Consultancy - Review of the Committee system of the parliament of Vanuatu

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) seeks a consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of the parliamentary committee system in the Parliament of Vanuatu. The review aims to assess the operational effectiveness, resource capacity, and procedural frameworks of committees to provide actionable recommendations for strengthening parliamentary oversight and legislative quality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive desk review examining the legal basis, terms of reference, and investigative powers of current committees and the political situation in Vanuatu.
• Analyze tracking mechanisms for committee reports, inquiries, and government responses.
• Review secretariat staffing, budget allocations, research support, and infrastructural limitations at the Parliament House in Port Vila.
• Evaluate transparency, stakeholder participation, and media access during committee proceedings.
• Undertake an exercise with MPs and staff using the Indicator on Committees as found in the Indicators for Democratic Parliaments.
• Deliver an inception report including an initial work plan and preliminary findings within 1 week of contract signing.
• Conduct a workshop for Committee Chairs and members on the importance of committee work.
• Present findings to parliamentary authorities and the Secretary General prior to departure from Vanuatu.
• Draft a comprehensive report detailing structural and procedural recommendations, including a strategic roadmap and proposed amendments to Standing Orders and capacity-building frameworks.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in political science, law, governance, or related fields.
• Proven experience in parliamentary research or democratic governance studies, preferably in the Pacific region or similar contexts.
• Familiarity with parliaments required.
• Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and synthesize complex information clearly.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including politicians, parliamentarians and other government officials.
• Good representational and liaison skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, communication and networking skills with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent English writing and communication skills.

Skills

• Parliamentary Research
• Democratic Governance Studies
• Parliamentary Systems Familiarity
• Analytical Skills
• Research Skills
• Report Writing
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Interpersonal Skills
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Representational Skills
• Liaison Abilities
• Inter-Cultural Communication
• Networking Skills
• English Writing
• Political Science
• Governance Framework Analysis

Languages

English