TERMS OF REFERENCE
for the research

Factors of discrimination in the economic, cultural, and political spheres of life

Program title: “Reframing messages for changing the narrative of discrimination in Armenia “
Objective of the research The desk-research is meant to provide comprehensive information at measuring and assessing societal attitudes towards discrimination in Armenia based on which it will be possible to elaborate recommendations and specific strategy for overcoming discrimination by challenging the discriminatory narrative.
Proposed expert Expertise at social sciences, sociology or other related areas
Employing organizations: Public Information and Need of Knowledge NGO
Duration of the assignment: May 20- August 20, 2016
The application is open: 07 May-15 May, 2016
Interviews: 18 May 2016
Results of the selections will be announced: 19 May, 2016
Foreword:

PINK Armenia (“Public Information and Need of Knowledge”) NGO in Armenia, in cooperation with “Anti-discrimination coalition of Armenia”, is implementing a project titled “Reframing messages for changing the narrative of discrimination in Armenia” financed by Open Society Foundations-Armenia. The project aims at elaborating a long-term communication strategy on fighting against discrimination, which will promote the culture of incsuion and equality by challenging the existing stereotypes and excluding factors.

In line with the goal of the action, the project also aims at:

Conducting a comprehensive desk research aiming to find out the factors of discrimination in the economic, cultural, and political spheres of life.
Developing impactful messages with a call for equality and anti-discriminatory for different groups of the society.
Sensitizing civil society organizations through Diversity Champions campaign to reach full acceptance of discriminated against groups and their rights protection, raise their competences in addressing discrimination issues through educational activities.
Elaborating a long-term communication strategy for challenging the stereotypical approach towards discrimination.
Specific objective of the research:

The desk-research is aiming at providing comprehensive information at measuring and assessing societal attitudes towards discrimination in Armenia based on which it will be possible to elaborate recommendations and specific strategy for overcoming discrimination by challenging the discriminatory narrative.

The breadth and depth of this research rangers from reviewing policy/program/strategy and projects’ documents and, intensively appraise and inquiry by using relevant research methodologies and techniques mentioned here under. The research will include the following key areas:

1) analyzing the impact of social, cultural, and political and other macro social factors that influence the overall culture of exclusion and discrimination in the society.

2) measuring/assessing the awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards the issue of discrimination, as well as the perception of discrimination from the perspective of the different groups in society;

3) collect all the studies and researches, educational materials and other means that cover the issue of discrimination.

A comprehensive report will be prepared and submitted to the project coordinator (Armenian and English). The findings of this will be used for both internal and external consumptions. It is also expected to be used by different stakeholders (Government, NGOs/civil Societies, Donors, Development Practitioners, Researches and Policy makers).

Required Qualifications

Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences;
At least 3 years of working experience in Human Rights promotion and protection;
Solid knowledge of the international and national human rights framework, especially on anti-discrimination issues.
Should have hands-on experience of research and publication assessment techniques for projects experience;
Ability to draft text in a variety of styles, e.g. research reports, government correspondence and action materials;
Excellent working knowledge of English and Armenian;
Excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence and ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels;
Excellent organizational and self-management skills in order to be able to work to tight deadlines
Application Procedure:

Interested candidates should submit their CVs, research/article published, with 2 references’ contacts information to: nvard.margaryan@pinkarmenia.org indicating the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.
200 youth workers and NGO representatives from all over Europe submitted their applications to join the Training Course "Challenge 2 Change: Gender Perspectives in Europe" that is going to be held in Yerevan, Armenia from 27th of June to 05th of July.

The application process is now closed and 30 applicants will be granted a wonderful opportunity to travel to Armenia and exchange their skills and experiences on gender mainstreaming, gender discrimination, gender based violence and gender perspectives in different parts of Europe

Training Course
27 June - 5 July 2016 | Yerevan, Armenia
Training Course aims at increasing the awareness of youth workers on gender equality concepts and perspectives in Europe as well as providing them with skills to develop good quality local and international projects focusing on promoting Gender Equality.
We believe it is important to enable youth workers to feel and reflect about the power of gender and gender roles by giving them space to discuss, debate and learn more about the topic that often remains undiscussed.
That is why with this Training Course we would like to tackle these issues and look for solutions in our organizations and daily lives. We would like to develop and improve our participant’s knowledge and understanding on various concepts related to gender issues, analyze traditions, roles and perceptions of gender in different countries and societies. It's obvious that there will be huge differences as participants will come from different realities and different corners of Europe.
The Training Course “Challenge 2 Change: Gender Perspectives in Europe” will bring together youth workers from the EU (The Netherlands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom) and Neighboring Partner Countries (Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russian Federation, Ukraine). It will take place in Yerevan, Armenia.
Through participation in different scale of activities as discussions, presentations, field visits and conference participants will exchange their skills and experiences on gender mainstreaming, gender discrimination, gender violence and gender perspectives in different parts of Europe. Participants will also learn about realities in Eastern Europe and South Caucasus, particularly in Armenia.
The objectives of the Training Course are following:
- To learn about gender equality concepts and perspectives in the European Union and Neighboring Partner countries;
- To exchange experiences between youth workers and youth leaders on the difficulties to find a gender balance in terms of participation of women;
- To develop participants knowledge and understanding on various concepts related to gender issues and emphasize the importance of gender equality in youth work;
- To promote gender equality in youth work and international youth projects;
- To facilitate networking process among participants and promote new common projects related to gender equality;
- To develop the quality of support systems for youth activities and capability of youth organizations to create new partnerships.
Developing further projects and strategies for the promotion of Gender Equality on European and national levels will be the main outcome for the organizations involved in the project. Furthermore, we will discover what has been done so far and the role of youth work and youth organizations in the promotion of Gender Equality.
 The Erasmus+ Youth in Action Programme  
Contradictory messages emerged from Armenia in 2015. On the one hand, the marriage rights of LGBTI people were limited in a sweeping package of constitutional changes and LGBTI activists were harassed on the street and online. On the other hand, political figures reacted defensively when questioned on the issue, says ILGA-Europe’s annual report.
Although it notes, that amidst the atmosphere of intolerance, there were positive signs of solidarity, the national LGBTI community mobilised in greater numbers than in previous years, human rights activists spoke out in support of LGBTI people targeted after the first ever Rainbow Forum and that Iravunk newspaper was fined for publishing homophobic content and statements from the president’s office continue to insist that adequate provisions are in place to protect against discrimination, nevertheless Armenia stepped back comparing to 2014 and stands next to Russia, which is due to constitutional change that marriage can be only between male and female.
“Rainbow Map” of ILGA-Europe studies LGBTI related laws on discrimination, recognition of family, hate speech and hate crime, legal gender recognition, freedom of assembly, association & expression and asylum. In this respect, Armenian legislation, as Russian, assures 7% of LGBT rights protection. Among 49 countries on the last place is Azerbaijan with 5%.The leader in the region is Georgia which is on 30th place. Turkey comes after Armenia and is 46th.
Best countries for LGBTI people are Malta (88%), Belgium (86%) and United Kingdom (81%).
Source: http://www.pinkarmenia.org/en/2016/05/rainbow-map-2016/