The Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) Central Asia office announces an open call for experts, researchers, and analysts to develop policy briefs and white papers under the project “Civil Society for Kazakhstan (CS4K),” funded by the European Union, on the topic:“Enhancing Legal Protection and Sign Language Training Integration into Government Agencies’ Work.”
We invite experts, researchers, and analysts to join this initiative aimed at addressing a critical social issue: improving the quality of sign language services and protecting the rights of people with hearing impairments. The project will be implemented by the “Maktaaral Society of the Deaf” in collaboration with the Foundation for Parliamentary Development in Kazakhstan.
Relevance and Significance of the Project
The project will enhance accessibility to sign language for vulnerable groups, reducing discrimination and isolation. It will establish a certification system for sign language professionals, ensuring legal protection for individuals with hearing impairments. Through analysis, it will identify service gaps and improve service quality. Transparency and the removal of bureaucratic barriers will improve access for target groups. This project aims to lay the groundwork for creating a more inclusive society in Kazakhstan.
Key Responsibilities for Experts
1. Policy Briefs:
- Scope: Prepare policy briefs (8,000–10,000 words).
- Objective: Develop practical recommendations for government agencies and NGOs to improve legal protection and implement sign language training.
- Collaboration: Work closely with local NGOs, IWPR CABAR editors, and specialized partners.
2. White Papers:
- Scope: Develop in-depth documents (20,000–30,000 words).
- Objective: Analyze existing barriers and propose long-term strategies for legal protection and sign language training initiatives.
Minimum Requirements:
- A university degree in public policy, human rights, social sciences, or related fields.
- At least 3 years of proven experience in policy analysis or human rights advocacy.
- Strong analytical skills with a track record of relevant publications.
- Fluency in Russian (knowledge of Kazakh and English is an advantage).
Terms of Work:
Selected experts will collaborate closely with the “Maktaaral Society of the Deaf,” the Foundation for Parliamentary Development in Kazakhstan, and IWPR CABAR editors.
Scope of Work:
- Conduct a comprehensive analysis of key issues related to legal protection and sign language training, based on data collected by civil society organizations (CSOs).
- Prepare policy briefs and/or white papers focused on improving service quality, enhancing accessibility to sign language training, and creating a certification mechanism for specialists.
- Develop actionable recommendations to address deficiencies in sign language services and strengthen legal mechanisms for the protection of people with hearing impairments.
- Collaborate with organizations like the “Maktaaral Society of the Deaf” and the Foundation for Parliamentary Development in Kazakhstan to understand the local context and devise strategies for disseminating results.
- Work with IWPR CABAR editors to prepare high-quality, audience-adapted documents promoting inclusive policy solutions.
Benefits of Participation:
- Contribute to a socially significant project with local and international partners.
- Publish your work on the CABAR.Asia platform, reaching a broad audience.
- Receive financial compensation for completed work.
- Apply individually or as a team (compensation is fixed per completed document).
Deadline for Applications:
December 31, 2024, at 23:00 (Almaty time).
How to Apply:
To apply, send the following to damira@iwpr.net:
- Your resume.
- A cover letter outlining your interest.
- Two samples of relevant work and/or two references from organizations you have previously collaborated with.
Join us and be part of a project that transforms lives and builds a more inclusive society!
This publication was funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of IWPR and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.