Application Guide

How to Apply for Equal Rights Coalition Secretariat lead

at ILGA World

🏢 About ILGA World

ILGA World is the leading global federation of LGBTIQ+ organizations, advocating for the rights of persons with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). Hosting the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) Secretariat, ILGA World uniquely bridges civil society and state actors to advance human rights through diplomatic and policy channels. Working here offers a rare opportunity to directly influence global SOGIESC rights within a coalition of governments and NGOs.

About This Role

As the ERC Secretariat lead, you will manage the day-to-day operations of a multilateral coalition, ensuring good governance, communication, and continuity among state parties, civil society, and international bodies. This role is pivotal in facilitating collaboration and institutionalizing the coalition's work, directly impacting global advocacy for SOGIESC rights. You'll report to ILGA World's Executive Director and be accountable to the ERC Executive Committee, making it a high-responsibility position with global reach.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with checking emails from ERC working groups across time zones, followed by preparing briefing documents for the Executive Committee. You'll likely coordinate a virtual meeting with co-chairs to align on upcoming priorities, then draft a newsletter updating members on coalition activities. Afternoon could involve researching best practices for secretariat governance or troubleshooting a communication issue between state and civil society partners.

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🎯 Who ILGA World Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in human rights advocacy specifically focused on SOGIESC issues, with a track record of working with both civil society and government stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, capable of coordinating multilateral processes, managing secretariat functions, and ensuring institutional continuity.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (additional UN languages a plus), with experience in diplomatic or coalition settings.
  • Ability to work independently in a remote environment, with a high degree of cultural sensitivity and political awareness.

📝 Tips for Applying to ILGA World

1

Tailor your CV to highlight any experience with coalitions, secretariats, or multilateral bodies, especially those involving government and civil society partnerships.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your SOGIESC rights experience to the ERC's mission of bridging state and non-state actors.

3

Demonstrate knowledge of the ERC's history and current priorities by referencing specific working groups or recent outcomes in your application.

4

Since the role is remote, emphasize your self-management skills and experience working across time zones.

5

Avoid generic language; use specific examples of how you've facilitated collaboration or managed governance structures.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your dedication to SOGIESC rights and concrete experience in this field, including any work with international coalitions or human rights mechanisms.', 'Your ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, particularly between governments and civil society, with examples of diplomatic or consensus-building work.', 'Your organizational skills in running secretariats or coordinating multi-stakeholder processes, highlighting any experience with governance, reporting, and institutional memory.', "Your motivation for wanting to work at ILGA World and support the ERC, showing understanding of the coalition's unique role in global advocacy."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the ERC's founding documents, current work plan, and recent outcomes from the biennial global conference.
  • → Familiarize yourself with ILGA World's current campaigns and its role in UN processes, such as the Universal Periodic Review.
  • → Understand the structure of the ERC, including its co-chairs (current state and civil society), working groups, and Executive Committee membership.
  • → Research recent statements or joint actions by the ERC to understand its policy priorities and diplomatic approach.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you ensure continuity and institutional memory in a coalition with rotating co-chairs and members?
2 Describe a time you managed a conflict between a state and civil society actor. How did you navigate it?
3 What do you see as the biggest challenge for the ERC in the next year, and how would you address it as Secretariat lead?
4 How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple working groups and the Executive Committee simultaneously?
5 Can you give an example of how you've used communication tools to keep diverse stakeholders informed and engaged?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Do not submit a generic application lacking specific references to SOGIESC rights or the ERC's work; this role demands deep issue expertise.
  • Avoid downplaying the political sensitivity of the role; acknowledge the challenges of balancing state and civil society interests.
  • Do not ignore the remote nature of the position; failing to address how you'll manage remote collaboration can be a red flag.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: April 27, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to ILGA World!

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