TRIAL International:  CALL FOR GENDER EXPERT

Terms of Reference

Position: Gender Expert
Project Title: Promoting Justice and Reparations for CRSV Survivors in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Duty Station:  Bosnia and Herzegovina (with possible travel to field locations)
Duration: 7 months, part-time
Reports to: Head of Programme, TRIAL International BiH
Application Deadline: 11th of August 2025

1. Background

TRIAL International is implementing a project aimed at fostering a more equitable and reconciled society in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where wartime victims’ rights are protected, gender sensitivity in justice and reparations systems is enhanced, and the rule of law and transitional justice are upheld.

The project focuses on strengthening access to justice and reparation mechanisms for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and peacetime sexual violence. It engages judicial institutions, civil society actors, and government authorities to improve survivor-centred responses, reduce social stigma, and promote gender-sensitive transitional justice processes.

To ensure these goals are achieved in a gender-responsive and transformative manner, TRIAL International seeks to engage a Gender Expert to provide technical support and strategic guidance throughout the implementation of project activities.

2. Objectives of the Assignment

  • Ensure gender sensitivity and equity are fully integrated into all project components, including legal aid, advocacy, capacity building, and reparations.
  • Strengthen the gender-responsiveness of judicial, policy, and reparations mechanisms supported under the project.
  • Support institutional stakeholders in adopting survivor-centred and gender-transformative approaches.
  • Provide expert input into public awareness and advocacy activities to combat stigma and promote survivors’ rights.
  • Embed a gender sensitivity analysis framework to monitor and evaluate gendered impacts of project interventions.

The Gender Expert will be responsible for:

  • Gender Sensitivity Analysis & Assessment
    • Conduct a rapid gender assessment to inform project implementation.
    • Identify gendered barriers to justice and reparations for CRSV and peacetime survivors.
    • Map institutional gaps and opportunities for gender mainstreaming.
  • Technical Support & Advisory
    • Review project documents and legal submissions from a gender-sensitive and feminist legal perspective.
    • Develop tools and approaches for integrating gender in legal aid and strategic litigation.
    • Provide trauma-informed and survivor-centred guidance for engagement with survivors.
    • Ensure that all gender-related recommendations and tools are systematically integrated into TRIAL International’s internal policies, operational guidelines, and project deliverables.
  • Capacity Building
    • Design and deliver gender-sensitive training materials and workshops for judiciary, government, and CSOs.
    • Promote intersectional approaches that consider age, ethnicity, disability, and other identity markers.
  • Advocacy & Communications
    • Advise on advocacy messaging and public communications to reduce stigma and promote positive narratives around CRSV survivors.
    • Ensure inclusive language and representation in all outreach materials.
  • Monitoring, Evaluation & Risk Mitigation
    • Contribute to project monitoring and reporting, including gender-specific indicators and impact measurement.
    • Identify potential risks and mitigation strategies related to backlash against gender justice work

4. Deliverables

  • Inception report and gender assessment (within first 4 weeks).
  • Gender-sensitivity checklist for project activities and legal tools.
  • At least two capacity building sessions or trainings delivered.
  • Technical inputs to legal submissions, policy briefs, and advocacy documents.
  • Contribution to donor reports and final report, including gender analysis of results.
  • Recommendations for long-term institutional gender mainstreaming in justice and reparation mechanisms.

5. Duration and Timeline

The assignment will span 7 months, beginning in August 2025. Working days and schedule will be agreed upon with the Head of Programme, with flexibility for part-time or consultancy-based engagement.

6. Qualifications and Experience

  • Advanced university degree in Gender Studies, Law, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or related field.
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in gender mainstreaming, preferably within post-conflict, transitional justice, or legal aid projects.
  • Demonstrated understanding of CRSV, survivor-centred approaches, and feminist legal analysis.
  • Experience working with victims of sexual violence and/or in trauma-informed settings.
  • Familiarity with the BiH legal and institutional context, especially related to war crimes and reparations.
  • Excellent communication, facilitation, and analytical writing skills.
  • Fluency in English and BCS languages required.

7. Reporting and Coordination

The Gender Expert will report to the Head of Programme at TRIAL International BiH and collaborate closely with the Legal Team. Regular coordination meetings will ensure alignment with project objectives and donor requirements.

8. Location and Travel

The position is based in Sarajevo, with occasional travel to other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Remote working arrangements may be considered for specific deliverables, depending on the nature of the task.

9. Application Requirements:

CV: Please provide a CV that clearly outline education,

experience, and specific qualifications relevant to the evaluation.

Evidence of Similar Work: Examples of past work.

Please submit your application no later than 11th of August 2025, to the following e-mail:

[email protected]

Terms of Reference – PDF