TGEU and ILGA-Europe are looking for a consultant to assist LGBTI groups in their advocacy work. TGEU and ILGA-Europe seek to increase the quality and quantity of input from LGBTI organisations, with a focus on trans-related input, to the review process of the Committee of Minsters LGBT Recommendation review and make the review process more meaningful for LGBTI activism on the ground. Both organisations also aim at supporting LGBTI organisations in their advocacy with their governments to use the Review for a dialogue between governments and LGBTI organisations on necessary steps to protect LGBTI rights and ensure governments are engaging in the Review process.

Both ILGA-Europe and TGEU will directly support a number of LGBTI and trans groups in 2018.

The consultant will be the main contact person for the groups assisting them in the implementation of planned activities, mainly the drafting and submission of shadow reports to the review process. The consultant will also assist TGEU and ILGA-Europe in drafting a summary report submission to the review process.

What are the Recommendations? Why do they matter?

The review of the LGBT Recommendations of the Committee of Ministers 2010(5) takes place in 2018/2019.

In 2010, the Recommendations became the “gold standard” for LGBT rights in Europe. They were the first and only agreement between governments to combat discrimination against transgender, and bisexual, lesbian and gay people in Europe. It defines a set of concrete measures member states should implement to improve the human rights situation for LGBT people in their country. The areas covered are very wide, reaching from hate crime/ hate speech, legal gender recognition, health, prison, asylum, sport, housing, employment and much more. More material here https://www.ilga-europe.org/resources/guide-european-institutions/council-europe/lgbti-rights/recommendation and on how the Recommendation matters for trans people: https://tgeu.org/trans-in-the-spotlight-tgeu-publication-on-the-committee-of-ministers-recommendations/

While the text of the Recommendation has become partly outdated, it is still the highest-level agreement on LGBT rights that states have signed up for in Europe.

The Review process 2018/2019

A first review took place in 2013. In 2018, all European states and civil society are invited to report how the Recommendations have been implemented in their country. The Council of Europe will draft a report based on these inputs. All member states will discuss these findings and potentially recommend updating the text of the Recommendations. This is particularly needed in view of new case law of the European Court of Human Rights, but also to include protection of the human rights of intersex people, which were not included back in 2010. In contrast to the first review process, this time civil society is actually invited to contribute directly to the process. This is a great chance to highlight where implementation has been lacking and which new rights need to be included, for ex relating to intersex people.

Member states are asked to self-report on how they have implemented the Recommendation until 30 June. This is also a great chance for civil society to engage with their national authorities.

Tasks of the Consultant

The consultant will:

  • Assist up to five trans groups and eleven LGBTI organisations in the drafting of shadow reports
  • Co-organise 2-3 online meetings at 1-1,5hrs each for these groups and other interested activists on the review process, methodology etc.
  • Draft a ILGA-Europe and TGEU summary shadow report (assisted by staff)

Proposed timeframe

Work with grantees commences End March aiming at finalising the national shadow reports End of July. To support the process, a meeting is organised for ILGA-Europe grantees on 29-30 March in Brussels. (Partial) attendance at the meeting is a plus, but not a mandatory requirement, due to the short timeframe. Additionally, 3 online meetings are planned (1-1 1/2 hrs). A first first introductory webinar of TGEU and ILGA-Europe for organisations interested in the Review process is planned for Mid March.

For the TGEU/ILGA-Europe summary report desk research starts End March, a final draft is due in Mid August.

Qualifications & Skills

For this task, ILGA-Europe and TGEU seek an individual demonstrating:

  • Excellent written and verbal English skills;
  • Experience in drafting and editing NGO shadow reports;
  • A solid human rights background;
  • Familiarity with human rights struggles of LGBTI and specifically trans people in Europe, including those of marginalised groups affected by racism, classism, ageism, ableism, misogyny and so on;
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Being approachable and open-minded, with a can-do attitude;
  • An organised approach to administrative work and planning;
  • Ability to support complex working processes;
  • Familiarity with intercultural and international settings;
  • Having reflected on de-colonised approaches of working in partnerships;
  • Ability to manage a high workload while meeting strict deadlines;
  • Robust software skills such as MS Word, MS Excel, Skype, and online meeting technology

 

We offer

  • A remuneration of €10.800 equalling 36 days at a daily rate of €300
  • Flexible working hours
  • Guidance and support from ILGA-Europe and TGEU staff
  • Methodology, tools and templates

 

Please note that remuneration will be paid in two installments upon payment requests after the finalisation of the national shadow report (1st installment) and after the final draft of the TGEU/ILGA-Europe summary report (2nd installment).

 

Place of work

Place of work is remote.

 

How to apply

To apply, please email us:

  • A cover letter (max. 1 page) detailing how you fulfil the qualifications we seek
  • References to/examples of similar work you have undertaken including copies or web links to the final products (if possible)
  • CV(s)
  • Contact information for 2 references
  • A work plan (max. 2 pages) outlining your approach to the work. The work plan should demonstrate your understanding of the subject, propose work methodologies, and a proposed schedule of key activities and timeframe
  • A budget which includes your daily fee and other envisioned costs

 

Interested applicants send their application until 19 March 2018 to tgeu@tgeu.org. Applicants will be informed by March 23.

Questions can be directed to the same address.