Author: EL*C

Job title: Media, Journalism and Communications Dykerector 

Contract duration: 1 year contract  (with the possibility of extension)

Yearly salary: from 48.000,00 to 66.000 EUR (Gross II)

Working hours: full time (40 hours a week) 

Based in: Europe or Central Asia

Work space: remote (all EL*C staff work remotely) 

EL*C Presentation:

The EL*C – EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community is a non-governmental organisation, representing the needs of lesbian, queer, bi and trans women and of lesbian organisations, formally established in 2017 in Vienna, Austria. EL*C aims to advocate for lesbian rights in Europe and Central Asia. EL*C has been established as a pan-European- Central Asian Lesbian Network, driven by the objective of increasing the visibility of lesbian issues in all spheres, including social, legal, health, and political ones. The EL*C was founded with the aim to improve the lives of lesbians and to (re)build the lesbian movement, as a response to the growing lack of the fundamental structures, tools and mechanisms to fight lesbophobia, sexism, misogyny, transphobia and all other types of discrimination experienced daily by lesbians.

The EL*C uses the word “lesbian” as a broad inclusive term, including lesbians who identify as trans, non-binary, as well as intersex lesbians, and bisexual or queer women.

EL*C & Media Activism 

From the start, media and communication have been one of the main pillars of  EL*C’s work. On the one hand, lesbians are still invisible in all domains and the word “lesbian” in itself has still a derogatory connotation. Either because it is considered a slur, conveying shame and pain, or because it is associated with pornography, making social media and internet research engines censoring this specific word. On the other hand, since the beginning, the EL*C group was composed by media activists with great experience in utilizing media and communication technologies for social and political movements, publishing news on EL*C website, creating video and audio investigations, spreading information about protests, or organizing campaigns relating to media and communications policies, enhancing the creation of communities online over specific issues and social connections.

EL*C’s media strategy uses the coverage of traditional mass media outlets in order to gain significant traction in lesbian visibility struggles. Today, hundreds of articles and videos mention EL*C all over the world, including big national outlets like the Corriere della Sera, the National Geographic, Vice, Kyivpost, Euronews, Rusnext, Le Monde, Bild, EL Pais, Fox News, The Washington Post, and many more. For more information, check out EL*C online Press Review: https://europeanlesbianconference.org/elc-in-the-media-press-review/.

Job summary:

The Media, Communications and Outreach Dykerector is responsible for enabling effective and efficient external and internal communications and for providing editorial, strategic, creative and operational support across the organization. This position reports to the Executive Co – Directors and plays a key role in ensuring that EL*C’s communications are both informative and influential for the full range of stakeholders. 

– Communicating how amazing EL*C is

– Increasing reach and membership  

In addition, this position is also in charge of media and press relations, as well as for maintaining social media accounts, and other online platforms of communication. This position will have a crucial role in developing and strengthening visibility for EL*C  and in contributing to the overall success of the organisation, particularly in relation to communication and dissemination of EL*C activities and projects.

MEDIA

– What we are looking for is a lesbian genius aware of the media landscape in Europe and Central Asia (at least certains parts of it), with a strong network of journalists, and able to get media pieces on EL*C published and broadcasted as often as possible. 

– We want you to be able to feel the international news and understand how to infiltrate some lesbian contents in it. 

ACTIVISM

– If the current news is not enough, we want you to be able to create the news and conceive lesbian political actions bound to make the headlines. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

– We need a dykerector with a strong presence on the social media so as to promote our actions, reports and events and interacts with journalists and media accounts .

Main duties and responsibilities:

To improve EL*C and in general lesbian visibility: in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors supports development of external and internal communication policies and procedures; establishes internal and external relations; 

Develops and implements visibility strategy and action plan; maintains social media accounts, maintains and improves EL*C’s website, develops innovative and diversified communication platforms in relations to stakeholders (newsletters, forums, mobile applications etc.), develops and manages media database, maintains good relationships with media representatives;

Develops, manages, updates and writes rich and creative content for different media and visibility platforms; performs press clippings, media monitoring, and media analysis on a regular basis, represents EL*C on local, regional, European and international levels, in close cooperation with the three Executive Co-Directors;

Other duties and responsibilities:

– Assist all staff members in their day-to-day activities in areas concerning communication, public events and advocacy.

– Assist in all activities related to publications and their distribution;

– Assist in preparations of the EL*C Annual General Assembly and Conferences in relation to communication and publicity activities;

– Assist in all strategic planning sessions, staff meetings, and other relevant meetings;

– Assist, when necessary the Board members in their regular work in relation to  communications activities;

– Assist member organizations in their communication capacity building processes;

– Represent EL*C: to act as a spokesperson when needed, represent EL*C and its activities on local, national, regional, European and international levels;

– Assists in capacity building programs relating to communications;

– Track, evaluate and report on social media interactions on a regular basis

PERSONAL SKILLS

Experience 

At least 5 years of journalism, media strategy and communications work whether professional or as a volunteer;

Essential: 

– Keen awareness of current events and trends that relate to a target audience’s interests (preferably with international scope)

– Very solid experience in producing Newsletters, Press Releases, press kits, webcontent, writing editorials and articles;

– Strong knowledge of Social media management (production, engagement & social media kit development)

– Advanced computer knowledge (Office, Keynote, Canva, Photoshop, WordPress, etc);

– Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills;

– Experience in articulating strategy, rationale, and ideas;

– Experience with media planning and buying and using different online tools;

– Experience working on experiential programs, content creation, and new media platforms;

– Open to travel as necessary;

– Digitally connected with an insatiable curiosity;

Desirable 

– Knowledge of international standards regarding LGBTI and feminist policies, as well as social policies

– Experience working with Civil Society and NGOs in Europe and Central Asia, including umbrella NGOs and Networks

– Experience in working with national or international NGO’s or governments tackling LBTI women and non-binary persons’ rights 

– Experience in national media, communication and campaigning work 

– Strong presence on social media (certified account would be a plus)

– Ability for editing videos

Skills/abilities

Essential: 

– Strong appetite for new technology, emerging platforms, pop culture, and everything in between;

– Excellent organisation and coordination skills;

– Desire to learn more of the trends shaping lesbian communities’ behavior and general public towards lesbian topics today, in the past and in the future;

– Sense of initiative and ability to be self supporting, including ability to deliver under pressure and within tight deadlines;

– Strong critical thinking skills for efficient campaign development strategizing;

– Curiosity combined with the ability to translate intelligence and ideas is essential;

– Strong communication capacities to accurately convey the vision of a campaign to creative teams and executives, as well as to discuss budget concerns;

– Strong organizational, interpersonal, and project management skills;

– Ability to analyse, synthesize complex material;

– Ability to build relationships with the European and central asian media and journalists but also with LGBTI networks and alliances;       

– Strong interpersonal skills, in particular ability to work well within a small team and in a multicultural context;

– Demonstrated intersectional feminist and antiracist background; 

– Excellent English;

– Good knowledge of another European or Central Asian language;

– Computer literacy

The following skills are an asset:

– Familiarity with human rights / social justice linguo (‘GBV’ ‘feminicide’ ‘lesbophobia’ ‘anti-gender movement’) 

– Familiarity / sensitivity around experiences of human rights defenders / ability to communicate around human rights abuses faced by community members swiftly 

– Knowledge of lesbian specific media outlets (online, print, podcasts) 

– Ability to propose methods to interact with different audiences depending on age, ability etc (podcasts, reports, campaigns, radio) 

– Ability to adapt language / communication depending on stakeholder / audience (high level vs community oriented) 

– Design & creative skills in image and visual production (CANVA or other) 

– Video editing skills 

– Interest in inclusive writing styles 

– Knowledge in making output accessible (hard of hearing or short sighted, ASL etc) 

– Ability to come up with catchy slogans, phrases and titles (for events, reports, talks) 

– Knowledge of additional spoken/written languages 

– Online facilitation skills 

– Personal experience of being part of an oppressed minority

– Good at dealing with Dyke Dramas 😉

JOB CONTEXT 

The EL*C Team 

The person will be part of a team of 6 persons. They will liaise with a network of very diverse national and international NGOs (more than 50 organizations) in Europe and Central Asia.

Contract/Working Hours 

The successful applicant will receive a full-time 1 year contract to work 40 hours a week over 5 days. 

Special conditions: 

Available to work irregular hours (i.e: occasional weekend meetings, occasional meetings in the evening, etc.), time off in lieu is provided. Availability to travel frequently. 

Remuneration Package 

The person will be employed under their national residency law. The Gross II salary (CTC – cost to company) applicable to this position is from 48.000,00 to 66.000 EUR (Gross II) per year.

HOW TO APPLY?

Please send us (to the following e-mail address: squad@lesbiangenius.net):

– Your CV;

– A cover letter (no more than 1 page) which outlines why you would be a good fit for the position and for EL*C. Please add to your cover letter an analysis of how you feel EL*C and the lesbians are being dealt with by the media and how we could improve this;

– A short example of your work (an article, a blog/podcast, a book, or press release you are the author of;  articles or media piece you contributed to get published; or big actions in activism you contributed to and were published in the media etc.);

– A small “audit” of your social media accounts (how many followers, are you followed by big accounts?). Please underline if you are followed by journalists or media outlets;

– A small exercise: We are going to organize our third conference in a EU eastern country. Can you write the 10 actions you will put in place before, during and after the conference to ensure great media coverage?

– Please send us also 2 contacts from your ex-girlfriends.. no, we are joking, from your previous work references.

The closing date will be 11.00pm CET the 13th February 2022 and the interviews will be held via Zoom, on February 24 and 25th 2022. 

We are an equal opportunities employer and will provide any necessary assistance to applicants with any special requirements to participate equally in the selection process.

Job title: Media, Journalism and Communications Dykerector 

Contract duration: 1 year contract  (with the possibility of extension)

Yearly salary: from 48.000,00 to 66.000 EUR (Gross II)

Working hours: full time (40 hours a week) 

Based in: Europe or Central Asia

Work space: remote (all EL*C staff work remotely) 

EL*C Presentation:

The EL*C – EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community is a non-governmental organisation, representing the needs of lesbian, queer, bi and trans women and of lesbian organisations, formally established in 2017 in Vienna, Austria. EL*C aims to advocate for lesbian rights in Europe and Central Asia. EL*C has been established as a pan-European- Central Asian Lesbian Network, driven by the objective of increasing the visibility of lesbian issues in all spheres, including social, legal, health, and political ones. The EL*C was founded with the aim to improve the lives of lesbians and to (re)build the lesbian movement, as a response to the growing lack of the fundamental structures, tools and mechanisms to fight lesbophobia, sexism, misogyny, transphobia and all other types of discrimination experienced daily by lesbians.

The EL*C uses the word “lesbian” as a broad inclusive term, including lesbians who identify as trans, non-binary, as well as intersex lesbians, and bisexual or queer women.

EL*C & Media Activism 

From the start, media and communication have been one of the main pillars of  EL*C’s work. On the one hand, lesbians are still invisible in all domains and the word “lesbian” in itself has still a derogatory connotation. Either because it is considered a slur, conveying shame and pain, or because it is associated with pornography, making social media and internet research engines censoring this specific word. On the other hand, since the beginning, the EL*C group was composed by media activists with great experience in utilizing media and communication technologies for social and political movements, publishing news on EL*C website, creating video and audio investigations, spreading information about protests, or organizing campaigns relating to media and communications policies, enhancing the creation of communities online over specific issues and social connections.

EL*C’s media strategy uses the coverage of traditional mass media outlets in order to gain significant traction in lesbian visibility struggles. Today, hundreds of articles and videos mention EL*C all over the world, including big national outlets like the Corriere della Sera, the National Geographic, Vice, Kyivpost, Euronews, Rusnext, Le Monde, Bild, EL Pais, Fox News, The Washington Post, and many more. For more information, check out EL*C online Press Review: https://europeanlesbianconference.org/elc-in-the-media-press-review/.

Job summary:

The Media, Communications and Outreach Dykerector is responsible for enabling effective and efficient external and internal communications and for providing editorial, strategic, creative and operational support across the organization. This position reports to the Executive Co – Directors and plays a key role in ensuring that EL*C’s communications are both informative and influential for the full range of stakeholders. 

– Communicating how amazing EL*C is

– Increasing reach and membership  

In addition, this position is also in charge of media and press relations, as well as for maintaining social media accounts, and other online platforms of communication. This position will have a crucial role in developing and strengthening visibility for EL*C  and in contributing to the overall success of the organisation, particularly in relation to communication and dissemination of EL*C activities and projects.

MEDIA

– What we are looking for is a lesbian genius aware of the media landscape in Europe and Central Asia (at least certains parts of it), with a strong network of journalists, and able to get media pieces on EL*C published and broadcasted as often as possible. 

– We want you to be able to feel the international news and understand how to infiltrate some lesbian contents in it. 

ACTIVISM

– If the current news is not enough, we want you to be able to create the news and conceive lesbian political actions bound to make the headlines. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

– We need a dykerector with a strong presence on the social media so as to promote our actions, reports and events and interacts with journalists and media accounts .

Main duties and responsibilities:

To improve EL*C and in general lesbian visibility: in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors supports development of external and internal communication policies and procedures; establishes internal and external relations; 

Develops and implements visibility strategy and action plan; maintains social media accounts, maintains and improves EL*C’s website, develops innovative and diversified communication platforms in relations to stakeholders (newsletters, forums, mobile applications etc.), develops and manages media database, maintains good relationships with media representatives;

Develops, manages, updates and writes rich and creative content for different media and visibility platforms; performs press clippings, media monitoring, and media analysis on a regular basis, represents EL*C on local, regional, European and international levels, in close cooperation with the three Executive Co-Directors;

Other duties and responsibilities:

– Assist all staff members in their day-to-day activities in areas concerning communication, public events and advocacy.

– Assist in all activities related to publications and their distribution;

– Assist in preparations of the EL*C Annual General Assembly and Conferences in relation to communication and publicity activities;

– Assist in all strategic planning sessions, staff meetings, and other relevant meetings;

– Assist, when necessary the Board members in their regular work in relation to  communications activities;

– Assist member organizations in their communication capacity building processes;

– Represent EL*C: to act as a spokesperson when needed, represent EL*C and its activities on local, national, regional, European and international levels;

– Assists in capacity building programs relating to communications;

– Track, evaluate and report on social media interactions on a regular basis

PERSONAL SKILLS

Experience 

At least 5 years of journalism, media strategy and communications work whether professional or as a volunteer;

Essential: 

– Keen awareness of current events and trends that relate to a target audience’s interests (preferably with international scope)

– Very solid experience in producing Newsletters, Press Releases, press kits, webcontent, writing editorials and articles;

– Strong knowledge of Social media management (production, engagement & social media kit development)

– Advanced computer knowledge (Office, Keynote, Canva, Photoshop, WordPress, etc);

– Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills;

– Experience in articulating strategy, rationale, and ideas;

– Experience with media planning and buying and using different online tools;

– Experience working on experiential programs, content creation, and new media platforms;

– Open to travel as necessary;

– Digitally connected with an insatiable curiosity;

Desirable 

– Knowledge of international standards regarding LGBTI and feminist policies, as well as social policies

– Experience working with Civil Society and NGOs in Europe and Central Asia, including umbrella NGOs and Networks

– Experience in working with national or international NGO’s or governments tackling LBTI women and non-binary persons’ rights 

– Experience in national media, communication and campaigning work 

– Strong presence on social media (certified account would be a plus)

– Ability for editing videos

Skills/abilities

Essential: 

– Strong appetite for new technology, emerging platforms, pop culture, and everything in between;

– Excellent organisation and coordination skills;

– Desire to learn more of the trends shaping lesbian communities’ behavior and general public towards lesbian topics today, in the past and in the future;

– Sense of initiative and ability to be self supporting, including ability to deliver under pressure and within tight deadlines;

– Strong critical thinking skills for efficient campaign development strategizing;

– Curiosity combined with the ability to translate intelligence and ideas is essential;

– Strong communication capacities to accurately convey the vision of a campaign to creative teams and executives, as well as to discuss budget concerns;

– Strong organizational, interpersonal, and project management skills;

– Ability to analyse, synthesize complex material;

– Ability to build relationships with the European and central asian media and journalists but also with LGBTI networks and alliances;       

– Strong interpersonal skills, in particular ability to work well within a small team and in a multicultural context;

– Demonstrated intersectional feminist and antiracist background; 

– Excellent English;

– Good knowledge of another European or Central Asian language;

– Computer literacy

The following skills are an asset:

– Familiarity with human rights / social justice linguo (‘GBV’ ‘feminicide’ ‘lesbophobia’ ‘anti-gender movement’) 

– Familiarity / sensitivity around experiences of human rights defenders / ability to communicate around human rights abuses faced by community members swiftly 

– Knowledge of lesbian specific media outlets (online, print, podcasts) 

– Ability to propose methods to interact with different audiences depending on age, ability etc (podcasts, reports, campaigns, radio) 

– Ability to adapt language / communication depending on stakeholder / audience (high level vs community oriented) 

– Design & creative skills in image and visual production (CANVA or other) 

– Video editing skills 

– Interest in inclusive writing styles 

– Knowledge in making output accessible (hard of hearing or short sighted, ASL etc) 

– Ability to come up with catchy slogans, phrases and titles (for events, reports, talks) 

– Knowledge of additional spoken/written languages 

– Online facilitation skills 

– Personal experience of being part of an oppressed minority

– Good at dealing with Dyke Dramas 😉

JOB CONTEXT 

The EL*C Team 

The person will be part of a team of 6 persons. They will liaise with a network of very diverse national and international NGOs (more than 50 organizations) in Europe and Central Asia.

Contract/Working Hours 

The successful applicant will receive a full-time 1 year contract to work 40 hours a week over 5 days. 

Special conditions: 

Available to work irregular hours (i.e: occasional weekend meetings, occasional meetings in the evening, etc.), time off in lieu is provided. Availability to travel frequently. 

Remuneration Package 

The person will be employed under their national residency law. The Gross II salary (CTC – cost to company) applicable to this position is from 48.000,00 to 66.000 EUR (Gross II) per year.

HOW TO APPLY?

Please send us (to the following e-mail address: squad@lesbiangenius.net):

– Your CV;

– A cover letter (no more than 1 page) which outlines why you would be a good fit for the position and for EL*C. Please add to your cover letter an analysis of how you feel EL*C and the lesbians are being dealt with by the media and how we could improve this;

– A short example of your work (an article, a blog/podcast, a book, or press release you are the author of;  articles or media piece you contributed to get published; or big actions in activism you contributed to and were published in the media etc.);

– A small “audit” of your social media accounts (how many followers, are you followed by big accounts?). Please underline if you are followed by journalists or media outlets;

– A small exercise: We are going to organize our third conference in a EU eastern country. Can you write the 10 actions you will put in place before, during and after the conference to ensure great media coverage?

– Please send us also 2 contacts from your ex-girlfriends.. no, we are joking, from your previous work references.

The closing date will be 11.00pm CET the 13th February 2022 and the interviews will be held via Zoom, on February 24 and 25th 2022. 

We are an equal opportunities employer and will provide any necessary assistance to applicants with any special requirements to participate equally in the selection process.

Download the full report on lesbophobia here

[embeddoc url=”https://europeanlesbianconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lesbophobia-3.pdf”]

…

About lesbian identities and intersectional oppressions

In the title of this report, we have decided to refer to lesbophobia as an “intersectional” form of violence, because it relates always to oppressions depending both on gender inequalities as well as to stigma against non-conforming sexual orientation. It is however important to note that intersectionality is a term coined and conceptualised by Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989[a] and related originally to experience of oppression of black women, at the intersection between gender and race. Since then, intersectional analysis has been used, in different contexts, to identify and analyze forms of oppressions based on the interlocking of different social identities.

Therefore, we are aware that the experience of lesbophobia is not homogenous in our community. We want to put a focus on lesbophobia in this report while not forgetting that the levels of stigma multiply and intensify depending on other perceived or claimed social identities, such as ‘gender identity’, ‘race,’ ‘citizenship status’, ‘refugee/asylum seeker status’, ‘class,’ or ‘ableness.’ and others that a lesbian might embody. From this shared, but different, history of oppression we work to build a community and allyship capable of freeing every lesbians, even when our shackles are not the same[b].

[a] K. Crenshaw (1989) “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics”, University of Chicago Legal Forum, Vol. 1989 Issue 1, Article 8.
[b] The reference here is to the phrase “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own” pronounced by Audre Lorde in the speech “THE USES OF ANGER: WOMEN RESPONDING TO RACISM”, keynote presentation at the 1981 National Women’s Studies Association Conference, Storrs, Connecticut

Download the full report on lesbophobia here

[embeddoc url=”https://europeanlesbianconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lesbophobia-3.pdf”]

…

About lesbian identities and intersectional oppressions

In the title of this report, we have decided to refer to lesbophobia as an “intersectional” form of violence, because it relates always to oppressions depending both on gender inequalities as well as to stigma against non-conforming sexual orientation. It is however important to note that intersectionality is a term coined and conceptualised by Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989[a] and related originally to experience of oppression of black women, at the intersection between gender and race. Since then, intersectional analysis has been used, in different contexts, to identify and analyze forms of oppressions based on the interlocking of different social identities.

Therefore, we are aware that the experience of lesbophobia is not homogenous in our community. We want to put a focus on lesbophobia in this report while not forgetting that the levels of stigma multiply and intensify depending on other perceived or claimed social identities, such as ‘gender identity’, ‘race,’ ‘citizenship status’, ‘refugee/asylum seeker status’, ‘class,’ or ‘ableness.’ and others that a lesbian might embody. From this shared, but different, history of oppression we work to build a community and allyship capable of freeing every lesbians, even when our shackles are not the same[b].

[a] K. Crenshaw (1989) “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics”, University of Chicago Legal Forum, Vol. 1989 Issue 1, Article 8.
[b] The reference here is to the phrase “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own” pronounced by Audre Lorde in the speech “THE USES OF ANGER: WOMEN RESPONDING TO RACISM”, keynote presentation at the 1981 National Women’s Studies Association Conference, Storrs, Connecticut

Brussels, World Capital of Lesbian Art

The first Lesbiennale will be held from 8 to 10 October in Brussels. 

The Lesbiennale – a contraction of the words ‘lesbian’ and ‘biennial’ (biennial contemporary art exhibition) – will showcase the works of some 220 artists in major venues in the Belgian capital, which has been renamed the ‘World Capital of Lesbian Art’ for a weekend. 

How did this event come about? It is the brainchild of EL*C (Eurocentralasian Lesbian Community), the largest federation of lesbian associations in Europe and Central Asia. For the first edition of this three-day event, EL*C has joined forces with multiple local lesbian feminist collectives to create a series of events, debates and exhibitions of artists, politicians, writers and activists from around the world. 

The Lesbiennale will welcome artists, writers and leading figures of contemporary Francophone feminism as well as Sarah Schlitz, Secretary of State for Gender Equality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity, who reports to the Minister for Mobility. 

Multiple lesbian arts festival events will be held throughout the city and a digital art gallery will exhibit 600 works by artists from all over the world, free of charge and in accordance with the health regulations.  

The Lesbiennale is supported by visit.brussels to strengthen the visibility of the lesbian community in Brussels and around the globe. 

Go to https://lesbiennale.art/ for more information about this event. 

Link to the digital art gallery (works accessible to the press before the opening upon request): https://lesbiennale.art/gallery/ 

Contact: info@europeanlesbianconference.org 

EL*C: www.europeanlesbianconference.org

Instagram: @europeanlesbianconference

Facebook: @EurocentralasianLesbianCommunity

Brussels, World Capital of Lesbian Art

The first Lesbiennale will be held from 8 to 10 October in Brussels. 

The Lesbiennale – a contraction of the words ‘lesbian’ and ‘biennial’ (biennial contemporary art exhibition) – will showcase the works of some 220 artists in major venues in the Belgian capital, which has been renamed the ‘World Capital of Lesbian Art’ for a weekend. 

How did this event come about? It is the brainchild of EL*C (Eurocentralasian Lesbian Community), the largest federation of lesbian associations in Europe and Central Asia. For the first edition of this three-day event, EL*C has joined forces with multiple local lesbian feminist collectives to create a series of events, debates and exhibitions of artists, politicians, writers and activists from around the world. 

The Lesbiennale will welcome artists, writers and leading figures of contemporary Francophone feminism as well as Sarah Schlitz, Secretary of State for Gender Equality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity, who reports to the Minister for Mobility. 

Multiple lesbian arts festival events will be held throughout the city and a digital art gallery will exhibit 600 works by artists from all over the world, free of charge and in accordance with the health regulations.  

The Lesbiennale is supported by visit.brussels to strengthen the visibility of the lesbian community in Brussels and around the globe. 

Go to https://lesbiennale.art/ for more information about this event. 

Link to the digital art gallery (works accessible to the press before the opening upon request): https://lesbiennale.art/gallery/ 

Contact: info@europeanlesbianconference.org 

EL*C: www.europeanlesbianconference.org

Instagram: @europeanlesbianconference

Facebook: @EurocentralasianLesbianCommunity

JOB DESCRIPTIONS – Advocacy and Research Manager 

Job title: Advocacy and Research Manager

Contract duration: permanent-unlimited

Monthly salary: 2.000,00 EUR (Gross II)

Working hours: half time (20 hours a week)

Location: Europe or Central Asia

EL*C Presentation:

The EL*C – EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community is a non-governmental organisation, representing the needs of lesbian, queer, bi and trans women and of lesbian organisations, formally established in 2017 in Vienna, Austria. EL*C aims to advocate for lesbian rights in Europe and Central Asia. EL*C has been established as a pan-European- Central Asian Lesbian Network, driven by the objective of increasing the visibility of lesbian issues in all spheres, including social, legal, health, and political ones. The EL*C was founded with the aim to improve the lives of lesbians and to (re)build the lesbian movement, as a response to the growing lack of the fundamental structures, tools and mechanisms to fight lesbophobia, sexism, misogyny, transphobia and all other types of discrimination experienced daily by lesbians.

The EL*C uses the word “lesbian” as a broad inclusive term, including lesbians who identify as trans, non-binary, as well as intersex lesbians, and bisexual or queer women. For this reason, in the following report, unless otherwise specified, the term “lesbian” includes all non-heterosexual LBTIQ women, in line with EL*C’s policy to give visibility and empowerment through the use of the word “lesbian”. We will also refer to lesbian organisations to include all groups focused on and led by LBTIQ women.

Job summary:

The role is vital for achieving EL*C’s mission and strategic goals, development of the organization and its sustainability, its commitment to high standards of practice in conducting advocacy and research, and positioning EL*C as one of the most important actors in advocating for the rights of lesbians in Europe and Central Asia. The main aim of this position is to ensure that human rights of lesbians are advocated for, while including all relevant stakeholders on national, regional and international levels, while building on the previous work of EL*C in the area, and in accordance with EL*C’s strategic priorities. In addition, this position also serves to work on and manage gathering and disseminating relevant, up to date and accessible knowledge and data about the position of lesbians, while using it for evidence-based advocacy activities. The Advocacy and Research Manager works closely with Executive Co-Directors, and other staff members.

The role of the Advocacy and Research Manager will be to support the organization by coordinating EL*C’s actions in the fields of advocacy and research, building from EL*C previous work in the area and considering EL*C strategic needs.

Please note that this is a part-time position, but the following description of tasks is very extensive and detailed. The work will be trimmed to half time with a careful consideration of the wellbeing of the person chosen for this role. In the future, this position can be transformed to full time depending on fundings.

Main duties and responsibilities:

– Advocacy: build and maintain good partnerships with key stakeholders on national, regional and international levels; engaging in advocacy activities with the EU institutions, Council of Europe and UN mechanisms, as well as other relevant advocacy forums; intensive and continuous monitoring of national, regional and international developments and opportunities, and engaging in timely advocacy and lobbying activities; track local, regional and international legislative and policy issues and develop/modify strategies and activities accordingly; develop issue-oriented advocacy content for communication vehicles such as position papers, recommendations, emails, websites, social media, etc.; consolidate advocacy and research priorities and make sure that one underpins the other; develop short term and long term advocacy strategies; collect and analyze best practices in the field of advocacy; engage in regular consultations with member organizations; assist and support EL*C member organizations in their advocacy activities; participate in advocacy related capacity development activities;

– Monitoring and Research: gather, analyze and monitor data, policies and processes of relevance for utilization of EU, Council of Europe and UN mechanisms and procedures for advancing the rights of lesbians; draft reports, policy briefs, recommendations; develop and implement monitoring methodologies; identify gaps and needs in terms of data gathering/research; manage qualitative and quantitative research activities; develop short term and long term monitoring, research and analysis programs; collect and maintain up-to-date data on key policy and advocacy issues; participate in monitoring and research capacity development activities; consolidate advocacy and research priorities and make sure that one underpins the other; collect and analyze best practices in the field of monitoring and research;
In charge of the internal processes needed for the conducting a consultation on advocacy priorities, for the implementation of International stakeholders (as EU, UN and CoE) specific strategies concerning lesbians, with NGOs and groups that are members of EL*C in the Lesbian Movement Committee (LMC) by designing and conducting an effective consultation process and producing a document summarizing the conclusions reached as well as the recommendations and steps forward for the work with EU Institutions.

– Drafting and development of all the EL*C research reports as well as in the definition of recommendations for all relevant stakeholders.

– Conducting a consultation with the lesbian movement needed to fulfil EL*C role as leader of the UN Action Coalition on Feminist movements and leadership. The research and advocacy manager will also provide expertise and will draft relevant documents and submissions necessary in the Action Coalition process.

– Expertise, coordination and drafting on several submissions that EL*C is planning to present to relevant stakeholders and actors at global and European level, including but not limited to institutions belonging to the European Union, the Council of Europe, the United Nations and relevant national government and courts. This work will include the collection of data and information, outreach to relevant staff and board members for specific inputs and contacts with relevant policy makers in the Institutions targeted and/or other relevant actors.

– Constant management of ongoing advocacy activities and processes, including monitoring of the institutions specified above as well as the coordination of a weekly meeting of EL*C advocacy working group (advocacy pillar) to update EL*C Board members and staff on progress made as well as to discuss relevant strategies and opportunities.

Other duties and responsibilities:

– Support EL*C team and in the work needed for the organization of the General Assemblies, and the coordination of outreach to membership, the preparation of relevant documents and the organization related meetings of other EL*C bodies.

– Support the EL*C team with ongoing work when this is relevant for EL*C strategic objectives on advocacy, including in the application for funds as well as on advocacy related events.

– To coordinate, supervise, advise and evaluate the work of other staff members and consultants, in close cooperation with the other Executive Co-Directors;

– To produce regular progress reports (monthly, quarterly, annually), in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors ;

– To organize and lead staff meetings, in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors;

– To report to the Board, maintain regular communication with the Board, and to participate in Board meetings, in close cooperation with the Co-Directors;

– To assist in developing programs of the Annual General Assembly and other events, and assist in its organization, in close cooperation with Executive Co-Directors;

– To assist in communication and media related activities, in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors;

– To plan and organize team building meetings, in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors;

– To assist in preparation of events, as well as in its realization;

– Maintain good relationships with key stakeholders, in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors;

PERSONAL SKILLS

Experience At least 5 years of international level policy work.

Essential:

Experience working with Civil Society and NGOs in Europe and Central Asia, including umbrella NGO and Networks
Experience of working on policy/advocacy in an EU, CoE and/or UN policy context, including sound knowledge of EU, CoE and/or UN institutions and mechanisms
Excellent knowledge of international standards regarding LGBTI and feminist policies, as well as social policies
Experience of building and implementing lobbying/advocacy strategies

Desirable

Experience of working with national or international NGO’s or governments tackling LBTI women and non-binary persons rights
Experience of national policy/advocacy work
Experience in piloting the governance of an international network organization

Skills/abilities

Essential:

Excellent organisation and coordination skills
Sense of initiative and ability to be self supporting, including ability to deliver under pressure and within tight deadlines
Ability to analyse, synthesize complex material
Ability to build relationships, networks and alliances
Strong interpersonal skills, in particular ability to work well within a small team and in a multicultural context
Excellent presentation skills, as well as ability to communicate to a variety of audiences in writing and oral
Group facilitation skills
Demonstrated intersectional feminist and antiracist background
Fluency in English
Good knowledge of another European or Central Asian language
Computer literacy

The following skills are an asset:

Knowledge of additional languages
Online facilitation skills
Personal experience of being part of an oppressed minority
Good at dealing with Dyke Dramas 😉

JOB CONTEXT

The EL*C Team: The person will be part of a team of 4 persons. They will liaise with a network of very diverse national and international NGOs (more than 50 organizations) in Europe and Central Asia.

Contract/Working Hours: The successful applicant will receive a part-time permanent contract to work 20 hours a week over 5 days.

Special conditions: Available to work unsociable hours (i.e: some weekend meetings for board meetings, General Assemblies and LMC meetings, time off in lieu is given). Availability to travel.

Remuneration Package: The person will be employed under its national residency law. The Gross II salary (CTC – cost to company) applicable to this position is 2000 € a month, in line with the other EL*C’s salaries.

HOW TO APPLY?

Please send your CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) which outlines why you would be a good fit for the role and for EL*C to the following e-mail address: squad@lesbiangenius.net

Please send us 2 contacts from your ex-girlfriends.. no, we are joking, from your previous work references.

The closing date will be 9.00am CEST the 31st August 2021 and the interviews will be held via Zoom, beginning of September 2021.

We are an equal opportunities employer and will provide any necessary assistance to applicants with any special requirements to participate equally in the selection process.

Download here the pdf format

JOB DESCRIPTIONS – Advocacy and Research Manager 

Job title: Advocacy and Research Manager

Contract duration: permanent-unlimited

Monthly salary: 2.000,00 EUR (Gross II)

Working hours: half time (20 hours a week)

Location: Europe or Central Asia

EL*C Presentation:

The EL*C – EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community is a non-governmental organisation, representing the needs of lesbian, queer, bi and trans women and of lesbian organisations, formally established in 2017 in Vienna, Austria. EL*C aims to advocate for lesbian rights in Europe and Central Asia. EL*C has been established as a pan-European- Central Asian Lesbian Network, driven by the objective of increasing the visibility of lesbian issues in all spheres, including social, legal, health, and political ones. The EL*C was founded with the aim to improve the lives of lesbians and to (re)build the lesbian movement, as a response to the growing lack of the fundamental structures, tools and mechanisms to fight lesbophobia, sexism, misogyny, transphobia and all other types of discrimination experienced daily by lesbians.

The EL*C uses the word “lesbian” as a broad inclusive term, including lesbians who identify as trans, non-binary, as well as intersex lesbians, and bisexual or queer women. For this reason, in the following report, unless otherwise specified, the term “lesbian” includes all non-heterosexual LBTIQ women, in line with EL*C’s policy to give visibility and empowerment through the use of the word “lesbian”. We will also refer to lesbian organisations to include all groups focused on and led by LBTIQ women.

Job summary:

The role is vital for achieving EL*C’s mission and strategic goals, development of the organization and its sustainability, its commitment to high standards of practice in conducting advocacy and research, and positioning EL*C as one of the most important actors in advocating for the rights of lesbians in Europe and Central Asia. The main aim of this position is to ensure that human rights of lesbians are advocated for, while including all relevant stakeholders on national, regional and international levels, while building on the previous work of EL*C in the area, and in accordance with EL*C’s strategic priorities. In addition, this position also serves to work on and manage gathering and disseminating relevant, up to date and accessible knowledge and data about the position of lesbians, while using it for evidence-based advocacy activities. The Advocacy and Research Manager works closely with Executive Co-Directors, and other staff members.

The role of the Advocacy and Research Manager will be to support the organization by coordinating EL*C’s actions in the fields of advocacy and research, building from EL*C previous work in the area and considering EL*C strategic needs.

Please note that this is a part-time position, but the following description of tasks is very extensive and detailed. The work will be trimmed to half time with a careful consideration of the wellbeing of the person chosen for this role. In the future, this position can be transformed to full time depending on fundings.

Main duties and responsibilities:

– Advocacy: build and maintain good partnerships with key stakeholders on national, regional and international levels; engaging in advocacy activities with the EU institutions, Council of Europe and UN mechanisms, as well as other relevant advocacy forums; intensive and continuous monitoring of national, regional and international developments and opportunities, and engaging in timely advocacy and lobbying activities; track local, regional and international legislative and policy issues and develop/modify strategies and activities accordingly; develop issue-oriented advocacy content for communication vehicles such as position papers, recommendations, emails, websites, social media, etc.; consolidate advocacy and research priorities and make sure that one underpins the other; develop short term and long term advocacy strategies; collect and analyze best practices in the field of advocacy; engage in regular consultations with member organizations; assist and support EL*C member organizations in their advocacy activities; participate in advocacy related capacity development activities;

– Monitoring and Research: gather, analyze and monitor data, policies and processes of relevance for utilization of EU, Council of Europe and UN mechanisms and procedures for advancing the rights of lesbians; draft reports, policy briefs, recommendations; develop and implement monitoring methodologies; identify gaps and needs in terms of data gathering/research; manage qualitative and quantitative research activities; develop short term and long term monitoring, research and analysis programs; collect and maintain up-to-date data on key policy and advocacy issues; participate in monitoring and research capacity development activities; consolidate advocacy and research priorities and make sure that one underpins the other; collect and analyze best practices in the field of monitoring and research;
In charge of the internal processes needed for the conducting a consultation on advocacy priorities, for the implementation of International stakeholders (as EU, UN and CoE) specific strategies concerning lesbians, with NGOs and groups that are members of EL*C in the Lesbian Movement Committee (LMC) by designing and conducting an effective consultation process and producing a document summarizing the conclusions reached as well as the recommendations and steps forward for the work with EU Institutions.

– Drafting and development of all the EL*C research reports as well as in the definition of recommendations for all relevant stakeholders.

– Conducting a consultation with the lesbian movement needed to fulfil EL*C role as leader of the UN Action Coalition on Feminist movements and leadership. The research and advocacy manager will also provide expertise and will draft relevant documents and submissions necessary in the Action Coalition process.

– Expertise, coordination and drafting on several submissions that EL*C is planning to present to relevant stakeholders and actors at global and European level, including but not limited to institutions belonging to the European Union, the Council of Europe, the United Nations and relevant national government and courts. This work will include the collection of data and information, outreach to relevant staff and board members for specific inputs and contacts with relevant policy makers in the Institutions targeted and/or other relevant actors.

– Constant management of ongoing advocacy activities and processes, including monitoring of the institutions specified above as well as the coordination of a weekly meeting of EL*C advocacy working group (advocacy pillar) to update EL*C Board members and staff on progress made as well as to discuss relevant strategies and opportunities.

Other duties and responsibilities:

– Support EL*C team and in the work needed for the organization of the General Assemblies, and the coordination of outreach to membership, the preparation of relevant documents and the organization related meetings of other EL*C bodies.

– Support the EL*C team with ongoing work when this is relevant for EL*C strategic objectives on advocacy, including in the application for funds as well as on advocacy related events.

– To coordinate, supervise, advise and evaluate the work of other staff members and consultants, in close cooperation with the other Executive Co-Directors;

– To produce regular progress reports (monthly, quarterly, annually), in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors ;

– To organize and lead staff meetings, in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors;

– To report to the Board, maintain regular communication with the Board, and to participate in Board meetings, in close cooperation with the Co-Directors;

– To assist in developing programs of the Annual General Assembly and other events, and assist in its organization, in close cooperation with Executive Co-Directors;

– To assist in communication and media related activities, in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors;

– To plan and organize team building meetings, in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors;

– To assist in preparation of events, as well as in its realization;

– Maintain good relationships with key stakeholders, in close cooperation with the Executive Co-Directors;

PERSONAL SKILLS

Experience At least 5 years of international level policy work.

Essential:

Experience working with Civil Society and NGOs in Europe and Central Asia, including umbrella NGO and Networks
Experience of working on policy/advocacy in an EU, CoE and/or UN policy context, including sound knowledge of EU, CoE and/or UN institutions and mechanisms
Excellent knowledge of international standards regarding LGBTI and feminist policies, as well as social policies
Experience of building and implementing lobbying/advocacy strategies

Desirable

Experience of working with national or international NGO’s or governments tackling LBTI women and non-binary persons rights
Experience of national policy/advocacy work
Experience in piloting the governance of an international network organization

Skills/abilities

Essential:

Excellent organisation and coordination skills
Sense of initiative and ability to be self supporting, including ability to deliver under pressure and within tight deadlines
Ability to analyse, synthesize complex material
Ability to build relationships, networks and alliances
Strong interpersonal skills, in particular ability to work well within a small team and in a multicultural context
Excellent presentation skills, as well as ability to communicate to a variety of audiences in writing and oral
Group facilitation skills
Demonstrated intersectional feminist and antiracist background
Fluency in English
Good knowledge of another European or Central Asian language
Computer literacy

The following skills are an asset:

Knowledge of additional languages
Online facilitation skills
Personal experience of being part of an oppressed minority
Good at dealing with Dyke Dramas 😉

JOB CONTEXT

The EL*C Team: The person will be part of a team of 4 persons. They will liaise with a network of very diverse national and international NGOs (more than 50 organizations) in Europe and Central Asia.

Contract/Working Hours: The successful applicant will receive a part-time permanent contract to work 20 hours a week over 5 days.

Special conditions: Available to work unsociable hours (i.e: some weekend meetings for board meetings, General Assemblies and LMC meetings, time off in lieu is given). Availability to travel.

Remuneration Package: The person will be employed under its national residency law. The Gross II salary (CTC – cost to company) applicable to this position is 2000 € a month, in line with the other EL*C’s salaries.

HOW TO APPLY?

Please send your CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) which outlines why you would be a good fit for the role and for EL*C to the following e-mail address: squad@lesbiangenius.net

Please send us 2 contacts from your ex-girlfriends.. no, we are joking, from your previous work references.

The closing date will be 9.00am CEST the 31st August 2021 and the interviews will be held via Zoom, beginning of September 2021.

We are an equal opportunities employer and will provide any necessary assistance to applicants with any special requirements to participate equally in the selection process.

Download here the pdf format