
- Advanced university degree in political science, law, international relations, or a related field, with a focus on climate change.
- Good knowledge of project management tools and techniques.
- At least 5 years of proven experience in managing projects in an international environment. Demonstrated ability to achieve expected results and outcomes.
- Demonstrated awareness about methane emissions and key global climate change concepts, and their place in international development/the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Work experience with projects involving parliamentarians. Experience of producing knowledge and advocacy products aimed at parliaments is a distinct advantage.
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
- Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Excellent reading, writing and speaking skills in English and Spanish. The knowledge of French is a distinct advantage.
Duration
The consultancy is for a maximum of 140 days, from 10 March 2025 to 31 December 2025. Subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds, the consultancy may be extended.
Location
The consultancy is home-based. The work may require occasional participation in events in Geneva or elsewhere. It would also be possible, but not a requirement, for the consultant to work from IPU headquarters in Geneva.
How to apply
Candidates should provide the following:
- Curriculum vitae.
- A brief description of why they are the right person for this consultancy, including details of their personal contribution to at least two relevant projects.
- Information about their availability to begin work.
- Expected daily fee.
The deadline for applications is 2 March 2025. Applications should be sent by email to job@ipu.org with “Consultancy – Global Project Officer methane” in the subject line.
Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
Employment conditions
The External Collaborator is an independent contractor, is not considered to be an official or employee of the IPU and is not subject to the IPU Staff Regulations and Staff Rules. The External Collaborator is not entitled to recover from the IPU any income tax payable in respect of the fee provided under this contract and shall be solely liable for the payment of any national income tax due in respect of the emoluments payable under this contract. The External Collaborator will not be included in the IPU pension scheme.
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 consultants 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 to agree to our Code of conduct for personnel and our Fraud and corruption prevention policy available at https://www.ipu.org/about-us/working-with-ipu.