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The Commonwealth Equality Network is commissioning a major report on the legal and practical barriers faced by LGBTI+ organisations exercising their right to freedom of association (FoA) across the Commonwealth. This paper will serve as the key evidence base for the Network’s advocacy leading up to the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The consultant will produce an accessible, strategically framed research paper that draws on existing literature and new evidence gathered through consultations with Network members. The final report will clarify why FoA is essential for LGBTI+ movements and democratic governance, highlight Commonwealth-specific challenges, and set out clear policy recommendations for governments, institutions and civil society.
The consultancy includes an inception phase, evidence gathering, drafting and revision. Tasks cover developing a methodology, collecting case studies, analysing legal frameworks, writing the report, and refining it following the Network’s review.
A five-page inception report
A draft report (up to 50 pages) including an executive summary, analysis of FoA in democratic governance, legal and regional frameworks, Commonwealth case studies and recommendations
A final, publication-ready report
Click here to read to the full Terms of Reference.
Applicants should have an advanced degree in a relevant field, at least five years’ experience in policy research or human rights advocacy, strong legal analysis skills, experience working with civil society actors, and a record of producing high-quality policy papers.
The consultancy must be completed by 15 March 2025.
The maximum available budget is £6,500, inclusive of taxes.
Applicants should submit a CV, a technical proposal (up to five pages), a financial proposal, one relevant writing sample, and contact details for two references. Proposals will be assessed on technical quality, qualifications, cost effectiveness and past performance.
Deadline: 11:59pm GMT, 10 December 2025
Submit to: tcen.secretariat@kaleidoscopetrust.com
Please read the full Terms of Reference before applying.