LGBTIQ Advocacy Coordinator/Ukraine

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 Ukraine LGBTIQ Advocacy Coordinator for approximately two years, beginning in February 2023. The LGBTIQ Advocacy Coordinator will be based in Ukraine and will work closely with a Ukraine Inclusion Advisor, also being recruited. Together, the Inclusion Advisor and Advocacy Coordinator will liaise with the humanitarian sector and LGBTIQ civil society organizations to work towards greater LGBTIQ inclusion in humanitarian response, in both policy and practice. The Advocacy Coordinator will report to the Director for Humanitarian and Global Development Programs at Outright International.

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 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 effectiveness of mechanisms which can be used to inform advocacy, policy and practice intended to increase LGBTIQ inclusion in humanitarian crises in other settings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Closely liaise with Ukrainian LGBTIQ organizations to jointly represent to humanitarian actors the needs and challenges faced by LGBTIQ populations around the country resulting from the Russian invasion.
• 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 and localization.
• Working closely with a new Ukraine Inclusion Advisor, Outright staff, and Ukrainian activists, follow up with key humanitarian actors (UN agencies, international NGOs, Government of Ukraine, etc.) to advocate for improved LGBTIQ inclusion in humanitarian response in the country.
• Participate in selected humanitarian sector coordination meetings, with particular attention to engagement with the UNHCR-managed Protection Cluster when needed.
• Contribute to strengthening the capacity of the humanitarian sector (UN Agencies, International NGOs) to respond to LGBTIQ needs, providing information and training, as opportunities arise.
• Monitor changes in engagement between the humanitarian sector and LGBTIQ organizations, including changes in funding support and inclusion attributable to advocacy over time.
• Attend other relevant meetings and convenings in Ukraine and the region, increasing visibility of LGBTIQ+ protection and rights issues, and providing feedback that will advance LGBTIQ inclusion in humanitarian responses.
• Liaise with other regional human rights organizations supporting LGBTIQ people in Ukraine, including but not limited to civil society organisations such as RFSL, ILGA Europe, COC, Freedom House, as well as LGBTIQ organizations working with Ukrainian LGBTIQ refugees in the border countries.
• Support research and data collection efforts as part of the emergency research agenda and for documenting the impact of an advocacy coordinator model for advancing inclusion.
• Participate in webinars and other events to communicate progress to donors and other stakeholders.
• Draft advocacy materials in English and/or Ukrainian, such as letters, op-eds and blog posts, shedding light on LGBTIQ needs.
• Respond to other relevant tasks, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in development, peace and security, human rights, gender studies or other relevant fields in social, political and/or legal sciences.
• A minimum of three years of experience in LGBTIQ and/or feminist advocacy in Ukraine.
• Deep socio-political understanding of LGBTIQ issues and movement dynamics in the Ukrainian context. Strong relationships with national Ukrainian LGBTIQ, human rights, and feminist civil society organizations required.
• Operational familiarity with Ukraine’s humanitarian system architecture and/or specific humanitarian organizations (UN or international NGO) desired.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English and Ukrainian.
• Willingness to work in Ukraine and to travel within Ukraine, depending on safety and security.
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent writer and communicator with diverse audiences.

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 jobs@outrightinternational.org. 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: February 17, 2023