TOR Consultancy - Civic space for LGBTQI+ people and groups: research paper and regional advocacy strategy

TOR Consultancy - Civic space for LGBTQI+ people and groups: research paper and regional advocacy strategy

Introduction

CIVICUS is looking for a consultant to draft and lead on a research/policy paper focused on civic space for LGBTQI+ people globally, analysing global, regional and sub-regional trends, using CIVICUS Monitor data, desk research and interviews with stakeholders. Furthermore, the consultant will hold digital regional Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with civil society actors and activists as to gather additional information on informal civic space restrictions and as to inform regional advocacy strategies.

The CIVICUS Monitor is an online platform, providing information on civic space – the respect, in law and in practice, of the fundamental freedoms of association, expression and peaceful assembly and the state’s duty to protect civil society – in 198 countries and territories. It also provides civic space ratings for each of the 198 countries and territories, calculated following an elaborate methodology. The CIVICUS Monitor collaborates with over 20 regional research partners across the globe to gather information on civic space developments.

Scope of work and deliverables 1) Research paper on civic space trends and restrictions for LGBTQI+ people and groups, highlighting global and regional trends in the respect, in policy, law and practice, of the freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly for LGBTQI+ people and groups (see also previous 2023 paper “Challenging barriers: Investigating civic space limitations on LGBTQI+ rights in Africa”). The paper will also include an analysis of successes and best practices. 

In collaboration with the Civic Space Research team, the consultant will use information gathered from the following research methods to compile the paper:

• Desk research on recent developments and trends
• Interviews with stakeholders
• Regional Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with civil society actors, CIVICUS members and activists, in at least 5 regions. 

Additionally, the consultant will use CIVICUS Monitor data. 

2) Propose tailored global and regional advocacy strategies, informed by civil society actors, members and LGBTQI+ activists.

In collaboration with CIVICUS’ Advocacy and Campaigns cluster, and guided by information gathered in the stakeholder interviews and FGDs, the consultant shall propose tailored global and regional advocacy strategies to improve civic space for LGBTQI+ people and groups. This will include to what extent successes and good practices can inform advocacy strategies in other regions. 

Qualifications and experience  CIVICUS is looking for a consultant with the following background: 

•  A Master’s degree, and relevant experience in the following domains: Political Science; Gender Studies; Law; Sociology; International relations; Journalism; among other relevant domains.
• Have at least five years professional experience working directly with civil society organisations, LGBTQI+ activists and human rights defenders (HRDs);
• Have at least five years’ experience in research, policy and legal analysis, particularly in the field of civil society, HRDs and gender rights;
• Have a strong understanding of LGBTQI+ rights, laws and policies affecting LGBTQI+ activists and communities and the intersection with human rights;
• Have demonstrable experience with advocacy in the human rights field, preferable on LGBTQI+ rights;
• Good understanding of civil society, human rights and development issues and civic space trends, globally and in different regions (Americas, Africa, MENA, Asia-Pacific and Europe and Central Asia)
• A deep understanding of international human rights frameworks related to fundamental freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression. 
• Advanced computer literacy
• Previous experience of drafting documents for publication, preferable in English
• Well-organised, with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to analyse complex sets of information and reveal trends.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, additional language skills in Spanish, French among other, desirable.

Budget  Please provide a proposal with an accompanying budget (daily and hourly rate) for a period of 20 to 25 days maximum. 

Application process   Please include the following elements in your proposal and submit by COB SAST on 10 April 2026:

• Motivation/interest in applying for this opportunity. 
• Experience, samples and examples: Include your CV or CVs of team members, indicating relevant experience and capabilities to deliver this consultancy along-with any testimonials of similar completed work.
• Proposal work set out under Scope and Deliverables, with activities, timeline and budget, including proposed hourly and daily rate.  All financial information must be expressed in United States Dollars (USD), unless the applicant is based in South Africa, in which case rates should be included in South African Rand (ZAR).  

In case of questions, please reach out to [email protected] and/or [email protected]