Announcement: Seeking a Research Expert to Conduct a Study on Discrimination and Human Rights Violations Against LGBTIQ People

Right Side Human Rights Defender NGO is seeking a Research Expert to conduct a study on discrimination, human rights violations, and systemic barriers affecting LGBTIQ people.

About the Research

The purpose of the study is to examine discriminatory and exclusionary practices within military commissariats, mental health institutions, and other state and professional systems that directly or indirectly impact the rights of LGBTIQ conscripts, individuals of conscription age, and military personnel.

The research will also explore how issues related to LGBTIQ people and gender equality are manipulated, politicized, or targeted during politically sensitive periods, particularly electoral processes, and will identify strategies for strengthening community resilience against disinformation, hate speech, and discriminatory narratives.

Data collection will be conducted through:

• Analysis of documented experiences and cases reported by members of the LGBTIQ community;
• Questionnaires distributed to human rights organizations;
• Questionnaires designed for mental health professionals;
• Questionnaires designed for staff of military commissariats and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia;
• Analysis of data received through a secure and anonymous online reporting system;
• Review of national and international legal and policy documents.

The findings will help identify systemic barriers, discriminatory practices, and existing gaps in human rights protection, while contributing to the development of evidence-based recommendations for inclusive and rights-based policies.

Responsibilities of the Research Expert

• Develop a detailed research methodology;
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data collected throughout the study;
• Conduct legal, policy, and institutional analyses;
• Carry out comparative analysis based on international standards and best practices;
• Prepare a comprehensive research report of at least 60 pages;
• Develop evidence-based recommendations for state institutions, healthcare providers, defense-sector bodies, human rights organizations, professional communities, and other relevant stakeholders;
• Formulate recommendations aimed at preventing discrimination against LGBTIQ people, ensuring equal treatment, and strengthening rights-based services and policies;
• Work closely with the project team throughout the research process.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in Law, Sociology, Psychology, Public Policy, Human Rights, or a related field;
• At least three years of experience conducting research;
• Demonstrated experience in research related to human rights, discrimination, gender equality, or LGBTIQ issues;
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative data analysis;
• Experience drafting analytical reports, policy papers, and recommendations;
• Excellent command of Armenian and good working knowledge of English;
• Strong understanding of research ethics, confidentiality, and data protection principles.

Expected Deliverable

The selected expert will produce a comprehensive report of at least 60 pages, including:

• Analysis of discrimination and human rights violations affecting LGBTIQ people;
• Assessment of challenges within military commissariats, mental health institutions, and other relevant systems;
• Evaluation of legislative, policy, and institutional gaps;
• Comparative analysis of international practices and standards;
• Practical and actionable recommendations for state institutions, healthcare providers, defense-sector actors, professional associations, civil society organizations, and international partners.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit:

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• A Letter of Interest;
• At least one sample of a relevant research paper, analysis, or publication.

 Email: rightsidengo@gmail.com

Subject line: Research Expert: Study on the Rights of LGBTIQ People

Application deadline: June 15, 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.