Strategic Litigation Consultant (Freelance)

at  TGEU

TGEU is a member-based organisation working primarily in Europe and Central Asia for the rights and lives of trans people. TGEU’s mission is to strengthen the rights and wellbeing of trans people in Europe and Central Asia, and represents 200+ member organisations in 50 countries.
Trans people across Europe and Central Asia remain at an increased risk of violence, discrimination, criminalising practices, and detention. Particularly trans sex workers, migrants, refugees, unemployed, homeless, and other marginalised groups have to fight a continuous mix of systematic and individual oppression. TGEU commits to centre their voices and experiences when working to advance the rights of trans people and fight against violence and discrimination.
We are looking to contract a consultant (up to 21 days) to support our work in the area of strategic litigation and raising legal literacy amongst the trans community in 2024.
Due to funding restrictions we regret we can only consider bids from individuals or teams based in the European Union.
Tasks
The Strategic Litigation Consultant will be working with the Policy Team, in close collaboration with the Community Building Team and the Project Manager for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. They will report to the TGEU Expert Advisor.

THIS INCLUDES:

• Conceptualising, drafting, and coordinating up to four written submissions, such as third party interventions or Rule 9.2 submissions supporting strategic cases in the regional or international mechanisms or before high-level national courts (pending suitable cases)
• Monitor the ECtHR database
• Collaborate with TGEUs partner organisations
• Support lawyers, paralegals and activists including:
• Organising one in-person meeting of the Trans Legal Network (2 days, first half of 2024, ca. 15 participants, simultaneous interpretation EN RU) for lawyers representing trans individuals from Europe and Central Asia
• Information exchange and communication with members of the TLN network throughout the year
• 2-3 webinars for lawyers and activists
• Advise TGEU members on litigation also in regard to international litigation mechanisms (upon need)
• Draft a stand-alone publication on jurisprudence (Update to LGR toolkit pp 37 - 64)
  Requirements

For this position, we are looking for a legal expert, preferably with experience in litigation for rights of trans, LGBTI and/or other marginalised groups locally and/or regionally/internationally. We are seeking someone who applies a (self-)critical approach to their work, includes intersectional perspectives, and accumulates a set of skills:

• Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written); ability to work with French legal text (ECtHR) is essential
• Strong understanding and commitment to trans rights
• Knowledge of the European human rights framework is essential; knowledge of the international human rights framework is desirable
• High sense of initiative and able to manage stressful situations
• Ability to support complex working processes;
• Intersectional understanding in approach of work
• Highly comfortable with working with a diverse set of audiences and stakeholders
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Sound ability to work individually and within diverse teams
• Indisputable work ethics
• Good knowledge of Russian is welcome

EXPERIENCE:

• At least four years of experience in the areas of litigation and legal representation in the wider European area (Council of Europe member states), and particularly with the European Court of Human Rights; experience with the European Court of Justice or UN treaty body system is welcome
• At least two years of experience in a national, or preferably international, organisation or private practice as a lawyer.
• Work or volunteer experience in LGBTI advocacy and/or human rights related fields is desired.
  Benefits
  A maximum budget of €10,500 (including VAT) is available for these tasks. This sum includes all expenses.

TO APPLY, PLEASE SEND US AN OFFER. THIS OFFER SHOULD INCLUDE:

1. Short letter of interest detailing how you fulfil the qualifications we’re looking for
2. Examples of similar work you have undertaken including copies or links to the final products (if possible)
3. CV
4. Contact information for 2 references
5. A budget that includes your daily fee and other envisioned costs
   If you are interested, please submit your offer to contracts(at)tgeu(dot)org by Friday, 10 December 2023 19:00 CET.
   Please send your any questions to contracts(at)tgeu(dot)org. Please do not send degrees or diplomas. Only complete application packs will be considered. Approaching TGEU team members directly might lead to automatic rejection of the application.
   Please note that only applications by email will be considered

• Advise TGEU on its strategic litigation strategy
• Implement TGEUs activities to retain and advance legal protection and recognition for trans people under different legal mechanisms, such as:
• The EU
• Council of Europe, inclusive of the ECtHR court and its monitoring mechanism, and the European Social Charter (explorative)
• UN litigation mechanisms (explorative).