CALL FOR EXPERT: Booklet on Inclusive Services

Call for Expert

Terms of Reference

Position Title: Expert for Drafting and Preparing a Booklet on Creating Inclusive Community Centers
Project: Creating Spaces, Transforming Lives
Duration: 21.07.2025 – 28.02.2025
Location: Remote/Albania
Start Date: 01.09.2025
Reports to: Project Coordinator

“Qendra Streha” Background
Streha Center provides services to the LGBTIQ+ community in Albania and the region in cases of emergencies, including shelter and other psycho-social services for the empowerment of LGBTI+ individuals. The aim of Streha is to empower and assist LGBTIQ+ individuals, mainly youth, through its multidisciplinary and residential services, capacity-building of service providers, public awareness, and advocacy, in order to overcome barriers and difficulties faced by the LGBTI+ community in families and society. The primary focus of  Streha is the empowerment and reintegration into society of at-risk youth within the LGBTI+ community (aged 18 to 29). The service is provided in the capital city of Albania, Tirana. However, it is not limited to the country and often offers services to Albanian’s youth from neighboring countries, such as Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.

Project Background
The goal of this project is to create inclusive, safe, and affirming environments for LGBTI+ youth in Korça, Lezhë, and Lushnja, by strengthening the capacity of local NGOs and public institutions to actively include LGBTI+ individuals in community life, provide affirmative services, and improve access to protection mechanisms.
This project aims to improve the situation of LGBTI+ people through four key pillars:
(1) Developing the capacities of local NGOs and institutions.
(2) Establish strategic partnerships with local actors.
(3) Facilitate connection and support services for LGBTI+ individuals.
(4) Promote public awareness and positive social change.

Objective
The objective of this assignment is to draft a practical manual on creating inclusive community centers that will ensure knowledge transfer and long-term institutional change. This booklet will serve as an educational resource for LGBTI+ professionals to increase knowledge, improve understanding, and promote acceptance within Albanian society.

Key Responsibilities of the Expert

1. Research & Needs Assessment
   1. Review existing literature, manuals, and best practices on inclusive and affirming community spaces for LGBTI+ individuals in Albania and the region.
   1. Conduct consultations with local NGOs, institutions, and community members in Korça, Lezhë, and Lushnja to identify needs, gaps, and priorities.
2. Content Development
   1. Draft a comprehensive, practical manual on creating inclusive and affirming community centers.
   1. Ensure the manual covers legal, psychological, social, and institutional aspects relevant to LGBTI+ youth inclusion.
   1. Include concrete tools, guidelines, and case examples that can be applied by NGOs and public institutions.
3. Knowledge Transfer & Practical Guidance
   1. Develop user-friendly content that is accessible for both professionals and institutions with different levels of prior experience.
   1. Provide actionable recommendations for fostering safe and affirming environments.
4. Integration of Good Practices & Contextual Relevance
   1. Incorporate international best practices adapted to the Albanian context.
   1. Ensure the content reflects the realities of local communities and existing protection mechanisms.
5. Coordination & Consultation
   1. Work closely with the project team to align content with project goals.
   1. Collect feedback from stakeholders and integrate it into the manual draft.
6. Finalization & Delivery
   1. Produce a finalized version of the manual in clear, professional, and inclusive language.
   1. Ensure the manual is ready for publication and dissemination as an educational resource.
7. Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:

• A CV detailing relevant experience.
• A portfolio or sample of similar work, particularly related to LGBTI+ issues.
• A brief proposal outlining the approach for developing the booklet.

Applications should be submitted by 22.08.2025 to info@strehacenter.org.