Call for Researcher
ERA – LGBTI Equal Rights Association for the Western Balkans and Turkey

Position: Researcher
Project: Research Analysis on Gender Equality and Prevention of Violence Against LBTIQ Women in Kosovo, Serbia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Duration: 7 months
Application Deadline: 31.10.2024

About ERA LGBTI

ERA – LGBTI Equal Rights Association for the Western Balkans and Turkey is a regional association dedicated to promoting and advancing the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) individuals. ERA works through advocacy, research, and partnerships to create inclusive and equitable societies for LGBTIQ communities in the Western Balkans and Turkey.

Background

ERA LGBTI is launching a research project to analyze and evaluate the national strategies and action plans on gender equality and violence against women in Kosovo, Serbia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This research will focus on the inclusion of LBTIQ women, non-binary persons, and marginalized women from diverse backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on sexual orientation and gender identity.

This research will provide the foundation for informed advocacy efforts and the creation of policy papers aimed at improving the national frameworks for addressing gender-based violence and strengthening the protection of LBTIQ women and non-binary persons who identify as lesbians.

Purpose of the Assignment

ERA LGBTI is seeking an experienced researcher to conduct a comprehensive analysis of national strategies, action plans, and the implementation of the Istanbul Convention across Kosovo, Serbia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The researcher will also engage key stakeholders through interviews and focus groups, collect and evaluate data, and produce policy recommendations aimed at enhancing gender equality and combating violence against women.

Scope of Work

The selected researcher will be responsible for:

• Literature Review: Reviewing national strategies and action plans related to gender equality and violence against women, with a focus on marginalized women, including those from LBTIQ communities.
• Data Collection: Gathering and analyzing relevant documents, reports, and data from governmental and non-governmental entities.
• Evaluation of the Istanbul Convention: Assessing the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in each of the four countries, specifically regarding LBTIQ women.
• Interviews and Focus Groups: Engaging with stakeholders, including women’s rights organizations, government representatives, and LBTIQ individuals, to gather qualitative insights.
• Comparative Analysis: Identifying common gaps, challenges, and successful strategies across the four countries.
• Policy Papers: Developing tailored policy recommendations for Kosovo, Serbia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina to inform national action plans and strategies.

Deliverables

• An inception report outlining the research methodology and timeline.
• Literature review and data collection reports.
• A comparative analysis of the findings from the four countries.
• Four policy papers providing practical recommendations for enhancing gender equality and addressing violence against women.
• A final comprehensive research report.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in gender studies, sociology, human rights, law, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience conducting research in the areas of gender-based violence, gender equality, or LBTIQ rights.
• Extensive knowledge of international and national frameworks on gender equality, including the Istanbul Convention.
• Proven experience working with LBTIQ communities and marginalized groups in the context of violence prevention.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of regional languages is an advantage.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation for the role.
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
• A sample of previous research relevant to this project.
• A brief proposal outlining your methodology for conducting the research.

Please send your application by 31.10.2024 to office@lgbti-era.org with the subject line: “Application for Research expert – GBV analysis.”