LGBTIQ Inclusion Advisor – Ukraine / Радник/ця з інклюзії ЛГБТІК в Україні

Outright International works at global, regional, and national levels to eradicate the persecution, inequality, and violence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) people around the world. With staff in over 10 countries and headquarters in New York, Outright builds the capacity of LGBTIQ movements, documents human rights violations, advocates for inclusion and equality, and holds leaders accountable for protecting the rights of LGBTIQ people everywhere. Outright has recognized consultative status at the United Nations.

With support from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) and in consultation and partnership with a range of Ukrainian civil society organizations, Outright plans to implement and evaluate a set of strategies for documenting and strengthening the humanitarian system’s responsiveness to LGBTIQ needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. For this work, Outright seeks a senior-level Ukraine LGBTIQ Inclusion Advisor for approximately two years, beginning in February 2023. The LGBTIQ Inclusion Advisor will be based in Ukraine and will work closely with an LGBTIQ Advocacy Coordinator, also being recruited. Together, the Inclusion Advisor and Advocacy Coordinator will liaise with the humanitarian sector and LGBTIQ civil society to work towards greater LGBTIQ inclusion in humanitarian response in both policy and practice.

Key outcomes include 1) creating sustainable communication and partnership mechanisms between humanitarian assistance organizations and leading national LGBTIQ organizations involved in humanitarian response; 2) National LGBTIQ organizations have increased understanding and capacity to navigate the humanitarian system in Ukraine, with the ultimate objectives of advocating for their needs and increasing their access to financial and technical support; 3) Leading humanitarian agencies (including coordination bodies, implementing UN agencies), state agencies, other funders, and relevant international NGOs have a greater understanding of LGBTIQ needs in the context of the war and develop approaches for regularly consulting and partnering with them; and 4) Evidence is generated to assess the effectiveness of mechanisms which can be used to inform advocacy, policy and practice intended to increase LGBTIQ inclusion in humanitarian crises in other settings. 

The Inclusion Advisor will report to the Director for Humanitarian and Global Development Programs at Outright International.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working closely with Outright staff and Ukrainian activists, establish or build on relationships with key humanitarian actors (UN agencies, international NGOs, Government of Ukraine, State Agencies, etc.) to advocate for improved LGBTIQ inclusion in humanitarian response in the country; identify entry points for coordination and facilitate collaboration.
• Participate in key humanitarian sector cluster coordination meetings, working groups, and other relevant convenings; monitor and document process of engagement; follow-up on leads for enhancing engagement between the humanitarian sector and LGBTIQ civil society organizations.
• Create or facilitate opportunities, in partnership with the Advocacy Coordinator, for LGBTIQ civil society representatives to share their experiences, needs, and capacities regarding the provision of humanitarian and other support to their constituents around the country with humanitarian actors.
• With the Advocacy Coordinator, organize convenings, assessments, and other data-gathering efforts that will contribute to documenting LGBTIQ community capacities and resource needs, with the goal of improving humanitarian responsiveness, localization, and accountability to affected communities.
• Identify and undertake specific strategies for strengthening the capacity of the humanitarian sector (UN agencies, international NGOs) to respond to LGBTIQ needs and priorities, providing information and training support as opportunities arise.
• Identify intersectional opportunities and create synergies with other organizations that represent under-served populations, such as those focusing on people with disabilities and older people; share learning and experiences in advocating for better inclusion of marginalized populations.
• Identify sustainable mechanisms for ensuring ongoing relationship-building and resource-sharing among humanitarian actors and LGBTIQ civil society, ultimately leading to improved protection outcomes, targeted and relevant support to LGBTIQ communities.
• Contribute to the development of a “case study” to assess the effectiveness of the advocacy model on achieving greater inclusion of and responsiveness to LGBTIQ needs and capacities in the context of the Russian invasion.
• Participate in webinars and other events to communicate progress to donors and other stakeholders.
• Draft advocacy materials, such as letters, op-eds, and blog posts in Ukrainian and/or English, shedding light on the needs of affected LGBTIQ communities.
• Respond to other relevant tasks, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in global development, international studies, sociology, political science, humanitarian affairs, human rights, gender studies or other relevant fields in social, political, and/or legal sciences.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in and demonstrated knowledge of the United Nations and/or relevant international development and/or humanitarian sectors, and operational familiarity with humanitarian system architecture, including the humanitarian response Cluster system.
• Familiarity with the humanitarian response community in Ukraine is highly desirable. Experience in other humanitarian emergency settings will be considered.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English and Ukrainian. 
• Willingness to work and travel in Ukraine, depending on safety and security.
• Highly motivated self-starter, with the ability to work independently
• Excellent writer and communicator with diverse audiences.

COMPENSATION

1700 – 2200 USD/mo, possibly paid in UAH

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates can apply via Bamboo. Alternatively, candidates can also e-mail a cover letter explaining how their skills and background fit this position and a resume/CV to [email protected]. Please refer to “Ukraine LGBTIQ Advocacy Coordinator” in the subject line.

Outright Action International is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Ukrainian nationals and people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Qualified candidates will be contacted. Please do not call.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 19, 2023.