Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology with the potential to impact every aspect of society. AI can bring about economic growth, improve healthcare, and address climate change, but it also poses risks such as job displacement, erosion of privacy, discrimination including on the basis of gender.
Parliaments have a crucial role in ensuring that AI is developed and used in a way that benefits society as a whole and is grounded in international human rights. They must provide legal frameworks, ethical guidelines, and oversight mechanisms to maximize the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks. Additionally, they should foster public dialogue and engagement to build trust and understanding around AI technologies.
The IPU’s October 2024 resolution on The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights and the rule of law provides a roadmap for parliamentary action on AI. This consultancy aims to support parliaments in their work on AI through the exchange of experience, knowledge and good practice.
The work on AI comes within the broader framework of parliament’s role in digital policy and internet governance. The consultancy will support parliamentary engagement with key international initiatives and processes such as the Global Digital Compact, the WSIS+20 review and the Internet Governance Forum.
The consultancy therefore focuses on the policy-making role of parliaments on digital policy and AI, including legislation and oversight. It complements the IPU’s existing work on the use of digital technologies and AI in parliaments within the Centre for Innovation in Parliament.
For more information on IPU’s work on AI, see www.ipu.org/AI.
Organizational setting and reporting relationships
The consultant will work in the Resource Centre in the Division of Programmes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and report to the Programme manager, Parliamentary standards and knowledge.
Accountabilities
Within delegated authority, the consultant will:
- Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience between parliaments on digital policy and AI
- Enhance parliamentary engagement with key UN events and processes
- Develop a community of practice among parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and experts
- Prepare publications relating to parliamentary engagement in digital policy and AI
- Strengthen partnerships with relevant international and parliamentary organisations
- Contribute to the work of the Expert group on digital policy, jointly coordinated by IPU and UNDP
- Contribute to IPU’s work on parliamentary Committees of the Future
- Contribute to the further planning and implementation of IPU’s programme of work on digital policy and AI, including by mainstreaming gender equality and human rights
- Provide, as requested, other assistance relevant to IPU’s work on digital policy and AI including in support of other programmatic areas of work.
Work will involve regular interaction with:
- Members and staff of parliaments
- Partner organizations
- Experts in the field of digital policy and AI
- Colleagues within the IPU, including the Centre for Innovation in Parliament
Deliverables
Deliverables will include:
1/ Parliamentary events and activities are organized:
- Parliamentary Track at the Internet Governance Forum, Oslo (Norway), 23-27 June 2025
- Parliamentary participation in the AI for Good conference and the WSIS+20 High-level event, Geneva (Switzerland), 7-11 July 2025
- Panel event on “Shaping our digital future”, World Summit of Speakers of Parliament, Geneva, 30 July 2025
- Fourth World Summit of Committees of the Future (date and venue TBC)
2/ A webinar series on parliaments and AI is organized:
- Capacity building for parliamentarians
- Exchange of experience on developing legislation
- Discussion of risks surrounding gender-based discrimination and violence
3/ Follow up on the IPU resolution on AI takes place:
- Activities at the IPU Assembly in April and October 2025
- Progress reports on implementation of the IPU resolution is prepared on the basis of information gathered at the IPU Assembly
4/ Partnerships are strengthened, including with the following organizations:
- International: UNDP, UNESCO, ITU, Internet Governance Forum
- Parliamentary : CPA, WFD, ParlAmericas, APF
Requirements
Candidates for the consultancy should be able to demonstrate:
- Advanced university degree in a relevant field, and at least 5 years’ professional experience at increasing levels of responsibility
- Practical experience of working on issues related to digital policy and AI governance
- Experience in organizing in-person and online events
- Good knowledge of politics and political systems. Personal commitment to the core values of parliament and democracy.
- Fluency in English. Working knowledge of French is highly desirable; Working knowledge of Spanish or Arabic an asset.
- Highly desirable:
- Strong background in digital strategy and/or institutional modernization
- Experience of working with parliaments
- Experience with mainstreaming gender and human rights
Duration
The consultancy is for up to 156 days of work over the period 1 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.
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
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
- Expected monthly fee
- Information about their availability to begin work
The deadline for applications is 28 February 2025. Applications should be sent by e-mail to job@ipu.org with “Project officer: Parliamentary engagement with digital policy and artificial intelligence” in the subject line. For further details about the consultancy, please contact Andy Richardson at the IPU Secretariat (ar@ipu.org).
Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
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.