TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)
Service Provider for Legal & Institutional Research, Community-Based Assessment, and Policy Dialogue Facilitation
Project: HOMEWORK – Housing Opportunities & Meaningful Employment With Ongoing Reform & Knowledge
Implementing Organization: STREHA Center
1. Project Description
The HOMEWORK project aims to advance social inclusion and equal access to employment and housing for LGBTIQ+ individuals in Albania, addressing structural discrimination through evidence-based research, institutional dialogue, and public awareness raising. The project is implemented by STREHA, Albania’s only LGBTIQ+ shelter and a frontline organization in advocacy and support services for marginalized communities.
Despite legal protections under Albania’s Anti-Discrimination Law, systemic barriers persist, particularly in accessing jobs and safe housing. HOMEWORK addresses these challenges by collecting data, engaging institutions, and advocating for actionable policy change aligned with Albania’s EU accession process (particularly Chapters 23 and 24 of the acquis communautaire).
2. Project Goal
To create a more inclusive and equitable society in Albania by ensuring LGBTIQ+ individuals have equal access to rights, particularly in employment and housing.
Specific Objective: To promote equality and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Albania by documenting discriminatory practices in employment and housing, evaluating existing public services, and advocating for institutional and policy-level changes that ensure fair access and protection.
3. Objectives of the Service
The service provider will be responsible for carrying out two core components of the project:
A) Legal and Institutional Review & Community-Based Research (Quarter 1)
- Identify legal and institutional gaps in access to employment and housing for LGBTIQ+ individuals.
- Collect and analyze firsthand data from at least 100 LGBTIQ+ individuals regarding their lived experiences of discrimination.
- Produce a comprehensive final research report that will guide advocacy and dialogue with institutions.
B) Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Development (Quarter 2)
- Facilitate structured engagement with relevant institutional actors and civil society stakeholders regarding housing challenges faced by LGBT+ Community.
- Support the development of targeted and actionable policy recommendations based on research findings and consultations.
- Organize and moderate consultation meetings, two stakeholder roundtables, and with the contribution of STREHA help organize one final forum with relevant actors to present findings and proposals.
4. Expected Results
- An evidence-based understanding of legal and institutional shortcomings affecting LGBTIQ+ access to employment and housing.
- Strengthened collaboration between STREHA and institutions through structured dialogue processes.
- Practical policy recommendations to reduce discrimination and improve access to services.
- Increased institutional awareness and commitment toward inclusive reforms.
5. Key Deliverables
| # | Deliverable | Deadline |
| 1 | Desk Review Report on legal and institutional frameworks (aligned with EU Chapters 23 & 24 and national policies) | End of Month 2 |
| 2 | Data Collection Tools: surveys, interview guides, consent forms | End of Month 1 |
| 3 | Research dataset and transcripts from at least 100 LGBTIQ+ respondents | End of Month 4 |
| 4 | Final Research Report summarizing legal gaps, lived experiences, and structural barriers | End of Month 5 |
| 5 | Agenda, facilitation, and reporting for two Stakeholder Roundtables | Month 4 & 5 |
| 6 | Drafting of at least 3 Policy Recommendation Briefs (based on research + consultations) | End of Month 5 |
| 7 | Agenda, facilitation, and report for Final Stakeholder Forum | Month 4 |
| 8 | Final summary memo including lessons learned and suggested follow-up for sustainability | End of Month 5 |
6. Required Qualifications
- Proven experience in legal research, human rights analysis, or public policy in Albania or the Western Balkans.
- Knowledge of the EU accession process and alignment with the acquis communautaire (especially Chapters 23 & 24).
- Demonstrated experience conducting community-based research, especially with marginalized groups.
- Familiarity with LGBTIQ+ rights and anti-discrimination frameworks.
- Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
7. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- CV outlining relevant experience;
- Motivation Letter.
Applications should be sent to financastreha@gmail.com and info@strehacenter.org by 23 June 2025.
