This consultancy will contribute the next phase of the project, to the end of 2026. It aims to support parliaments in their work on AI policy through the exchange of experience and knowledge, as well as identifying good practice and developing standards and guidelines. It is expected that the project will continue beyond 2026, subject to the priorities set out in the next IPU Strategy and availability of funds.

The project on Parliaments and AI policy sits within the broader framework of parliament’s role in digital policy and internet governance, and complements the IPU’s existing work within the Centre for Innovation in Parliament on the digital transformation of parliaments.

Organizational setting and reporting relationships

The consultant will work in the Resource Centre in the Division of Programmes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and report to the Programme manager, Parliamentary standards and knowledge.

Accountabilities

Within delegated authority, the consultant will:

Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience between parliaments on AI policy, notably parliamentary actions on legislation and oversight of AI
Develop a community of practice among parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and experts
Organize online and in-person events relating to parliaments and AI policy
Prepare publications relating to parliamentary work on AI policy
Enhance parliamentary engagement with key UN events and processes
Mainstream gender perspectives and a human rights-based approach
Strengthen partnerships with relevant international and parliamentary organisations
Contribute to the strategic planning and implementation of IPU’s programme of work on AI policy
Contribute to fundraising, reporting and donor relations regarding IPU’s work on AI policy
Contribute to the work of the IPU-UNDP “Expert group on parliaments and digital policy”
Provide, as requested, other assistance to IPU’s work in related areas
Work will involve regular interaction with:

Members and staff of parliaments
Partner organizations
Experts in the field of digital policy and AI
IPU colleagues, including the Centre for Innovation in Parliament
Deliverables

Deliverables will include:

1/ Parliamentary events are organized, notably:

IPU-led parliamentary conferences on AI policy
An IPU-led webinar series on parliaments and AI
Sessions on AI policy at IPU Assemblies
Parliamentary Track events at the Internet Governance Forum
Parliamentary participation in relevant international fora, such as the AI for Good Summit and the AI Impact Summit
2/ Knowledge products are produced, such as case studies, good practice examples, policy guidance, interviews with parliaments, reports on implementation of the 2024 IPU resolution

3/ A community of practice is developed, fostering exchange between parliamentarians who work on AI policy

4/ Partnerships are strengthened with existing partners and new partnerships are forged and developed

Requirements

Candidates for the consultancy should be able to demonstrate:
• Advanced university degree, and at least 5 years’ professional experience at increasing levels of responsibility
• Practical experience of working on issues related to AI policy
• Demonstrated capacity to produce knowledge products targeted at decision-makers
• Experience in organizing in-person and online events

Desirable experience includes:
• Working with parliaments, preferably in more than one country
• Mainstreaming gender and human rights
• Establishing or working with communities of practice

Applications should be sent by e-mail with “Project officer: Parliaments and AI policy” in the subject line.