IPU Research Consultant Job 2026: Women’s Progress in Parliament Report
Overview
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the global organization of parliaments, is seeking an experienced researcher as an external collaborator to research elections and parliamentary developments during 2026 and draft the 2027 edition of its report on women's progress and setbacks in parliament. The IPU monitors women's participation in parliament at global, regional and national levels and publishes data and analysis on women in politics. The 2027 edition will highlight practices emerging from elections held in 2026.
The assignment is home-based and may involve up to 40 working days between 16 November 2026 and 30 April 2027.
What you get
Applicants propose their own daily rate and expected number of working days. The IPU does not cover travel or daily subsistence allowances for this assignment.
Requirements
Candidates need at least five years of relevant professional experience in gender equality and women's rights, strong analytical and writing skills, and demonstrated experience drafting reports and presenting and analysing data. Published work on women's participation in politics is required, and recent research on women's participation in parliament is a strong asset. Proficiency in tabulation and analysis in Microsoft Excel is needed, along with excellent drafting in English or French. Data visualization expertise is an asset.
The consultant carries out a desk review, analyses IPU data and the Parline database, compares 2026 election results with earlier ones and examines electoral gender quotas, women candidates where information exists, violence against women candidates, initiatives to increase women's election and challenges from intersecting forms of discrimination. The research also covers equal parliamentary leadership, including women Speakers and committee chairs, parliamentary policies supporting work-life balance and gender equality, and diversity among elected women, and it should identify trends, lessons and challenges linked to existing IPU studies on quotas, sexism, harassment and violence.
The main deliverable is a 10-page report, with a preliminary draft due on 11 January 2027, a second draft on 25 January and the final report by 1 February 2027. The consultant also prepares key messages for the launch, supports proofreading during layout, comments on press releases, and prepares presentations, speeches and briefing notes.
How to apply
Candidates submit a CV and a letter explaining their suitability and availability to start, one sample of published work on a related topic, and a proposed daily rate and number of working days. Applications are sent by email with the specified subject line.
Key dates
The deadline is 29 October 2026, and late applications are not accepted.