Project Officer, Division of Programmes, Geneva (Switzerland)

JOB PROFILEProject Officer, Division of Programmes, Geneva (Switzerland)

Grade P2

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships: Reporting to the Programme Manager-Technical Cooperation, the Project Officer will help implement projects in support of parliaments aimed at enhancing the way they function and building their capacity in the field of youth participation, with a focus, inter alia, on Asia.The IPU seeks to strengthen the capacity of parliaments to contribute to democracy and help meet the aspirations of the people. It does this by providing tailored advice, guidance and programmes of assistance aimed at strengthening parliaments and building them into inclusive institutions, in particular of young people. Special attention will be placed on providing assistance to parliaments in Asia.

Accountabilities:The incumbent will:

Related to parliamentary strengthening projects:*

• Assist in the implementation of parliamentary strengthening projects aimed at enhancing the functioning and capacity of the institution. This includes, inter alia, preparing draft project documents, work plans, drafting terms of reference for related activities, organizing seminars for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, as well as organizing and participating in missions to the countries concerned in order to provide logistical support;• Assist with the facilitation by parliaments of the use of IPU tools e.g. Common Principles, self-assessment toolkit, action plan for gender-sensitive parliaments etc.; • Keep up-to-date with trends in parliamentary development including new approaches to facilitating parliamentary strengthening; • Monitor project expenditure within approved budgets and keep accounts of project-related activities.*

Related to strengthening Youth Participation:

• Assist in the implementation of parliamentary strengthening activities, events and projects aimed at encouraging effective participation of young parliamentarians in the work of parliament;• Assist with research on youth related issues; • Assist in the organization of conferences and meetings of young parliamentarians, including drafting of documents, liaising with participants and logistical set up.

General:

• Produce activity reports, follow-up and evaluation reports;• Promote the work through the production of articles for the IPU website and social media, etc.; • Collaborate with colleagues working on other IPU programmes; • Perform other duties consistent with the role and responsibilities of the position.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Parliamentarians, Secretaries General/Clerks of parliament, parliamentary staff; • Staff of parliamentary strengthening organizations; • Members of the IPU Secretariat.

Competencies:

 Professionalism: Knowledge of the functioning and structure of national parliaments; good knowledge of international politics and current affairs. Good knowledge of Asian politics and culture would be an asset.

 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 judgement 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 word processing software, database applications; 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.

Requirements:

 Advanced University degree in political science, law, international relations, or related fields. A combination of academic qualifications and extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

 Excellent knowledge of the functioning of national parliaments; work experience with a parliament required.

 At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in working in parliamentary strengthening projects.

 Work experience in youth organizations and/or work experience in supporting youth participation in politics an asset.

 Good knowledge of project management tools and techniques.

 Excellent organisational and analytical skills.

 Ability to work independently, and as part of a team.

 Excellent reading, writing and speaking skills in English or French, and a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of Asian languages will be an advantage.

Duties applicable to all staff: Actively work towards the achievement of the IPU’s strategic objectives. Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Compensation:The Inter-Parliamentary Union offers an attractive salary and benefits package comparable to that of other international organizations headquartered in Geneva or New York, commensurate with education and experience.

Indicative Annual Salary at the P-2 level (net of tax)

USD 47’292 at single rate

USD 50’420 with primary dependents

Post Adjustment

Plus 93.4% (June 2015 rate) of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

For further information, please consult the International Civil Service Commission website:http://icsc.un.org/Employment

Policy:This position will be filled through an international recruitment process that will be open to internal and external applicants. From among equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to the underrepresented gender and persons from countries not represented in the Secretariat.

This position will be based in Geneva with some short-term travelling to project countries. It will be for an initial period of one year, renewable depending on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

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: job@ipu.org

Applications should be received on or before 5 July 2015. In order to ensure prompt and efficient processing of your application, you are required to provide, along with your resume and IPU Job application form (available at http://www.ipu.org/finance-e/vacancy.htm ), a detailed covering letter explaining how you meet each of the requirements 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 accepted.