Are you passionate about gender equality and eager to make a global impact? The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a leading international organization, is seeking a Project Officer for its Gender Partnership Programme, and this could be your chance to shine! This home-based/remote position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant initiatives aimed at advancing women's political participation and rights worldwide.
About the IPU and the Role:
The IPU, representing 181 national parliaments and 15 associate members, is at the forefront of promoting democratic governance, human rights, and sustainable development. Gender equality is a cornerstone of their mission, and the Gender Partnership Programme is central to this effort. As a Project Officer, you'll be instrumental in supporting major global initiatives, including the European Union-funded Women and Youth in Democracy Initiative (WYDE), in collaboration with UN Women, International IDEA, and UCLG. In 2026, your role will involve research, coordination, event management, and advocacy to empower women in political leadership.
What Will You Do? Core Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Manager of the Gender Partnership Programme, you'll be involved in a wide array of activities:
- Organizing and supporting global meetings and events, as well as contributing to partner-led activities.
- Preparing essential documents, speeches, notes, and reports.
- Conducting in-depth research and disseminating valuable content.
- Developing compelling communications materials and updating IPU websites and platforms.
- Ensuring the visibility of IPU’s guidelines, tools, and publications.
- Liaising with Member Parliaments, partner organizations, and diverse coalitions.
- Collaborating with colleagues across various IPU programs.
- Responding to information requests and supporting monitoring and evaluation efforts.
- And, of course, taking on additional tasks as needed.
Key Deliverables for 2026 – A Busy Year!
This position is output-driven, meaning your contributions will be measured by tangible results. Here's a glimpse of what you'll be working on:
- Preparing for and participating in coordination meetings related to the International Gender Champions, the Generation Equality Forum, and WYDE.
- Supporting up to six multi-partner activities each quarter.
- Contributing to quarterly reports, keeping everyone informed.
- Conducting parliamentary outreach, surveys, and preparing IPU reports for the 92nd, 93rd, and 94th CEDAW Committee sessions.
- Organizing up to two webinars for parliaments under CEDAW review.
- Facilitating parliamentary contributions to CEDAW General Recommendation 41 on stereotypes.
- Supporting events at the 152nd and 153rd IPU Assemblies, the 2026 CSW parliamentary meeting, and the 2026 Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians.
- Assisting at least three parliaments in implementing the IPU Campaign "Achieving gender equality, action by action."
- Supporting at least six outreach initiatives engaging men and international leaders.
- Developing the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks for the 2026 campaign.
- Proposing frameworks and tools for men’s engagement in gender equality.
- Organizing at least six expert or parliamentary consultations.
- Supporting the production and dissemination of one IPU publication.
What Qualifications Do You Need?
The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation of knowledge and experience:
- A university degree in political science, international relations, or law; a specialization in gender studies is a plus.
- At least five years of experience in gender equality or women’s rights; experience in parliamentary or inter-parliamentary settings is highly desirable.
- Experience supporting global multistakeholder networks and leadership engagement.
- Familiarity with international organizations, treaty bodies, and the CEDAW Committee.
- Proven experience organizing multistakeholder events and working on multi-partner projects.
- Experience implementing campaigns with monitoring and evaluation components.
- Excellent drafting skills and experience producing communication tools.
- Full fluency in English or French, with a working knowledge of both languages.
- Strong initiative, sound judgment, interpersonal skills, and adaptability.
- Proficiency in standard office software and online collaboration tools.
Contract Details and Timeline:
This consultancy is primarily home-based, with the option to work from the IPU Headquarters in Geneva. The contract runs from January 5 to December 31, 2026, with up to 220 working days. Extension is possible based on performance and budget availability. Mission-related travel expenses will be covered by the IPU.
How to Apply:
To apply, submit the following:
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- A brief statement explaining why you're the perfect fit for this consultancy.
- Your proposed daily rate or budget.
- Confirmation that you are available to start in January 2026.
Applications that do not include all the required elements will not be considered. Send all documents via email to [email protected] with the subject line "Surname Name – Project Officer – Gender Partnership Programme." For any additional questions, please contact [email protected]. The application deadline is December 14, 2025.
Important Notes:
The Project Officer will be an independent consultant, not an IPU employee, and is responsible for all applicable income tax obligations. The IPU is committed to efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment processes, with a strong emphasis on diversity, gender balance, and representation from developing countries. All personnel must adhere to the IPU Code of Conduct and the Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy.
But here's where it gets controversial... The role is a consultancy position. Do you think this is the best way to ensure the long-term success of the Gender Partnership Programme?
What are your thoughts? Do you agree with the IPU's approach to promoting gender equality? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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