ILGA World is inviting applications for the position of ERC Secretariat Lead, a senior coordination role responsible for managing the Secretariat of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC). The ERC is a global partnership that brings together states, international organisations, and civil society actors to advance equality and protect the human rights of people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
The position is scheduled to begin in June 2026 and is offered as a remote role, with no relocation support. Applicants must have the legal right to work in their country of residence.
Role Overview and Purpose
The ERC Secretariat Lead provides strategic and operational support to ensure the effective functioning of the Equal Rights Coalition. The Secretariat serves as a coordinating body that facilitates communication, collaboration, and governance across all ERC stakeholders, including:
- Member states
- International and regional organisations
- Civil society partners
The role is designed to maintain continuity, strengthen institutional processes, and ensure smooth coordination between all participating actors.
The Secretariat operates with administrative independence while being guided by ERC co-chairs and accountable to the ERC Executive Committee.
Core Responsibilities
The ERC Secretariat Lead is responsible for managing the overall functioning of the Secretariat and ensuring effective delivery of its mandate.
Key responsibilities include:
Coordination and Governance
- Supporting the ERC Executive Committee in governance and decision-making processes
- Facilitating coordination between co-chairs, member states, and civil society actors
- Ensuring institutional continuity and effective coalition management
Strategic Communication
- Maintaining clear and consistent communication across all ERC stakeholders
- Acting as a central liaison between governments, international bodies, and civil society
- Supporting transparent information flow within the coalition
Administrative and Operational Management
- Overseeing the day-to-day functioning of the Secretariat
- Ensuring smooth implementation of ERC activities and processes
- Supporting organisational planning and coordination across working groups
Partnership Facilitation
- Strengthening collaboration between states and civil society organisations
- Supporting inclusive participation of all coalition members
- Enhancing trust and cooperation across diverse institutional actors
Institutional Development
- Contributing to the long-term institutionalisation of the ERC
- Supporting governance frameworks and procedural improvements
- Ensuring continuity and sustainability of coalition structures
Employment Terms and Structure
- Position start date: June 2026
- Duration: Initial one-year contract, with possibility of extension
- Work arrangement: Fully remote position
- Relocation support: Not provided
- Work eligibility: Candidates must have legal right to work in their country of residence
- Reporting lines:
- Accountable to the ERC Executive Committee
- Supervised by the Executive Director of ILGA World
Eligibility and Candidate Profile
The role is open to applicants with demonstrated commitment and experience in:
- Human rights advocacy, particularly SOGIESC-related rights
- International cooperation and coalition-building
- Civil society engagement or intergovernmental coordination
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
- Strong understanding of global human rights frameworks
- Experience working in multi-stakeholder international environments
- Ability to manage complex partnerships across governments and NGOs
- Strong organisational and coordination skills
- Commitment to equality, inclusion, and social justice
Application Process and Requirements
Candidates must complete an online application form and submit all required information before the deadline:
- Application deadline: 27 April 2026 (1:00 pm CEST)
- Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances
- Applications must be submitted via the official ILGA World recruitment portal
Applicants may also prepare their responses offline and copy them into the online system.
Alternative submission by email is permitted only if necessary, using the required file format and naming conventions.
Key Application Components
The application form includes several structured sections designed to assess experience, competencies, and motivation.
Personal and Professional Information
Applicants must provide:
- Personal details and contact information
- Language proficiency levels
- Employment history (up to five roles, including volunteer work)
- Educational background and professional training
Motivation Statement (500 words max)
Applicants are required to explain:
- Reasons for applying
- Relevant experience and skills
- Alignment with ERC values and requirements
- Contribution they would bring to the Secretariat role
Competency-Based Questions
Applicants must provide structured examples from their experience, focusing on personal involvement in each case.
Key areas assessed include:
- Global partnership and coalition management experience
- Project management and financial accountability
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines
- Experience with diversity, inclusion, and marginalisation issues
- Strategic alliance-building across governments and civil society
Each response has strict word limits and must include real examples demonstrating practical experience.
Additional Information Section
Applicants may include any relevant details not covered elsewhere that strengthen their candidacy.
Word limit: 150 words
References
Two referees are required, including:
- Full name and professional affiliation
- Position and relationship to the applicant
- Email and phone contact details
Referees are not contacted unless the applicant is shortlisted.
Equal Opportunities and Inclusion
ILGA World maintains a strong commitment to equality and inclusion. The organisation:
- Welcomes applicants from all backgrounds
- Does not discriminate based on gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, or identity
- Encourages applications from individuals with lived experience of marginalisation or exclusion
- Values diversity as a core organisational strength
Key Recruitment Timeline
- Call for applications: 31 March 2026
- Application deadline: 27 April 2026
- Shortlisting: Early May 2026
- Interviews: 11–19 May 2026
- Offer stage: Before 25 May 2026
- Start date: June 2026
Strategic Importance of the Role
The ERC Secretariat Lead plays a critical role in:
- Strengthening global coordination on human rights and equality
- Supporting cooperation between states and civil society
- Ensuring continuity and governance of a complex international coalition
- Advancing inclusion and protection of SOGIESC rights globally
This position is central to maintaining the operational effectiveness and credibility of the Equal Rights Coalition.
Summary
The ERC Secretariat Lead role at ILGA World is a high-level coordination and governance position within a global human rights coalition. It requires strong leadership, diplomatic engagement, and organisational expertise to support collaboration between governments and civil society actors. The role is remote, one-year renewable, and focused on strengthening international cooperation for equality and human rights.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
