The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as an Inclusive Parliaments Specialist on a part-time basis (50%) to support its work in promoting inclusive parliamentary development. This role will be part of the Parliamentary Development Portfolio and will involve close collaboration with both the Parliamentary Development Portfolio Manager and the Parliamentary Development Specialist.
The Inclusive Parliaments Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties aimed at fostering more inclusive, transparent, and democratic parliamentary processes, especially in the Pacific region. The incumbent will provide strategic technical support, develop policy recommendations, and lead the design of innovative parliamentary initiatives, including promoting the inclusion of underrepresented groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities in the legislative process.
Key Responsibilities
The Inclusive Parliaments Specialist will be responsible for the following key duties and responsibilities:
- Policy Recommendations and Strategic Advice
– Draft Policy Recommendations: The Specialist will lead efforts to draft and advocate for policy recommendations aimed at improving the inclusivity of parliaments. These recommendations will leverage UNDP’s expertise, resources, and international best practices to create opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, ensuring they have a voice in the legislative process.
– Provide Strategic Advice: Offer strategic advice to the Parliamentary Development Portfolio Manager on long-term capacity building and the sustainable development of Pacific Parliaments, guiding the UNDP Pacific Office on possible key interventions to deepen democracy in the region.
- Technical Leadership and Guidance
– Thought Leadership: The Specialist will deliver high-level technical advice on inclusive parliaments, supporting national counterparts in identifying key policy issues and gaps. This will include proposing strategies to improve the inclusivity of parliamentary practices and legislative procedures.
– Capacity Building: Lead efforts to build the capacity of partner institutions by designing and delivering technical support initiatives, such as training programs, professional development workshops, and advocacy campaigns, focusing on creating more inclusive and participatory parliamentary systems.
- Programme Implementation and Oversight
– Implementation of Initiatives: Work closely with consultants, contractors, and NGOs to deliver inclusive parliamentary activities, ensuring high-quality outputs. The Specialist will participate in the procurement process, develop terms of reference, and oversee the delivery of services to ensure the successful implementation of initiatives.
– Monitoring and Evaluation: Support monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities related to parliamentary development and women’s political participation, ensuring that progress is tracked effectively and adjustments are made as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
- Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
– Engage with Development Partners: Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with international development partners, government bodies, and other stakeholders to maximize UNDP’s impact in the area of inclusive parliaments. The Specialist will actively contribute to the development of new proposals and technical advice that will expand UNDP’s visibility and effectiveness in this field.
– Promote Coordination and Knowledge Sharing: The Specialist will promote information sharing and coordination with other UN agencies and international organizations working in the area of inclusive parliaments. They will also contribute to knowledge management efforts by documenting lessons learned, best practices, and innovations.
- Support Digitization of Parliamentary Processes
– Lead Digital Transformation: Spearhead initiatives to support the digitalization of parliamentary activities, including internal systems, public engagement, and oversight mechanisms. This will include guiding partner institutions in exploring and implementing digital tools to improve transparency, accessibility, and accountability.
- Support for Institutional Strengthening
– Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Lead efforts to strengthen the institutional capacities of parliaments and related bodies in the region, supporting them in their efforts to become more inclusive, responsive, and efficient. This includes providing technical advice on parliamentary reform processes and ensuring that sustainability is built into every initiative.
– Develop Learning Plans: The Specialist will develop and implement a capacity development/learning plan focused on inclusive parliaments, participating in regional and global learning initiatives and sharing knowledge across different contexts.
- Risk Management and Reporting
– Risk Identification and Management: Contribute to the identification and management of risks associated with parliamentary development initiatives, ensuring that effective mitigation strategies are put in place.
– Reporting and Documentation: Support the preparation of regular reports on the progress of inclusive parliamentary activities. This will include contributing to quarterly, mid-year, and annual reports, ensuring accurate documentation of achievements and challenges.
- Advocacy and Knowledge Sharing
– Lead Advocacy Efforts: Advocate for the strengthening of national capacities for planning and coordinating inclusive parliamentary programs. This includes raising awareness about the importance of inclusive practices within parliaments and promoting policies that support the engagement of underrepresented groups.
– Knowledge Management: Lead efforts to capture and document national and international best practices in inclusive parliamentary development, ensuring that lessons learned are shared and used to improve future programming.
Required Skills and Experience
To be considered for the role of Inclusive Parliaments Specialist, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Education:
– Advanced Degree: A master’s degree or equivalent in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Law, Development Studies, or a related field.
– Bachelor’s Degree: A first-level university degree in the above areas, combined with an additional two years of relevant professional experience, may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience:
– Professional Experience: A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the field of inclusive parliaments with a master’s degree, or 9 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree. At least 3 years of this experience should be in an international development role.
– Project Management Experience: Proven experience managing projects through all phases of the project cycle (design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation), preferably within UNDP or other international organizations.
– Experience in Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and deliver capacity-strengthening initiatives, including training, mentoring, and professional development programs.
– Advisory and Advocacy Experience: Proven experience advising senior public officials, delivering clear and concise policy advice, and advocating for inclusive parliamentary practices.
– Experience with Marginalized Groups: Significant experience designing and delivering institutional strengthening programs that promote the inclusion of marginalized groups, such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations in parliamentary processes.
– Parliamentary Experience: Prior experience working in a parliament, either as a senior staff member or as a Member of Parliament (MP), is highly desirable.
– International Experience: Knowledge and experience in parliamentary development, particularly in the Asia Pacific region or in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Pacific Island contexts, is a plus.
Languages:
– Fluency in English: The Specialist must be fluent in English, as it is the primary working language of the UNDP.
– Additional Languages: Knowledge of another UN language is a desirable asset.
Competencies:
– Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide teams to achieve results.
– Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear, concise, and impactful reports.
– Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic thinking capabilities, with the ability to analyze complex issues and develop innovative solutions.
– Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
– Commitment to UN Values: Deep commitment to the principles of the UN, including human rights, gender equality, and inclusive development.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to apply for the position by submitting their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their qualifications, experience, and motivation for applying to the position. Applications should be submitted via the UNDP careers portal by the deadline.
The position of Inclusive Parliaments Specialist offers an exciting opportunity for professionals passionate about advancing inclusive democratic processes and supporting parliamentary development. This role is critical to ensuring that parliaments are more accessible, representative, and responsive to the needs of all citizens, particularly historically marginalized groups. If you have the relevant expertise and are committed to driving positive change, we encourage you to apply and join the UNDP in its mission to promote sustainable development and inclusive governance.
Official link: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/22191
