Terms of Reference
Position Title: Legal Expert
Project: “Empowering Voices: Combating Human Trafficking in Albania’s LGBTIQ+ Community”
Duration: 01/11/2024 – 30/10/2024
Location: Remote/Albania
Start Date: 04.11.2024
Reports to: Project Coordinator
1. “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.
2. Project Background
The “Empowering Voices: Combating Human Trafficking in Albania’s LGBTIQ+ Community” is a project implemented by Streha Center and funded by GIZ. The primary objective of this project is to enhance support services, raising awareness and preventing trafficking within the LGBTIQ+ community and the broader Albanian society.
This project aims to improve the situation of LGBTI+ people through the interaction of two key pillars:
(1) Enhance Support Services for LGBTIQ+ Trafficking Victims and vulnerable people at risk of trafficking;
(2) Raise Awareness and Prevent Trafficking within the LGBTIQ+ Community and Beyond.
3. Objectives of the Position
The Legal Expert will:
– Provide legal counseling for LGBTIQ+ individuals, focusing on issues related to discrimination, trafficking, and rights violations.
– Offer guidance on navigating legal procedures and protections available to trafficking victims and individuals vulnerable to such exploitation.
– Support the empowerment and legal reintegration of individuals within the LGBTIQ+ community by advocating for their rights and providing legal education.
– Drafting legal partnerships with different Civil Society Organizations and Institutional institutions.
4. Responsibilities
1. Legal Counseling
– Provide direct legal counseling to LGBTIQ+ individuals on rights, protections, and legal recourse options.
– Address issues of discrimination, harassment, and trafficking as they relate to Albania’s legal framework and international human rights standards.
2. Case Management Support
– Assist in managing legal cases by preparing documentation, advising on case progression, and liaising with external legal entities.
– Work with the Streha team to ensure comprehensive support for clients through interdisciplinary collaboration with psycho-social service providers.
3. Advocacy and Public Awareness
– Contribute to public awareness initiatives related to trafficking prevention, anti-discrimination measures, and rights protection for LGBTIQ+ individuals.
– Assist in organizing and participating in workshops or informational sessions to educate the public and stakeholders on LGBTIQ+ rights and trafficking prevention.
4. Legal Resources Development
– Develop and disseminate legal materials, such as guides or informational pamphlets, tailored to LGBTIQ+ individuals and partner organizations.
– Support capacity-building efforts by providing legal resources for Streha staff and affiliates on trafficking, anti-discrimination laws, and other relevant areas.
5. Required Qualifications
– A law degree, with a license to practice in Albania.
– A minimum of 2 years of experience in legal counseling or advisory, preferably focused on human rights or working with vulnerable communities.
– Demonstrated knowledge of trafficking issues, anti-discrimination laws, and LGBTIQ+ rights in the Albanian context.
– Experience with case management and advocacy in legal contexts, particularly for marginalized communities.
– Proficiency in Albanian and English is required.
6. Reporting and Communication
The Legal Expert will:
– Report to the Project Coordinator on a bi-weekly basis with case updates and progress on tasks.
– Maintain client confidentiality in line with legal and ethical standards.
– Collaborate with Streha’s psycho-social and support teams to ensure holistic client support.
7. Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
- A CV detailing relevant experience.
- A cover letter, expressing interest on applying for the position.
Applications should be submitted by 24.10.2024 to info@strehacenter.org.
8. Duration and Working Conditions
This is a remote position, with the possibility of occasional in-person meetings and/or site visits as required. The contract term is from 01/11/2024 to 30/10/2025, with an anticipated start date of 04.11.2024.
