Project Officer, Health and Development

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.

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

• Support the implementation of the IPU 2022-2026 Strategy across the strategic objectives with particular focus on the policy area Sustainable development for all.
• Organize and implement, in cooperation with targeted parliaments, the various activities to strengthen parliamentary capacities and engagement on health, particularly for marginalized populations, and on universal access to health.
• Support the Programme’s work around the World Summit of the Committees of the Future and the United Nations Summit of the Future.
• Provide support to preparation of IPU publications in the area of international development.
• Provide assistance to the Secretary of the IPU Advisory Group on Health.
• Support IPU’s engagement with partners, in particular in the areas of health and food security/nutrition.
• Support the organization of SDG regional and global seminars and events.
• Monitor project expenditures within approved funding and keep administrative records of project activities.
• Draft activity reports on the implementation of the project for submission to donors and IPU governing bodies.
• 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 are conducted in at least five parliaments.   
• Work plans with WHO and PMNCH are implemented.
• Briefing notes and speeches are provided for the Secretary General’s and IPU officials’ high-level engagements on health.
• Third report on implementation of the accountability framework for the IPU resolution on universal health coverage (UHC) is produced.
• Relevant activities are organized at the IPU Assemblies.
• Parliaments are mobilized around key global events on health and development (World Health Assembly, World Health Summit, relevant UN summits and high-level meetings).
• The handbooks on UHC, global health security, food systems and nutrition, and women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health respectively are promoted and used in relevant activities.
• Narrative and financial reports to donors are compiled and submitted.
• Contribution is provided to the IPU Impact Report.

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 health issues and current political affairs. Knowledge of the functioning and structure of national parliaments.
• 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 including the use of social media tools.
• 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.
• Languages: Fluent English and French. Knowledge of a third UN language is desirable.

Dates and conditions:

The consultancy will run from 1 July 2023 to 31 December 2024 (331 working days). The consultant will be based at the IPU Headquarters in Geneva with the possibility of teleworking upon agreement.