The Academic Research Consultant position is an important component of the Queer Forced Displacement Initiative, a project which stems from the 2021 Global Roundtable on Protection and Solutions for LGBTQI+ Persons in Forced Displacement, co-convened by the UNHCR and the UN SOGIE Expert, in which Rainbow Railroad was an active participant and contributor. Summary conclusions from the roundtable recommend, inter alia the creation of a robust, centralized, multi-stakeholder network, dedicated to enhancing global respect, protection and fulfillment of human rights and socio-economic security for 2SLGBTQI+ persons experiencing forced displacement.
Flowing from these recommendations, over the next two years, Rainbow Railroad will support the establishment of this dedicated coordination mechanism, by engaging people with lived experience of forced displacement, community based and refugee led organizations, academics and key government stakeholders, to improve collective advocacy efforts and protection outcomes for LGBTQI+ persons of concern. The Academic Research Consultant will oversee the academic and research component of this Initiative, by working with Rainbow Railroad’s existing academic partners and creating new opportunities for collaboration, to advance global understanding of the scope, causes, and consequences of 2SLGBTQI+ forced displacement.
The project is premised on the understanding that the most marginalized groups within the 2SLGBTQI+ community—i.e., queer and cisgender lesbian and bisexual women, transgender and non-binary persons, and intersex persons—must have equal opportunities to participate in all project activities. As a core output, the project also includes a dedicated research report on the impacts of forced displacement on queer and cisgender women, transgender and non-binary persons, and intersex persons.
This project is funded in part by Global Affairs Canada and the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
The role of the Consultant will include:
- Supporting the Initiative’s goal of increasing the use of robust evidence-based research about LGBTQI+ people in situations of forced displacement, with a particular focus on transgender and non-binary persons, lesbian and bisexual women, and intersex persons.
- Contributing to an enhanced understanding of the impact of forced displacement on transgender and non-binary persons, lesbian and bisexual women, and intersex persons.
- Contributing to an enhanced understanding by academics, CSOs and state actors of the impact of forced displacement on transgender and non-binary persons, lesbian and bisexual women, and intersex persons.
- Using research findings to influence policy decisions and advocate for effective protection measures and rights of LGBTQI+ persons in situations of forced displacement.
Expected Qualifications
- Enrolment in, or recent graduation from, a PhD program in a related discipline is an asset for this position (related disciplines may include sociology, political science, anthropology, refugee and forced displacement studies, human and LGBTQI+ rights, migration studies, law, etc)
- Scholar activists not enrolled in PhD programs but who are engaged in the publication and production of relevant academic research are welcome to apply;
- Strong analysis of racial and LGBTQI+ justice principles and experience working with communities of color; trans, genderqueer and gender non-conforming communities;
- Demonstrated ability to handle a variety of projects with efficiency, to be detail-oriented and to problem-solve;
- Ability to work collaboratively in multi-stakeholder settings;
- Lived expertise/experience with forced displacement is strong asset;
- Experience with community organizing and activist movements is a strong asset;
- Experience organizing academic or other conferences is an asset;
- Track record of published academic or other writing is an asset;
- Knowledge of an additional (especially Global South) language is an asset.
Compensation
The maximum budget for this position is CAD $130,000 (for the full project duration – approximately 20 months). This is a flexible hours position compatible with studying or teaching responsibilities. This includes labour and any costs incurred to facilitate the administration of the project (office supplies, internet and phone costs etc.). Travel costs, per diems, and all other project related costs will be covered under a separate project budget.
This position is a fee-for-service contract and the successful consultant must be an independent contractor able to enter into a consultancy agreement with Rainbow Railroad.
Location and Travel
Applicants may work remotely. This role is not location specific, but some flexibility may be required due to time zones.
The Consultant must be able to travel outside of their country of residence, to support the international activities of the project and the Academic Symposium in particular. Rainbow Railroad will work to facilitate the procurement of visas as needed.
Application Process
Stage One: Expression of Interest
Submission Deadline: March 18, 2024 @ 11:00AM EST
All submissions should be submitted in a single PDF and sent electronically to proposals@rainbowrailroad.org and contain the following:
1. A professional CV that includes highlights of your research experience including through links to any published articles, and/or attaching a writing sample/piece of academic research which you feel proud of or which best represents your work, whether published or unpublished.
2. An Expression of Interest that answers the following 5 questions using a maximum of 250 – 350 words for each question. (Responses need not be written in narrative form – bullet points are also acceptable).
- What is your interest and experience in the area of academic research on LGBTQI+ forced displacement?
- Why are you interested in this role, and in particular, its focus on LBQ women, intersex and trans people who are forcibly displaced?
- What is your approach to the meaningful inclusion of marginalized people and communities in research and event organizing?
- What is your experience in organizing larger-scale academic or policy events or conferences?
- How do you see this opportunity fitting into your existing commitments and obligations, especially given the differing time zones and global scope of the project?
3. A summary of your expected remuneration (hourly or daily rate, administrative costs etc.) and your preferred hours of work (including any limitations to your availability over the duration of the project).
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, we will only be contacting those selected to move forward to the interview stage.
If you have any questions related to this Call for Expressions of Interest, they can be directed to proposals@rainbowrailroad.org