Location: Brussels, Belgium
International IDEA is an intergovernmental organisation that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its Global Programmes develop comparative knowledge, approaches and tools to support democratic institutions and processes. Parliamentary strengthening is a core part of its work on political participation and representation. The flagship portfolio, Inter Pares, is funded by the European Union and works with parliaments around the world to strengthen their capacity and independence.
The Principal Adviser, Parliamentary Strengthening is the Institute's most senior expert in this field. The role provides intellectual leadership, sets strategic direction and safeguards the quality of the organisation's parliamentary strengthening work. It is also the principal point of contact for Regional Programmes, partners and donors. The post reports to the Director, Global Programmes.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide expert substantive guidance for the Inter Pares portfolio as its senior adviser.
- Identify and develop new opportunities and partnerships for parliamentary strengthening, including where it connects with elections, political finance, gender equality, constitution building, climate change and democratic resilience.
- Lead and support resource mobilization and donor engagement.
- Set and safeguard the quality standard for parliamentary strengthening work across Global Programmes, and guide the design of new project proposals.
- Support regional and country teams with parliamentary strengthening expertise.
- Maintain and strengthen the network of parliamentary partners, practitioners and expert institutions.
- Contribute to collective leadership as a member of the Global Programmes Leadership Team.
Requirements:
- Advanced university degree in political science, international relations, law, development studies or a related field.
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in democracy support, governance, political participation and representation, or parliamentary strengthening.
- Recognised expertise in parliamentary strengthening, with publications and standing in expert networks.
- Proven experience managing relationships with bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, development partners and parliamentary institutions.
- Experience designing and implementing complex multi-country programmes.
- Strong understanding of the European Union as the programme's principal donor.
- Excellent command of English. Knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese or Russian is an asset.
- Willingness to travel about 25% of the time.
Terms: International post. Two-year fixed-term appointment. Remuneration is EUR 7,258 net per month plus benefits.
Closing date: 2026-10-18
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications must be submitted in English through the International IDEA careers site no later than 23:59 (CEST) on 18 October 2026. Shortlisted candidates will go through an assessment and up to two interviews. Candidates must disclose any use of AI tools, and all application materials must be human-generated.
https://careers.idea.int/jobs/8450287-principal-adviser-parliamentary-strengthening-brussels