Project: Enhancing parliamentary action on climate change: Building capacity and strengthening efforts to reduce methane emissions
Background: The IPU has launched a two-year methane emissions reduction project, supported by the Global Methane Hub, to strengthen parliamentarians’ ability to meet the goals of the Global Methane Pledge. The Andean Parliament is the project’s implementation partner. The initiative aims to provide members of parliament and their staff with the necessary knowledge and tools to implement legislative and policy measures for reducing methane emissions, with a particular focus on Africa in the first year and possible follow up in the second. The Regional Focal Point for Africa will support the global project team in carrying out the project and other climate action activities across Africa, ensuring alignment with regional needs and priorities.
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). She/he will report to the Programme Manager for International Development and collaborate with the Global Project Officer.
Accountabilities: Within delegated authority, the consultant will undertake the following responsibilities:
- Assist in the implementation of the IPU project “Enhancing parliamentary action on climate change: Building capacity and strengthening efforts to reduce methane emissions” in Africa.
- Promote the project and its objectives in African parliaments.
- Identify project beneficiaries (parliaments) and partners, and establish and maintain strong working relationships with them.
- Support the organization of national and regional workshops, knowledge‑sharing initiatives and awareness raising activities on best practices for methane emissions reduction and climate action.
- Contribute to the development of content on project activities and results, including publications for the IPU website and other media platforms.
- Promote the project’s knowledge products on methane emissions in parliaments in the region.
- Identify and report any good parliamentary practices on methane emissions reductions in Africa.
- Provide additional support in relevant areas of IPU’s work, as needed.
Key deliverables:
- Desk review of parliamentary engagement on methane emissions reduction in Africa.
- Organization of at least one regional activity and support for two national parliaments in Africa.
- Contributions to communications and knowledge products, including region‑specific insights on parliamentary methane emissions reduction strategies.
- Periodic progress and final activities reports on African initiatives.
- Enhanced visibility and awareness of the IPU’s methane emissions reduction initiatives in African parliaments.
- Development of contact list/database of parliamentary champions on methane emissions reduction in Africa.
- 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:
- Good understanding of climate change issues, particularly within the African context, and familiarity with the region’s current political dynamics. Knowledge of strategies for methane emissions reduction and an understanding of the structure and functioning of national parliaments are desirable.
- University degree in political science, environmental studies, international relations, or a related field.
- Work experience with projects involving parliamentarians.
- Good knowledge of project management tools and techniques.
- 3 to 5 years of proven experience in managing projects in an international environment, preferably in Africa.
- Proven ability to work independently and deliver results.
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
- Capability to work collaboratively within a team.
- Excellent reading, writing and speaking skills in English. Working knowledge of French is a distinct advantage.
Duration
The consultancy is for a maximum of 70 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 [email protected] with “Consultancy – methane Africa Regional Focal Point” 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 .
