Call for Lead Researcher (Consultancy): Roma Inclusion, Participation and Equality (RIPE) Index
About ERGO Network
ERGO Network (www.ergonetwork.org) is a European network bringing together more than 30 Roma and pro-Roma civil society organisations from across Europe. We support organisations working towards Roma grassroots empowerment, equal citizenship and the fight against antigypsyism by strengthening civil society participation in decision-making processes at local, national and European levels.
ERGO Network promotes the effective implementation of European and international human rights standards, advocates for equality and inclusion of Roma communities, and supports evidence-based policy development through research, monitoring and capacity-building. Our Secretariat is based in Brussels.
Background
The Roma Inclusion, Participation and Equality (RIPE) Index is ERGO Network’s comparative monitoring initiative assessing the implementation of Council of Europe standards related to antigypsyism and discrimination against Roma and Travellers.
Building on an established methodology, the RIPE Index combines comparative desk research, structured input from Roma civil society organisations, and analysis of Council of Europe monitoring mechanisms to assess developments across 20 Council of Europe member States.
The methodology examines key thematic areas related to equality, participation and inclusion, including policy frameworks, data collection, education, housing, employment, healthcare, hate speech and hate crime, while also addressing cross-cutting issues such as the history of Roma and Travellers, the situation of Roma women and girls, and structural antigypsyism.
The consultancy forms part of a project implemented with the support of the Council of Europe, aimed at strengthening the capacity of Roma civil society organisations to monitor the implementation of Council of Europe standards and mechanisms while generating comparative evidence to inform policy development and advocacy.
Consultancy Assignment
ERGO Network is seeking a Lead Researcher to coordinate the implementation of the RIPE methodology and produce a comparative analytical report covering 20 Council of Europe member States.
The consultant will work closely with ERGO Network throughout the implementation of the project and will be responsible for ensuring methodological consistency, supporting National Focal Points and consolidating research findings into a single comparative report.
The countries covered by the consultancy are:
- Austria
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Georgia
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Key Tasks
The consultant will be responsible for:
- coordinating the implementation of the RIPE research methodology across the 20 Council of Europe member States;
- preparing and updating operational guidance and monitoring templates, where necessary;
- coordinating and providing methodological support to National Focal Points throughout the research process;
- reviewing national submissions and ensuring their consistency, quality and comparability;
- requesting clarifications and additional information where necessary;
- conducting comparative desk research using relevant Council of Europe standards and monitoring mechanisms, including ECRI, FCNM, the Commissioner for Human Rights, GREVIO, GRETA, CPT and other relevant sources;
- reviewing relevant publications and evidence from the European Commission, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), Roma Civil Monitor, national legislation and policy documents, and other relevant European and international sources, where appropriate;
- analysing comparative implementation trends, policy developments, promising practices and emerging issues across the countries covered;
- consolidating research findings into one integrated RIPE Comparative Report covering 20 Council of Europe member States;
- revising the draft report following comments received from ERGO Network and preparing a final publication-ready version.
Consultant Profile
Applicants should demonstrate:
- proven experience in comparative policy research and methodology development;
- experience coordinating multi-country research or monitoring projects;
- excellent analytical, drafting and report-writing skills;
- strong knowledge of Council of Europe human rights standards and monitoring mechanisms;
- demonstrated knowledge of Roma rights, antigypsyism, equality and anti-discrimination policies;
- experience working with Roma civil society organisations;
- ability to coordinate research involving multiple stakeholders and ensure methodological consistency;
- excellent written and spoken English.
Familiarity with the RIPE Index methodology and previous involvement in RIPE-related research or monitoring activities will be considered an advantage.
Timeframe and Budget
- Duration: July 2026 – 20 November 2026.
- Budget: Up to €15,000 (including VAT, where applicable).
The consultancy will be carried out under a service contract with ERGO Network.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit:
- a brief cover letter (maximum one page) outlining the applicant’s suitability for the assignment.
- a detailed curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant experience;
- one or two examples of previous relevant research or analytical work;
- a financial offer (expressed as a total amount in EUR, not exceeding the maximum available budget).
Applications should be sent to i.mihalache@ergonetwork.org by 17 July 2026, 23:59 CET.
For further information regarding the consultancy, expected deliverables or the RIPE methodology, please contact Isabela Mihalache at i.mihalache@ergonetwork.org.
