ORGANIZATION: Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO

PROJECT TITLE: Strengthening Trans Organizing Resiliency & Capacity to Advocate for Legal Gender Recognition in the Conflict Affected Larger South Caucasus Region

DUTY STATION: Yerevan, Armenia

DURATION: 45 days, March 25 – May 8, 2024

DEADLINE: March 20, 2024

 

CONTEXT:

The “Strengthening Trans Organizing Resiliency & Capacity to Advocate for Legal Gender Recognition in the Conflict Affected Larger South Caucasus Region” project (hereinafter “Project”) aims to empower trans and LGBQI community. By mobilizing these communities and strengthening their resilience during crises, the project seeks to amplify their voices in advocating for legal gender recognition (LGR) without forced sterilization. Through collaborative efforts, the project strives to foster positive changes in LGR legislation across the region.

The project comprises several key components, including capacity-building, advocacy initiatives, research dissemination, and legislative drafting.

Overall, the project aims to empower trans and LGBQI communities, elevate their voices in advocating for their rights, and contribute to positive legislative changes regarding LGR in the South Caucasus region.

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The objective of this assignment is to conduct comprehensive research on the legal frameworks and societal attitudes towards transgender and LGBQI communities in the Conflict Affected Larger South Caucasus Region. The research should aim to:

• Identify Legal Frameworks: Assess the existing legal frameworks related to gender recognition in each country, including relevant laws, policies, and regulations.
• Examine Implementation: Investigate the implementation of gender recognition laws in practice, including any challenges or barriers faced by trans and LGBQI individuals.
• Analyze Human Rights Implications: Analyze the human rights implications of current gender recognition laws, particularly regarding forced sterilization and other discriminatory practices.
• Assess International Standards: Evaluate each country’s compliance with international human rights standards and recommendations concerning gender recognition, as outlined by organizations such as the United Nations, Council of Europe, and the European Union.
• Identify Best Practices: Identify best practices and successful initiatives from other regions or countries that promote inclusive and rights-based approaches to gender recognition.

Based on the findings of the research, the expert should provide actionable recommendations and calls to action, including:

• Policy Reform: Propose specific reforms to existing laws and policies to ensure they align with international human rights standards, particularly regarding the elimination of forced sterilization and the adoption of self-identification-based gender recognition.
• Engagement with Stakeholders: Advocate for increased engagement with government officials, civil society organizations, and international bodies to prioritize gender recognition reform and ensure the meaningful participation of trans and LGBQI individuals in decision-making processes.
• Capacity Building: Recommend strategies for capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering trans and LGBQI communities to advocate for their rights and navigate legal processes related to gender recognition.
• Awareness Campaigns: Suggest approaches for raising awareness and challenging stigma surrounding gender identity and expression, including the development of educational materials and public awareness campaigns.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress on gender recognition reform and address any emerging challenges or gaps.

Overall, the recommendations and calls to action should be tailored to each country’s context and aimed at promoting inclusive and rights-based approaches to gender recognition in the South Caucasus region.

 

DELIVERABLES:

• Research (in English);
• 5 communiques for the social media on the research outcomes (in English);
• PPT on the main outcomes of the research (in English);
• Materials (questionnaire, collected data, contacts, etc.) used for the research.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Expertise in Human Rights and Gender Studies: Hold a relevant academic degree in human rights, gender studies, law, or a related field, with a strong understanding of international human rights frameworks and gender-related issues.
• Research Proficiency: Demonstrated experience in conducting research, particularly in the fields of trans and LGBQI rights, gender equality, and legal analysis. Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation, is essential.
• Legal Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of legal systems and frameworks, particularly in the context of gender recognition laws and policies. Experience in analyzing and interpreting legal documents, statutes, and international conventions related to gender identity and expression is highly desirable.
• Regional Expertise: Familiarity with the socio-political context of the Conflict Affected Larger South Caucasus Region, including an understanding of historical and cultural factors influencing gender issues in the region.
• Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Proven experience in advocacy and policy engagement related to trans and LGBQI rights and gender equality issues. Ability to engage with government officials, civil society organizations, and international bodies to advance policy reform and promote human rights principles.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. Experience in drafting research reports and advocacy materials.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in one or more languages spoken in the South Caucasus region is highly desirable.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and respect for human rights, particularly trans and LGBQI individuals.
• Management Skills: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Candidates who meet the above qualifications and experience requirements are encouraged to apply for this assignment by sending CV, narrative and financial offers to rightsidengo@gmail.com with the subject “Expert in Human Rights and Gender Studies” by 18:00 pm Yerevan time, 20 March 2024.

March 3, 2023 Armenia Yerevan