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Consultancy
IPU Task Force on the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine
On 23 March 2022, in the context of the 144th IPU Assembly, IPU Member Parliaments adopted by consensus an emergency item resolution on the Peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine, respecting international law, the Charter of the United Nations and territorial integrity. Among other things, the resolution calls for the establishment of a Task Force on the situation in Ukraine to facilitate the role of parliaments in advancing peaceful solutions.
As per its Terms of Reference, the Task Force will enable the IPU to use its good offices to encourage dialogue with and between parliamentarians in Ukraine and the Russian Federation. It is mandated to do so in support of diplomatic efforts under the framework of a rules-based international order, respecting the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, refraining from the threat and use of force, and non-interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation.
The Task Force is made up of eight parliamentarians from all IPU Geopolitical Groups, including Speakers of Parliament and Committee Chairs, that serve in their personal capacity. It has held eight meetings since its inception and undertook a first mission to Kyiv and Moscow in July 2022 to meet with the respective legislative leaderships, better understand the situation on the ground, and explore modalities favorable to the cessation of hostilities and the resumption of diplomacy.
In its most recent meeting in March 2023, the Task Force acknowledged the fact that, for the time being, the situation on the ground and current geopolitics did not grant the necessary circumstances for a ceasefire to be immediately implemented nor for both parties to be brought to the same table. Nevertheless, it reinstated its commitment to pursue spaces of dialogue in a bilateral manner with both Ukrainian and Russian parliamentarians, to meet more often, and to identify possible ways to ease the humanitarian consequences of the war, in line with the particular function of parliaments to safeguard the well-being of citizens and exercise scrutiny of government activities and decisions.
Organizational setting and reporting relationships
Working under the supervision of the Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations, the Consultant for the IPU Task Force on the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine will provide overall support to the work of the Task Force in pursuing spaces of parliamentary dialogue with both parliaments of Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
Deliverables
Within delegated authority, the consultant will:
- Research recent developments of the war in Ukraine, monitor related parliamentary activities, global governmental and inter-governmental responses, and all other relevant developments;
- Prepare reports, information notes, and any other required documentation etc., for presentation to the Task Force and/or IPU senior management;
- Assist with the preparation and organization of Task Force meetings and/or missions, including preparing agendas and other working documents;
- Support preparation and drafting of Task Force meeting reports;
- Conduct outreach to experts and potential partners organizations, particularly in the areas of (1) nuclear safety, (2) food security, (3) environmental protection, and (4) access to and exchange of prisoners of war;
- Carry out such other duties as may be assigned by the Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations consistent with the position.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following
- Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff
- External partners and institutions
- Senior managers and staff of the IPU Secretariat
Results expected
High-quality outputs and speedy delivery of services. Production of high calibre briefing notes reports. Effective support to the organization of Task Force meetings and missions and liaison with external partners. A high level of discretion, political tact, and commitment in carrying out responsibilities.
Requirements
- Advanced university degree in international relations, political science, international law, global security, or a related field.
- An excellent command of written and spoken English and a working knowledge of French. Knowledge of Russian will be a distinct advantage.
- At least three years of work experience in a similar or relevant field.
- Knowledge of the history, dynamics, and geopolitics of the war in Ukraine is essential. Previous experience working in a parliamentary environment, or working in the field of mediation and/or peacebuilding will be a distinct advantage.
- Ability to work independently.
- Excellent communication, research, organizational and analytical skills.
- Good political judgment, imagination and resourcefulness, energy and tact.
Contract length
The consultancy is for a period of 6 months, from 1 June 2023 until 15 December 2023, at an 80% rate.
Remuneration
The consultancy is being offered at a rate of CHF 350 a day, subject to the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Location and travel
The consultant is expected to work remotely, with the requirement of physical presence during in-person Task Force meetings and any eventual missions. Professional travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the IPU subject to the approval of the Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations.
How to apply
Applications should be addressed to the:
Director, Support Services
Inter-Parliamentary Union
5, chemin du Pommier
Case postale 330
CH-1218 le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland
Tel: 41 22 919 4150
Fax: 41 22 919 4160
e-mail: [email protected]
Applications should be received on or before 15 May 2023. In order to ensure prompt and efficient processing of your application, you are required to provide, along with your curriculum vitae, a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements and deliverables of the position with concrete examples.
Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Deadline: