Terms of Reference
Team Leader for LGBTQI Reforms
Coalitions for Change Program Phase 3 – Gender Equality
Coalitions for Change
Coalitions for Change (CfC) is a centerpiece program of the partnership between the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and The Asia Foundation in the Philippines. CfC supports the formulation and implementation of key policies consistent with the government’s agenda on economic growth, improved governance and stability, gender equality, and social development. The program creates spaces for collaboration, strengthening coalitions and networks, civil society, the private sector, the government, academia, and others to bring about transformative change. Working with these motivated groups and individuals, and underpinned with technical and political analysis, CfC successfully delivers reforms that lead to sustainable and inclusive development, improving the lives of Filipinos.
Background of the Project
Protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIESC) are still limited in terms of coverage, enforceability, and jurisdiction. There is no national law that fully addresses SOGIESC-based discrimination, acknowledges LGBTQI identities and families, or tackles harmful stereotypes. Current laws only safeguard LGBTQI individuals who also belong to other protected groups, such as women, children, and persons with disabilities.
While progress has been made through measures like the Safe Spaces Act and local ordinances, discrimination in areas like education, employment, healthcare, and political involvement remains unaddressed. Although 87 anti-discrimination local government ordinances are in place across the country, they protect only 37.21% of the population, leaving over 68 million Filipinos vulnerable to discrimination. In the absence of comprehensive national policies, LGBTQI Filipinos must rely on insufficient policies to achieve a semblance of protection and justice against SOGIESC-based discrimination.
CfC intends to contribute to the recognition and protection of the LGBTQI community in pursuit of gender equality. To accomplish this, CfC will identify and pursue possible policy reforms that will help address SOGIESC-based discrimination in the Philippines.
Scope of Work
- Closely collaborate with the CfC Gender Equality Senior Program Officer, Strategic Advisor, and other team members, to identify key issues and technically sound and politically feasible reforms.
- Assist in the development of a reform team to identify and pursue reforms related to LGBTQI issues.
- With the reform team, engage with various networks or LGBTQI advocates.
- Assist in developing relevant strategies for policy reform by providing guidance in technical writing, political mapping and networking, relationship-building, support raising, and nuanced public communication.
- Organize and facilitate meetings, seminars, and focus group discussions, among others.
- Draft sector analysis papers, briefers, and presentations for discussion and advocacy work. Ensure all documents are technically sound.
Contract Period and Level of Effort:
The consultant is expected to be engaged from 10 February 2025 until 31 December 2025 on a maximum 120-day engagement, reporting to The Asia Foundation Senior Program Officer for Gender Equality.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Gender Studies, Social Science, Political Science, Development Studies). Master’s degree is desirable.
- Over five years of work experience in gender equality, preferably in the LGBTQI sector.
- Familiarity with national and international sector policies, issues, context, and programming.
- Demonstrated experience in policy research and development.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills in both Filipino and English.
- Ability to accurately analyze, interpret, and summarize data.
- Ability to balance competing priorities and deadlines and work in an adaptive environment.
- An established network within the sector, especially policymakers, is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated knowledge of development entrepreneurship would be an advantage.
How to apply
APPLICATION GUIDELINES: Individual Applicants must complete and send in their The Asia Foundation Application Form, Employee Biographical Data Form (https://tinyurl.com/ApplicationReqsTAF), and sample portfolio (optional). Non-individual Applicants must send in their quoted proposal, organization profile and BIR Certification.
Applicants may send in the requested documents to consultancyPH@asiafoundation.org before the set deadline.