The UNDP supported project entitled “Being LGBTI  in the Caribbean: Reducing Inequality & Exclusion Experienced by LGBTI People” falls under the Sustainable Human Development and Inclusive Governance portfolio and seeks to examine the experiences of LGBTI people in four select Caribbean countries: Barbados, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica. This project will simultaneously address LGBTI issues in the region from a human rights and development perspective, as well as contextualize the issues against the backdrop of civil society capacity development, community mobilization and government engagement.

The project aims to strengthen the evidence base, develop capacity and public information materials, and convene regional and national dialogues that bring together national decision makers from the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of government with LGBTI civil society organizations, their allies and other stakeholders. The proposed project will draw on UNDP’s work on human rights in the Caribbean in the context of HIV and experience in designing and implementing a similar ground-breaking regional initiative, Being LGBT in Asia.[1],[2],[3] 

While numerous reviews of the situation LGBTI people vis-à-vis laws, policies and practices have been carried out in the Caribbean, currently very little systemic/institutional data reflects the issues and circumstances of LGBTI people in the region. Governments often lack data and evidence needed to shape policies and programs for LGBTI inclusion. Many civil society organizations still need to develop solid coordination mechanisms, in order to increase their impact, to be recognised as full partners at national level and to develop joint strategies for advocacy and lobbying. Up to date data would enable analysis on the level of the rights and inclusion of LGBTI persons. Such analysis would enable the development of laws, policies, as well as advocacy programs that are more effective in instigating social, legal and political changes, partnerships and opportunities.

UNDP is seeking an Individual Contractor to support the implementation of specific activities of the Being LGBTI in the Caribbean Project.

The contract will be for a 2 month period with an option to renew.

[1] United Nations Development Program, ‘Being LGBT in Asia’, accessed 17 June 2015, http://www.asia-pacific.undp.org/content/rbap/en/home/operations/projects/overview/being-lgbt-in-asia.html.

[2] U.S. Department of State, ‘Development Officials Study Challenges of Being LGBT in Asia’, IIP Digital, 2 July 2014, http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/article/2014/07/20140702303123.html#axzz3dIhlHwK7.

[3] The first phase of “Being LGBT in Asia” included a groundbreaking joint analysis conducted by UNDP and USAID - alongside grassroots LGBT organizations and community leaders - to understand the challenges facing Asia’s LGBT community in Asia. Guided by a Senior Asian LGBT Advisory Group, and implemented in eight focus countries and ten additional jurisdictions, the initiative successfully educated and raised awareness among stakeholders about LGBTI rights and the benefits incurred when an inclusive approach is adopted in the development process. A subsequent project is now underway—“Being LGBT in Asia Phase 2”—with the support of UNDP, USAID and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)[3]. This second phase seeks to enhance the capacity of Asian LGBT organizations, so they are better enabled to advocate for protective laws and policies, as well as engage in activities that mobilize and empower communities.