Application Guide

How to Apply for Research manager

at ILGA World - The International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans and Intersex Association

🏢 About ILGA World - The International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans and Intersex Association

ILGA World is the leading global federation of LGBTI organizations, uniquely positioned to influence international human rights policy through its UN consultative status and extensive network across 150+ countries. Working here means contributing directly to evidence-based advocacy that shapes legal protections and social acceptance for LGBTI communities worldwide, with a truly global perspective that few organizations can match.

About This Role

This Research Manager leads ILGA World's entire research function, transforming data into advocacy tools like the ILGA World Database and flagship reports that directly inform policy changes. You'll oversee critical initiatives tracking LGBTI legal protections globally while ensuring research meets the urgent needs of frontline activists and member organizations across diverse regions.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start your day reviewing data submissions for the ILGA World Database from Latin American members, then lead a virtual team meeting with researchers in different time zones working on the 'Laws on Us' update. In the afternoon, you could draft a research brief for an African member organization's UN advocacy, followed by coordinating with ILGA's UN program officer on evidence needs for an upcoming Universal Periodic Review.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who ILGA World - The International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans and Intersex Association Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years leading human rights research with demonstrated impact on policy change, ideally within LGBTI or intersectional rights contexts
  • Can manage complex research projects like 'Laws on Us' while ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences including grassroots activists and UN diplomats
  • Has experience managing both internal teams and external consultants across different time zones and cultural contexts
  • Demonstrates ability to collaborate with ILGA's regional offices (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Oceania) and member organizations to ensure research addresses local advocacy priorities

📝 Tips for Applying to ILGA World - The International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans and Intersex Association

1

Quantify your research impact: Instead of 'managed research projects,' specify 'produced 3 policy briefs cited in 5 UN Universal Periodic Review submissions'

2

Demonstrate knowledge of ILGA's specific resources: Mention how you'd enhance the ILGA World Database or contribute to the ILGA World Monitor

3

Show regional awareness: Reference specific legal contexts (e.g., Section 377 repeal in Singapore, anti-gay laws in Uganda) to prove global understanding

4

Highlight remote collaboration experience: Describe tools/methods for managing teams across time zones, crucial for this remote position

5

Connect research to advocacy: Provide examples where your research directly supported campaign wins or policy changes

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience ensuring research accessibility for diverse audiences (activists, policymakers, media)', "Specific ideas for strengthening ILGA's existing research portfolio, particularly the Database or Monitor", "How you've managed research teams in human rights contexts with tight deadlines and advocacy urgency", 'Experience collaborating with Global South organizations and understanding regional advocacy landscapes']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Download and analyze the latest 'State-Sponsored Homophobia' report to understand ILGA's research methodology
  • → Explore the ILGA World Database interface and identify potential improvements
  • → Review ILGA's UN advocacy work and ECOSOC consultative status
  • → Study ILGA's regional structure and recent regional conference outcomes
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you ensure ILGA's research remains responsive to the evolving needs of member organizations in different regions?
2 Describe your approach to making complex legal data accessible for grassroots activists with limited resources
3 How would you balance academic rigor with advocacy urgency when managing flagship reports like 'Our Identities Under Arrest'?
4 What strategies would you use to manage a remote research team spanning multiple time zones and languages?
5 How would you measure the impact of ILGA's research beyond publication metrics?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic human rights language without specific LGBTI context or mentioning ILGA's actual programs
  • Focusing only on academic research metrics without demonstrating advocacy applications
  • Failing to acknowledge the Global South perspective that dominates ILGA's membership and priorities

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

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 - The International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans and Intersex Association!

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