Call for consultant for paper on political rights of Migrant Women in the EU from a legal perspective

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WIDE+ (Women In Development Europe+) is seeking a short-term consultant to review barriers to active and passive political rights available to migrant women regarding the European Union elections and if possible, for national elections across EU member states, with particular attention to voting, eligibility for election into a political office, and legal exceptions tied to different categories of migration background.

Background to call

The research is planned to result in a publication around legal barriers to political participation of migrant women in the EU. This study forms part of the WE-EMPOWER II project, a follow-up initiative building on the findings and partnerships developed through the WE-EMPOWER project, “Expanding Tools in Addressing Barriers for Migrant Women to Participate in Democratic Life,” supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme. (see for more: https://wideplus.org/we-empower-project/). 

While the current project also addresses migrant women’s democratic participation in other ways, the study focuses only on political rights. For WIDE+, migrant women* refers to all women, including gender-diverse persons, who have been displaced between countries, trafficked, moved from third countries or within Europe, as well as second-generation migrants.

Following our previous mapping done in 2023 we found that there remains a lack of a clear and accessible EU-wide overview of how political rights for migrant women are regulated across member states. This refers to the elections on all levels, including the elections for the European Parliament. Regulations vary significantly between countries and across different levels of governance, making it difficult to identify common patterns, legal exceptions, and entry points for feminist advocacy and policy reform.

A comparative study is therefore needed to systematise existing information, clarify key differences between member states, and provide an accessible evidence base for advancing more inclusive approaches to migrant women’s political participation and democratic inclusion across Europe. 

During the consultancy, the consultant is expected to carry out desk research in the coming months, starting at the latest in September, 2026.  At best, WIDE+ aims to publish the research in the format of a paper (around 15 to 45 pages) in October, but it is possible to extend this to November 2026. Ideally the consultant could also present preliminary findings at the first days of the WIDE+ transnational capacity building event focused on promoting migrant women’s democratic participation on 24 September. This presentation could be face-to-face in Bucharest, Romania or online. 

Given the limited resources available and the fact that this assignment does not include funding for extensive academic research, the scope and depth of the analysis will be designed accordingly. At a minimum, the study should provide a comprehensive comparative overview of political rights related to elections to the European Parliament across Member States.

Scope of the Consultancy

The consultant will conduct desk-based research and comparative analysis of relevant EU and national legal frameworks. The research desk has to identify key barriers, differences, and trends affecting migrant women’s democratic participation. 

As mentioned, given the limited timeframe and resources, the research will prioritise a feasible analysis of European Parliament elections across EU Member States. Where possible, and based on available information, the study may also include insights into national-level elections as well.

The consultant will:

• Develop a methodology and conduct desk research on the legal frameworks regulating migrant women’s political rights.
• Analyse key restrictions, exceptions, and eligibility requirements affecting different categories of migrant women.
• Prepare a research paper of approximately 15 – 45 pages in English, presenting findings and recommendations in an accessible format for civil society organisations, feminist advocates, and other stakeholders.
• If possible, present preliminary findings to WIDE+ and project stakeholders during the WE-EMPOWER II capacity-building event on 24 September.

We offer

An opportunity to work according to feminist values and vision. The consultant has the possibility to conduct the work remotely, from anywhere. The consultant may be based outside the EU. However, given the scope of the network, we do not consider applications outside Europe (with Europe being defined more in line with the definition of the Council of Europe, which brings together almost 50 countries). 

The consultancy will take place between 28 August and 7 November 2026, with the majority of research activities expected to be carried out during September and October. The final timeline and milestones will be agreed upon with the selected consultant.

The consultancy is expected to require a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 20 working days, including preparation, desk research and analysis, collecting the research findings, preparation of the final publication, and delivery of a presentation during the capacity-building event. The daily consultancy rate is set at EUR 350, exclusive of VAT. 

Profile of the Consultant

Necessary Qualifications:

• Experience producing research papers, policy briefs, or analytical reports for civil society, networks, academia, and/or advocacy purposes,
• An understanding or interest about (intersectional) feminist approaches in the domain of democracy, especially the promotion of migrant women’s political rights.
• Being located in a European country, including non-EU states.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in legal research, preferably related to migration, political participation, human rights, or democratic inclusion.
• Knowledge of EU electoral frameworks and the legal context affecting political rights across European countries.
• Experience presenting research findings to civil society organisations or networks.

How to apply

Please send a CV and a 1-page motivation letter to info@wideplus.org before 23:59 PM (CET) on 18 August, 2026.  

For more information, contact the above mentioned e-mail address. Interviews will be organised shortly after the closing date.