Introduction

Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics is pervasive.  In 119 UN member states, national laws do not provide protection from discrimination in employment for LGBTI people.  Even in the 74 states where there is some form of legal or policy framework prohibiting discrimination on grounds of gender expression or sexual orientation, LGBTI people routinely face significant levels of discrimination in employment, including violence and harassment. Access to decent employment is a precondition for many forms of social inclusion: housing, health care, education, and social connection.  Lack of access to decent employment exposes LGBTI people to the risk of exploitative and dangerous forms of informal, forced labor, trafficking and further vulnerability compounds to poverty and ill health.

Brazil has a combination of an existing legal framework and a national policy (the National Action Plan on LGBTI employment (NAP)) and yet rates of active discrimination remains high– for example, Brazil leads the world in homicides of trans individuals.  In this context this project aims to improve support for and expand a skills-based approach to employment for particularly vulnerable LGBTI populations; develop capacity for the realization of the NAP among government and civil society organizations, and enable LGBTI organizations, governments, workers’, employers’ and other organizations to adapt and apply evidence-based strategies and methodologies for greater economic inclusion of vulnerable LGBTI people.

PRIDE project addresses three key issues:
– Ensuring that a successful approach to employment training for the most vulnerable lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) population is standardized and more widely available both in terms of potential trainees and in occupations covered.
– Building the capacity of government, employers’, workers’, civil society and LGBTI organizations to realize the objectives of the Brazilian National Action Plan on LGBTI employment; and
– Disseminating models, methodologies, strategies and the lessons learned and for replication in other countries.

The project builds on the success and achievements of a programme of employment training and workforce engagement for disadvantaged persons, adapting the learning to address the unique needs of transgender people seeking decent employment and self-employment.  More broadly, the capacity building and leadership development elements of the project will create leadership opportunities for LGBTI individuals and organizations among worker and employer organizations and institutions.   This project will be part of the team that works with people in a vulnerable situation.

Reporting lines

The National Project Coordinator will report directly to the Specialist Officer on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

Description of Duties

1.Lead the project timely implementation, monitoring and evaluation through management functions, including provision of technical and administrative supervision to the project team in line with the ILO policy, rules, and regulations and according to the final project document and work plan.

2.Contribute with proposals for project development and serve as national project advisor to the Directorate and draft portions of project and budget proposals, project proposals, project background, country strategy papers, objectives, project reviews and evaluation. Monitor progress of ILO projects and activities by reviewing, verifying, and analysing work-plans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness.

3.Provide or ensure access to legal and policy advice to the government and the social partners on issues related to the effective implementation of the fundamental principles and rights at work, with a particular emphasis on freedom of association and collective bargaining.

4.Organize training programmes and awareness raising activities to improve understanding on fundamental principles and rights at work.

5.Ensure the delivery of quality technical inputs, including qualitative and quantitative research in line with ILO core conventions on fundamental rights at work.

6.Maintain close cooperation and coordination with government, employers’ and workers’ organizations in the planning and implementation of activities under the project.

7.Establish and develop knowledge management system covering technical activities under the project including other economic and social issues of relevance to the project.

8.Represent the project in various fora, under the guidance of the ILO Director.

9.Develop and maintain strong links with ILO specialists, other colleagues in the field and HQ on specific technical areas requiring comprehensive and collaborative interventions.

10.Periodically report, monitor, and facilitate the evaluation of all project’s components according to the project’s document and work plan. Prepare required technical progress reports and ad hoc reports on the status of project planning and implementation for submission to the ILO and the donor.

11.Ensure high-level communications to increase project’s visibility at the national and international levels. This includes the responsibility to liaise with the UN country team, and other key stakeholders to ensure effective coordination with relevant national strategies and related technical projects. Under direct guidance of CO-Brasilia maintain relations with mass media and concerned media groups to increase the impact of the project in society as a whole.

12.Other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

Education

First level university degree in social sciences, law or foreign affairs.  An advanced degree in any of these areas would be an advantage.

Experience

At least three years of professional experience in Brazil on LGBTI issues, project management, supervision, administration and implementation of grant/cooperative agreement requirements (including meeting deadlines, achieving targets, and overseeing the preparation and submission of required reports to the donor).

Technical requirements:

• Good knowledge on LGBTI group, non-discrimination, social inclusion, gender equality, poverty reduction and social policies. Knowledge of the policy making process;
• Understanding of principles of non-discrimination and gender equality;
• Good knowledge about social, economic development, including labour and employment, trends in  the country;

Languages

 Excellent English and Portuguese.

Competencies

• Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain systems within project operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical co-operation projects of international organizations.
• Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers and employers organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
• Ability to conduct action oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
• Ability to conduct policy discussion and high-level political processes.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully advocate for and mobilize action to promote freedom of association and right to collective bargaining principles.
• Clear commitment to mainstream gender into project activities.
• Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations.
• Ability to train and guide personnel.
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in diversified environments.
• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.