TGEU is seeking an external consultant to carry out strategic messaging research and testing to inform our 2026 Trans Murder Monitoring (TMM) and Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) campaign.
Background
Each year, TGEU’s TMM/TDoR campaign raises awareness of murders of trans people around the world, honours trans lives lost, highlights the structural nature of anti-trans violence, and supports advocacy for stronger protections for trans communities. Every year, the campaign combines research, remembrance, community solidarity and policy advocacy.
For the 2026 campaign, TGEU is looking to strengthen its messaging through audience research and message testing to better understand how different audiences respond to campaign narratives and identify the most effective communication approaches.
Working arrangements
The consultant will work closely with the Communications Manager , who will act as the primary contact throughout the consultancy. The consultant will work collaboratively with TGEU’s Communications, Research and Policy teams throughout the project, drawing on their expertise to inform the research methodology, approach to focus groups, messaging for testing, and final recommendations.
Scope of the consultancy
Working closely with TGEU’s Communications Manager and with input from the, Policy and Research teams, the consultant will:
Review previous campaign materials, messaging and insights.
Design a qualitative research methodology, including focus groups and message testing.
Support the development of messaging concepts for testing in collaboration with TGEU.
Facilitate focus groups with selected audience groups.
Analyse research findings and provide evidence-based recommendations to inform the development of the 2026 campaign.
The consultant will act as a research partner, not a campaign strategist or creative lead.
This project focuses on strategic messaging research and recommendations. The research will explore how different audiences respond to campaign narratives, including questions around remembrance, structural violence, accountability, solidarity and calls to action.
Deliverables
The successful consultant will be expected to deliver:
A research and message-testing plan.
Research materials, including discussion guides and messaging concepts for testing through focus groups.
A report summarising focus group findings and audience insights.
Evidence-based recommendations for campaign messaging, audience approaches and communications priorities.
Consultant profile
We are looking for a consultant with demonstrated experience in:
Strategic communications research.
Audience insight and message testing.
Qualitative research methods and focus group facilitation.
Advocacy, human rights or social change communications.
Developing evidence-based communications recommendations.
Experience working with trans communities and/or on sensitive human rights issues is essential.
Timeline
The consultancy is expected to take place between August and October 2026 .
August: Research design and preparation.
September: Focus groups and message testing.
October: Analysis, recommendations and final reporting.
Final deliverables are expected by 14 October 2026 .
Budget