Form of Employment: Part-time
Starting Date: October 2020
Duration: Up to 60 working days over a period of 6 months
Location: Islamabad
Background:
Democracy Reporting International (DRI) is a non-partisan, independent, not-for-profit organisation registered in Berlin. DRI promotes political participation of citizens, accountability of state bodies, and the development of democratic institutions worldwide.
DRI is currently recruiting a Parliamentary Expert for its Country Office in Pakistan. In collaboration with, and under the supervision of the Project Manager/Democratic Governance Expert, the expert will develop three separate evidence-based packages of reform proposals and recommendations for amendments in Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business of the National Assembly, Provincial Assembly of the Punjab and Provincial Assembly of Sindh to ensure business continuity in light of the impact of covid-19 or any such future crisis situation and in line with international best practices. The Assessment study will identify deficiencies and highlight administrative, operational, legal framework (rules of procedures, constitutional), capacity, infrastructure, safety and security of staff and visitors, and other issues and considerations – including use of modern technologies according to international best practices to facilitate preparedness and discussions for parliamentary business continuity in a time of crisis.
Your Tasks:
- Review the relevant legal framework (Constitution, Rules of Procedure & Conduct of Business of the National, Punjab and Sindh Assemblies) and identify institutional, operational and legal gaps in the system and offer considerations for solutions parliamentary business continuity and readiness in the time of crisis/emergency.
- Work in close coordination with DRI’s RoPs reforms expert and identify areas for reforms in the legal framework.
- Establish working relationships with political and secretariat leadership of the National, Punjab and Sindh Assemblies, key members of these Houses, chairpersons and members of relevant parliamentary committees, senior secretariat officials, PIPS and other stakeholders who have an interest and will have an influence on parliamentary reforms for business continuity planning and parliamentary reforms
- Liaise closely with chairperson and members of the Committees on RoPs for identifying areas for reforms.
- Conduct consultations with key parliamentary stakeholders to identify key reform areas, opportunities, and challenges
- Develop, separate for each House, evidence-based inputs including baseline data, needs assessment and implementation and deployment plan for business continuity plan (including parliamentary processes in-line with international best practices);
- Coordinate with technical experts on incorporating assessment findings on the technological needs of relevant bodies to facilitate remote connectivity, meetings, and videoconferencing, etc.
- Prepare first drafts of the assessment studies (separate for each house) by end of November 2020
- Develop proposals for changes in the Parliamentary rules with an emphasis on improved functioning and oversight in the Covid-19 context
- Develop draft business continuity plans for the three target Houses
- Conduct briefings and provide technical advice to parliamentarians for effective implementation of the business continuity plan and parliamentary rules, particularly in the context of Covid-19 oversight functions; ensure that issues related to changes in the rules and business continuity plans remain highlighted in the political agendas of policymakers
- Other relevant duties, as required.
Your Skills and Experience:
- University degree in Development Studies/Human Rights /Law/ Political Science or equivalent; Masters preferred;
- In-depth knowledge of the political context of the country and demonstrated experience in engaging/working with parliamentary and/or other public institutions and senior politicians. Should bring to the table a vast contact base and engagement history with key stakeholders;
- Demonstrated understanding and expertise in parliamentary reforms related to rules, procedures, and planning; track record of working with parliamentarians and other key stakeholders to improve parliamentary processes and functioning;
- Good understanding of the use of modern technologies in parliamentary business and relevant international best practices;
- Excellent understanding of the issues being in the country in light of covid-19;
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills and ability to work as part of a culturally diverse team;
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Urdu;
- Report writing skills.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in this position, please send your application (cover letter and CV) to [email protected]. Please include “National Expert Parliamentary Reforms” in the subject line and refer to the source where you have found this opportunity. This position is subject to funding. Applying for this position by post mail is possible, please find our address details below.
Closing date for applications: 13 October 2020. The position may be filled before the deadline has been reached, so early applications are encouraged.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. If you are one of those shortlisted, we will contact you within one week after expiration of the deadline.
DRI is committed to diversity and does not discriminate in employment based upon gender (including pregnancy), race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, socio-economic status, or any other status protected by the laws in the locations where we operate.
Organisation responsible for this vacancy:
Democracy Reporting International gGmbH
Prinzessinnenstraße 30
10969 Berlin, Germany
Tel +49 30 27877300
Fax +49 30 27877300-10
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