Legal Feminism in Jurisprudence Researcher (Locally Recruited)

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) serves as the Technical Lead for the third iteration of the European Union’s Governance in Justice Programme (EU-GOJUST) implemented in the Philippines. EU-GOJUST seeks to improve access to justice for all Filipinos and contribute to Philippine socio-economic development through a more effective, inclusive, and accountable justice system. These efforts are pursued by supporting the priorities of Philippine justice institutions such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Supreme Court, and justice-sector civil society organizations and law schools.

Supreme Court decisions form part of the law of the land and play a critical role in shaping the rights, opportunities, and lived experiences of women and marginalized groups. Judicial pronouncements can either reinforce or challenge gender-based inequalities by influencing legal interpretations of equality, autonomy, power, and citizenship. Recognizing the judiciary's significant role in advancing gender justice, EU-GOJUST supported the conduct and publication of the “Legal Feminism in Philippine Gender Jurisprudence” Study in 2022, which examined Philippine gender jurisprudence through the lens of feminist legal theory. Using feminist legal methods and various schools of feminist jurisprudence, the study analyzed 153 Supreme Court decisions from 2006 to 2022 across key areas such as marriage and family, violence against women and children, rape, sexual harassment, LGBTQIA+ issues, labor, and gendered language and representations. The analysis sought to identify how feminist perspectives were reflected in judicial reasoning and to contribute to a deeper understanding of gender-responsive adjudication.

While the original study provides important insights into the ways feminist legal methods and jurisprudential perspectives are reflected in Supreme Court jurisprudence covering the said period, a follow-up study is necessary to determine whether and how gender-responsive adjudication continues to evolve in subsequent years. To support evidence-based and gender-responsive reforms in the Supreme Court, IDLO will engage a Legal Feminism in Jurisprudence Researcher to conduct a follow-up study on selected Philippine Supreme Court decisions issued between Q3 of 2022 and Q3 of 2026. Building on the findings of the 2022 Legal Feminism in Philippine Gender Jurisprudence Study, the researcher will analyze recent jurisprudence across selected thematic areas to identify emerging trends, assess progress and persistent gaps in the application of gender-sensitive legal reasoning, and determine whether feminist perspectives have become more deeply embedded in Supreme Court adjudication.

Under the supervision of the Senior Program Advisor and in coordination with the Field Program Coordinator and IDLO’s Gender Unit in the Hague, the Legal Feminism and Jurisprudence Researcher will perform the following duties:

• Prepare an Inception Report including research objectives and questions, methodology, scope, thematic areas for review (case studies), conceptual and analytical framework, and a detailed workplan and timeline.

• Identify, compile, and categorize Supreme Court decisions issued between Q1 of 2022 and Q4 of 2026 that are relevant to the selected thematic areas covered by the study, highlighting the key legal issues, and potential relevance to feminist legal analysis and gender responsive adjudication.

• Provide an in-depth analysis of select Supreme Court cases to determine the thinking of the Supreme Court particularly on controversial gender issues.

• Prepare a draft research report analyzing selected Supreme Court decisions using feminist legal and analytical framework, including an assessment of developments in gender-responsive adjudication, identification of emerging trends and persistent gaps in identified thematic areas, and preliminary findings and recommendations.

• Present and validate initial findings and recommendations with EU-GOJUST team and the Supreme Court. 

• Incorporate feedback and submit the final Legal Feminism in Jurisprudence Study.

Throughout the assignment, the Legal Feminism and Jurisprudence Researcher is expected to use the EU-GOJUST's Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Framework, as a guiding framework, ensuring that the analysis and final output are grounded in and are aligned with its principles.

Educational Background

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s equivalent) in Law, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or other relevant fields. 

• Specialized academic training or demonstrated expertise in feminist legal theory, gender and the law, human rights law, or gender-responsive justice is highly desirable.

Professional Experience

• At least 7 years of professional experience in gender justice, legal research, jurisprudential analysis, human rights, or other related fields.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative legal research and producing high-quality analytical studies, policy papers, or reports on gender equality, access to justice, human rights, and intersectional approaches to law, justice, and social inclusion.

• Proven expertise in applying feminist legal methods, gender, analysis frameworks, and intersectional approaches in legal and jurisprudential policy research. 

• Previous experience working with the Supreme Court is an advantage.

 Specific Technical & Behavioral Competencies  

• Strong understanding of feminist legal theory and other relevant feminist legal and jurisprudential analysis approaches.

• Expertise in analyzing judicial decisions using legal and gender-responsive analytical frameworks.

• Familiarity with GESI principles and their application in justice sector programming.

• Ability to identify, compile, categorize, and synthesize large volumes of legal materials and jurisprudence.

• Capacity to assess developments, trends, gaps, and institutional progress in gender-responsive adjudication.

• Strong written and oral presentation skills, with the ability to formulate and communicate practical and evidence-based recommendations for judicial and justice-sector stakeholders. 

• Ability to work with stakeholders, including government institutions and the judiciary. 

• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and adjust to evolving project needs. 

• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. 

• Ability to take guidance, incorporate feedback, and consider various perspectives.  

• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate.

This consultancy is offered on a deliverables-based contract to be performed in the duty station (Manila), with payment disbursed upon satisfactory completion and approval of each milestone as outlined in the Terms of Reference. The total estimated level of effort for this assignment is 30 working days within a 3-month period starting October 2026, in accordance with the agreed work plan and deliverables schedule. The selected consultant is expected to commence work as soon as possible following contract signing. 

Applications will be screened on a regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

Application deadline: 18 September 2026 (23:59hrs Rome Time).