Aleanca LGBTI+, one of the leading LGBTI-focused NGOs in Albania, is currently looking for an International Expert on Strategic Communication to Counter Disinformation Campaigns by the Anti-Gender Movement.
In recent years in Albania, the rise of the anti-gender movement has become increasingly prominent, targeting women’s rights and the LGBTI community. This has resulted in a significant amount of disinformation that undermines progress on LGBTI rights, gender equality and human rights.
Addressing these disinformation campaigns with a robust, unified communication strategy is essential to safeguard and advance the rights of women and the LGBTI community in Albania. Given the lack of local expertise in dealing with these specific challenges, we are seeking an experienced international expert to lead this initiative.
The primary objective of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive communication strategy aimed at countering disinformation campaigns initiated by the anti-gender movement in Albania. The strategy will focus on protecting LGBTI and women’s rights and be collaboratively developed with local women’s organizations, ensuring that the response is unified, effective, and contextually relevant.
Scope of Work
The international expert will be responsible for the following tasks:
• Conducting a Situational Analysis: Assess the current landscape of disinformation campaigns targeting women’s and LGBTI rights in Albania. Identify key actors, messages, and communication platforms used by the anti-gender movement.
• Organizing Focus Groups and Consultative Meetings: During the 4 to 5-day field visit to Albania, the expert will meet with LGBTI and women’s organizations and other relevant stakeholders. These meetings will gather insights on the local context, challenges, and opportunities for countering disinformation.
• Engaging with Key Stakeholders: Facilitate focus groups and one-on-one meetings with women’s and LGBTI organizations to collect qualitative data and understand the impact of disinformation on their work and constituencies.
• Strategy Development: Based on the insights gathered, the expert will develop a strategic communication framework that outlines key messages, communication channels, and tactics to effectively counter disinformation. The strategy will include guidance on proactive communication, crisis management, and engagement with media and the public.
• Presentation of the Strategy: Present the draft strategy to key stakeholders, including women’s organizations and LGBTI groups, to gather feedback and refine the document for finalization.
Deliverables
The international expert is expected to deliver the following:
1. A situational analysis section on the disinformation landscape in Albania regarding women’s and LGBTI rights.
2. A draft communication strategy developed in collaboration with local LGBTI- and women’s organizations.
3. A final comprehensive communication strategy, including an implementation plan.
4. Presenting findings and recommendations for future actions.
Duration and Location
One part of the assignment will take place over a period of approximately 4-5 days in Albania, during which the expert will engage in on-the-ground consultations. Additional time will be allocated remotely for preparation, research, and the finalization of the strategy.
Required Qualifications
The selected international expert must possess the following qualifications:
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in strategic communication, with a focus on human rights, gender equality, and LGBTI issues.
• Proven expertise in developing communication strategies to counter disinformation or misinformation campaigns, particularly those related to the anti-gender movement.
• Experience working in or with women’s rights and LGBTI organizations.
• Strong facilitation skills and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including grassroots organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants are invited to submit the following:
• A cover letter detailing their experience and suitability for the assignment.
• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
• A brief proposal up to 2 pages outlining their approach to developing the communication strategy.
• Two references from previous similar assignments.
Applications should be submitted by 05/10/2024 15/11/2024 to the e-mail address aleanca.al@gmail.com. Please state the position you are applying for by adding NAME SURNAME – APPLICATION FOR COMMUNICATION EXPERT in the e-mail subject.
Reporting The expert will report to Aleanca LGBTI+ and provide regular updates on the progress of the assignment. Final deliverables will be subject to review and approval by the commissioning organization.
Payment Terms The expert will be compensated based on a negotiated rate, with payments made in accordance with the completion of key deliverables as outlined in the contract. The amount of payment is 4000 Euro with possibility of reasonable negotiation.