Consultant, Climate Change and SDG Financing Geneva (Switzerland)

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships
The consultant will work in the International Development Programme of the Division of Programmes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.  In performing her/his duties, the consultant will report to the Programme Manager for International Development. The position will focus on climate change activities of the IPU as well as on SDG implementation with a focus on financing, development cooperation and resource mobilization.

Accountabilities
Within delegated authority, the Consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Develop strategies to promote action on climate change and support capacity building in parliaments to implement the Paris Agreement.
• Organize and implement, in cooperation with UN Environment and targeted parliaments, the various activities to strengthen parliamentary capacities and engagement in climate change.
• Support organization of the Parliamentary Meeting at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 24).
• Support organization of the Parliamentary Workshop on SDG Financing.
• Support organization of IPU’s activities in the context of the 2018 World Investment Forum.
• Ensure distribution and promote use of the updated IPU-UNDP Guidance Note on Effective Development Cooperation.
• Assist with preparations for the Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit at the G20.

This work will include, inter alia, preparing work plans and terms of reference for project activities, identifying experts/consultants for various activities, organizing seminars for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, conducting analyses and producing relevant reports, preparing lists of participants and handling other administrative tasks.

Other accountabilities:

• Monitor project expenditures within approved funding and keep administrative records in respect of project activities.
• Draft activity reports on the implementation of the project for submission to donors and IPU governing bodies.
• Provide material for publication on the IPU website and in other media on project activities and results.
• Identify opportunities for cooperation with relevant entities and projects and propose steps to implement such opportunities.
• Provide, as requested, other assistance in areas relevant to IPU’s work on international development.

Key deliverables

• Capacity building activities on climate change are conducted in at least four parliaments.
• The Parliamentary Meeting at COP 24 is organized.
• The Parliamentary Workshop on SDG Financing is organized.
• The IPU side event at the World Investment Forum takes place in close cooperation with UNCTAD.
• Parliamentarians’ participation in the World Investment Forum is facilitated.
• Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit at the G20 is organized.
• Reports on the implementation of the activities are prepared and submitted to IPU governing bodies.
• Lessons learned are identified and good parliamentary practices on climate change and SDG financing are documented.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following

• Parliamentarians, Secretaries General/Clerks of parliament, parliamentary staff;

• Officials from the United Nations and other partner organizations;
• Members of the IPU Secretariat.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Good knowledge of global development issues and current political affairs. Knowledge of the functioning and structure of national parliaments is desirable.
• Planning and organizing: Demonstrated organizational skills; ability to establish priorities and to plan and monitor own work plan and meet deadlines. Demonstrated use of initiative in facilitating the production of a complex work product. Personal attributes of self-motivation, tact, sound judgment and a preparedness to accept responsibility.
• Communication: Ability to write and to communicate orally in a clear and concise manner.
• Technological awareness: Advanced knowledge of MS Office; advanced use of the Internet.
• Teamwork: Aptitude for human contacts and resourcefulness. Team spirit. Adaptability to varying working environments and conditions.
• Commitment to continuous learning: Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the relevant fields and to develop own skills.

Requirements

• University degree in political science, law, international relations, or related fields.
• Good knowledge of project management tools and techniques.
• At least 3 years of proven experience in managing projects in an international environment. Demonstrated ability to achieve expected results and outcomes.
• Demonstrated awareness about key global climate change and financing concepts and their place in international development/SDGs.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team.
• Excellent reading, writing and speaking skills in English and a working knowledge of French.
• Work experience with projects involving parliamentarians is a distinct advantage.

Duration

The consultancy is for the period 1 August to 31 December 2018.

Location

The consultancy will be based at the IPU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The work is likely to involve occasional travel, the costs of which will be covered by the IPU.

Remuneration

The Consultant will receive a monthly fee of CHF 5,500.

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.

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.