2024 Job opportunity: Research Manager at ILGA World

ILGA World’s Research Programme is committed to advancing the human rights of LGBTI people through the production and dissemination of data-driven, high-impact research. This research addresses critical areas such as sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) to support evidence-based advocacy and inform global policy on issues affecting marginalised communities. Building on four decades of experience, the Research Programme’s focus has expanded to address the intersectional challenges facing LGBTI communities, examining systemic and structural discrimination that perpetuate prejudice and violence against diverse SOGIESC identities.

Since the inception of ILGA World, ILGA’s research has played a pivotal role in shaping advocacy for the rights of LGBTI people globally. ILGA World’s flagship reports like the Laws on Us and Our Identities Under Arrest offer comprehensive insights into the global landscape of LGBTI rights, including mapping legal conditions, assessing social attitudes, and monitoring human rights abuses.

ILGA World has also developed tools such as the ILGA World Database and the ILGA World Monitor to further enhance accessibility to accurate data on LGBTI issues worldwide. with the ILGA World Database recently honoured with a 2023 Anthem Award for “Best Use of Data” in the Human and Civil Rights category.

In 2023, ILGA World launched the ILGA World Database, a free, interactive platform that systematises 4,300 legal sources and over 7,000 references from United Nations mechanisms across 193 UN member states and 47 territories. This tool has empowered human rights defenders, organisations, and decision-makers to track global SOGIESC-related developments in real-time. The ILGA World Monitor complements this by providing stakeholders, including ILGA offices, civil society organisations, think tanks, researchers, and UN staff, with up-to-date information that shapes programmatic decisions and strengthens advocacy efforts.

In addition to these tools, ILGA World’s Research Programme produces thematic reports, such as the Intersex Legal Mapping Report—a global survey documenting legal protections for intersex people—and Our Identities Under Arrest, which highlights the criminalisation of LGBTI individuals, providing critical information for stakeholders working on asylum cases.

Upcoming in 2025, the second iteration of ILGA World’s flagship report Laws on Us will expand on the legacy of the State-Sponsored Homophobia report and Trans Legal Mapping Report, offering an extensive overview of global legal progress and setbacks affecting LGBTI communities.

ILGA World’s Research Programme provides real-time updates and critical analyses of legal developments on national and international levels, supporting advocacy, shaping discourse, and guiding policy interventions. The ILGA World Database, Monitor, and flagship reports will empower anyone committed to advancing LGBTI rights worldwide with the tools and information needed to advocate effectively for equality and justice.

ILGA World’s Research Programme continues to produce research that advocates for structural change within social, legal, and medical frameworks. Moving forward, the Programme aims to deepen partnerships to support strategic advocacy, and provide resources that empower all who work to advance LGBTI rights globally.

The aims of the research programme are to:

• conduct research that provides reliable data for policy-making, legislative reform, advocacy, and public awareness on LGBTI rights
• maintain and expand the ILGA World Database and ILGA World Monitor, empowering LGBTI advocates, legislators, researchers, and policymakers worldwide
• raise visibility, awareness and allyship within the ILGA regions and the broader LGBTI movement on issues pertaining to gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• collaborate with a broad range of stakeholder, including the United Nations, integrate LGBTI issues within broader human rights frameworks
• ensure the research portfolio is inclusive of and responsive to the needs of trans, gender-diverse, intersex, and LBQ communities, involving them directly in the research process.

The Research Manager supports and reports to the Director of Programmes, in the implementation of the Research Programme. Specific to this position, this includes:

• Develop and implement an annual research operational plan and project plans, manage budgets, and monitor progress across multiple research projects whilst ensuring alignment with ILGA World’s organisational goals and contributing to shared outputs and timely delivery of impactful results
• Lead ILGA World’s research agenda, directing the design and execution of comprehensive research projects, employing rigorous methodologies and maintaining ethical standards
• Build ILGA World’s research capacity by establishing efficient processes, resources, and best practices
• Oversee and manage a team of researchers, providing leadership, and support to foster high-quality outputs
• Ensure that all research activities comply with ILGA World’s ethical standards, data protection policies, and best practices, upholding ILGA World’s mission and values in all activities
• Oversee the translation and formatting of research publications to ensure accessibility and adherence to ILGA World standards for various audiences
• Collaborate with ILGA colleagues to coordinate activities and contribute to shared organisational objectives
• Analyse complex data sets and produce high-impact research that is accessible and actionable for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public
• Leverage findings from flagship reports such as Laws on Us and Our Identities Under Arrest, as well as data from the ILGA World Database and ILGA World Monitor, to inform and strengthen advocacy initiatives
• Develop and maintain a repository of research resources and tools, including access to the ILGA World Database and ILGA World Monitor, for use by ILGA World members and partners
• Conduct workshops and training sessions at ILGA regional and world conferences to enhance research skills and promote evidence-based advocacy within member organisations and communities
• Provide guidance, tools, and resources for effective research practices within ILGA World and its member organisations
• Establish and strengthen partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, and research organisations to expand ILGA World’s research capabilities and reach
• Collaborate with external researchers, consultants, and strategic partners to co-design and co-produce research aligned with ILGA World’s priorities, leveraging data from the ILGA World Database
• Actively represent ILGA World at conferences, coalitions, and key events, presenting research findings and fostering alliances within the global LGBTIQ and human rights sectors
• Conceptualise and develop research funding proposals to support ILGA’s research objectives
• Collaborate with colleague to develop evidence-based materials and briefings for stakeholders, policymakers, and allies
• Prepare narrative reports for donors and ILGA World’s operational needs, documenting and promoting ILGA World’s research contributions
• Work closely with the communications team to translate complex research findings into clear, engaging narratives for public dissemination
• Serve as a spokesperson for ILGA World’s research efforts, providing expert commentary and analysis to media outlets and other stakeholders.

General

• Actively contribute to promoting and achieving the organisation’s objectives
• Ensure that all activities are carried out with full regard to ILGA World policies
• Attend and contribute to conferences, seminars, and meetings on behalf of ILGA World
• Work as a part of the ILGA World staff team
• Perform other duties as required.

Relationships with colleagues

ILGA World values creative and inclusive approaches to work and management that have been achieved through cross-service area working and the participation of staff at all levels in the organisation. Staff have line management arrangements and specific key relationships, which are detailed in their job descriptions, but they will also need to work collaboratively with their colleagues in order to achieve their agreed targets and outcomes to the required standards.

• ILGA World is working under a flexible workplace regime – this position can be implemented remotely and does not require relocation to Geneva, Switzerland
• The position is advertised at 100% of a full-time position
• ILGA World remunerates under a three-tiered salary matrix structure. The annual salary being offered for the post ranges between 64.800 CHF and 94.000 CHF for the 100% position, depending on location
• In addition, ILGA World offers 35 days between legal holidays and annual leave and contributions to health care costs
• ILGA World operates under a flexible working system that – among others – includes flexible working hours
• The weekly working time is 37.5 hours on a 100% position.

Education & qualifications

• A master’s university degree – or equivalent in – international human rights law, or a related field combined with 10 years of relevant work experience
• A first-level university degree in combination with 12 years of relevant and qualifying experience
• 15 years of relevant and qualifying experience in lieu of a master’s or first-level degree.

Experience

• A minimum 10-year relevant and appropriate experience in research management, preferably within an international multilateral and/or non-governmental organisation, or academic setting
• At least 5 years or more of managing global teams, with a demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and support the work environment in a virtual/online space
• Proven track record in leading research teams and projects, including experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
• Experience in synthesising and presenting research findings in accessible formats for diverse audiences, such as policymakers, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience working in multicultural and international programmes
• Managing large budgets and grants partnerships
• Working with a wide range of stakeholders including academic institutions and think-tanks
• Drafting successful funding proposals for research projects
• Developing and coordinating research network.

Technical requirements

• Advanced skills in legal research, including knowledge of legislative and policy analysis across different jurisdictions
• Demonstrated knowledge of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations human rights mechanisms
• Knowledge in quantitative research, including familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SPSS) to support policy research with relevant quantitative data insights
• Proficiency in managing and coordinating research tools, database and platforms
• Working and building partnerships with member organisations, stakeholders, governments, multilateral institutions, and allied civil society movements
• Demonstrate rooted connections with researchers, academic institutions and think tanks
• Knowledge of the research funding landscape and well networked with funders.

Other requirements

• Strong communication skills, able to communicate clearly and effectively
• Tailoring language, tone, style, and format to the audience
• Ability to work in proficient English (mandatory) and ideally Spanish. Other UN languages – more specifically, French, Arabic, Russian or Mandarin, are also welcome
• Adherence to, and alignment with, the ILGA World Code of Conduct.