Junior consultant International humanitarian law and human rights

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments. We promote democratic governance and work with parliaments and parliamentarians to articulate and respond to the needs and aspirations of the people. The promotion and protection of human rights and international humanitarian law (IHL) is an important objective of the IPU. 

Within the framework of its Human rights and Peace and Security policy goals, the IPU cooperates closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Through cooperation led by the IPU Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law, we advocate for the protection of civilians and combatants in conflict around the world through the adoption and ratification of relevant laws and treaties.  Respect for and implementation of the Geneva Conventions are part of the key objectives sought. We also work to enhance parliamentary action for the implementation of IHL more generally, including the anti-personnel mine ban convention, for the protection of refugees and for ending statelessness. 

Furthermore, the IPU enjoys long-standing cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the common pursuit to promote synergies between UN human rights mechanisms and parliaments. We do so in the belief that parliaments can make a strong contribution to national implementation of the recommendations made by these UN human rights mechanisms. Following in the footsteps of our cooperation with the CEDAW-Committee, the IPU is now engaging for this purpose with the UN Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Similar engagement with two other UN human rights treaty bodies is foreseen. 

Mission: Under the supervision of the Secretary of the Committee to promote respect for international humanitarian law, and within the framework of the work of the Human Rights Programme led by the Manager of the Human Rights programme, the consultant will undertake, in particular the following tasks:

International humanitarian law (60%)

• Draft correspondence to Parliaments to support action regarding statelessness, refugee protection and IHL;
• Support the implementation of capacity building and awareness raising activities for parliaments on statelessness, refugee protection and IHL related issues;
• Research parliamentary action and strategies in support of eliminating statelessness, in particular gender discrimination in nationality laws. 
• Contribute to development of an IPU survey and research on parliamentary action in follow up to pledges made at the Global Refugee Forum
• Support preparation of and follow up to the IHL’s Committee meetings on the occasion of IPU Assemblies and between Assemblies
• Support in the organisation of missions carried out by the IHL Committee
• Provide IHL input and support to the work of other IPU bodies dealing with peace and security, as well as human rights, and others as relevant.

Human Rights (40%)

• Attend and report on meetings in Geneva of the UN human rights mechanisms with whom the IPU has established – or foresees to establish – cooperation; 
• Contribute to internal reflections on how to strengthen the engagement of the IPU and our Member Parliaments with these mechanisms and on how best to collect and disseminate information on good practices of engagement;
• Carry out research on the work of parliaments on children’s rights, and possibly other topics covered by the other UN human rights mechanisms; 
• Help with the organization of virtual or in-person meetings and other activities of the Human Rights Programme involving partners and other organizations
• Perform any other assignments related to the work of the Human Rights Programme as required.

Requirements:

• University degree in law, political science, international relations, or related fields;
• Experience in human rights / international humanitarian law-related research or work. Knowledge of the functioning of national parliaments will be appreciated; 
• Sound research, analytical and organisational skills;
• Ability to work and organize work independently;
• Excellent writing skills in English, as well as good knowledge of French. Knowledge of other languages an advantage;
• Proficiency in computer skills (MS Office applications, Internet). 

Time frame and conditions

The External Collaborator shall be expected to complete up to 150 days of work between 1 May and 31 December 2024 at a daily rate of CHF 293.   The number of days will be pro rata the start date of the consultancy contract. Subject to annual review of performance and the continued availability of funds, the consultancy may be extended. 

Location

The consultancy will ideally be based at the IPU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland with the possibility of flexible work arrangements. The work may involve occasional travel, the costs of which will be covered by the IPU.

Employment conditions

The Consultant 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 Consultant 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.