Research Consultant, Liminality Consortium (F/M/D)

Turkish & English speaker (C1 Minimum)

Location: Istanbul, Türkiye

Timeframe: 1 June 2025– 30 Mars 2026 (possibility of extension)        

Part time, with flexible working arrangement  (As agreed)

Job Description:

Background / Programme Description:
The Liminality Research Consortium, hosted by the Gender Centre, Geneva Graduate institute, conducts a multi-country multi-disciplinary research to examine the gendered structural vulnerability of refugees of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity/expression through collaborative multi-stakeholder approach. Data are collected through Photovoice and qualitative interviews applying an intersectional feminist and queer lens to identify structural factors that impact the health and wellbeing of queer refugees in all their diversities. Dr Heidari, Senior Researcher at Gender Centre, the Geneva Graduate Institute, is the Principal Investigator and coordinates the Liminality Research Consortium.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Research Consultant based in Istanbul to to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in our project, focusing on fostering partnerships, coordinating research activities, and ensuring the successful delivery of the project in Türkiye.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Consortium Participation:
   • Actively participate in regular research consortium meetings.
   • Provide support and advice to the consortium as needed.
   • Attend additional meetings upon request and agreement (travel costs covered separately).
2. Partnership Management:
   • Maintain and nurture professional and trusting partnerships with key stakeholders including community organizations, refugee-led organizations, UN agencies, and other civil society organizations in Türkiye.
   • Expand partnerships with multiple stakeholders in Türkiyeto ensure successful project delivery.
3. Research Leadership:
   • Serve as the lead researcher in Istanbul, Türkiye.
   • Assist in the preparation and submission of research ethics approval in Türkiye.
   • Coordinate activities with partners, including the recruitment and engagement of participants for the photovoice project in Istanbul.
   • Support the coordination of recruitment of research participants in Istanbul.
   • Conduct up to 10 in-depth and key informant interviews, following the research protocol.

Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, or a related field.
• Experience: Experience in research, including coordinating and conducting qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews.
• Skills:
  • Highly organized with ability to work independently and proactively
  • Self-driven and reliable, with excellent task- and time- management skills
  • Strong coordination and management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Proficiency in Turkish and English are mandatory. Fluency in other languages, such as Farsi, Arabic, and/or French is highly desirable.
  • Passionate to support research and advocacy efforts for gender, queer and social justice
• Knowledge: Familiarity with the socio-political context of Türkiye, particularly regarding refugee and queer issues, is highly desirable.

Daily consultancy rates for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, local rates, and the cost of living in the region.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume, a cover letter outlining their relevant experience, proposed daily rates, and contact information for three professional references.

Our recruitment process if you are selected:

• You will be contacted by email to complete an assessment.
• An interview at the Institute or via video call (depending on your place of residence) with the Gender centre to better understand your motivations and personal skills.
• If needed, a final interview with the supervisor, who will be happy to answer your job-related questions.

Gender Equality, Diversity, Equity, inclusion

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability status, race, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

This consultancy is committed to promoting gender equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants who identify as queer (LGBTQIA+), and/or have lived experience as forcibly displaced persons, asylum seekers, or refugees are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information, candidates are encouraged to consult the Institute’s website.