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: Handicap International
: Nonprofits / องค์กรไม่แสวงหาผลกำไร
: 1274
: 17 July 2014
Call for applications - Consultancy
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Call for applications - Consultancy
Study on Refugees’ employment and income generation opportunities in Thailand and Myanmar, with particular attention on opportunities for the most vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities in the Burmese Boarder Refugee Camps.
1. INTRODUCTION
Myanmar refugees fled the civil war in 1984. One of the longest conflicts in Myanmar is the conflict between the military regime and the Karen minority that fights for self-determination. In 1984, an important attack by the Myanmar army against the Karen National Union had as a consequence the arrival of the first refugees to Thailand. A majority of refugees in the camps belongs to the Karen ethnic group, having fled their homes because of confrontations between government troops and Karen armed groups.
Thailand is not a party to the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. The UNHCR works through a bilateral agreement with the Thai government and its programs on the Thai border are coordinated with the Ministry of Interior, the authorities at provincial and district level, and with the international and local NGO’s operating under the umbrella of the Committee for Coordination of Services to Displaced Persons in Thailand (CCSDPT). UNHCR ensures the interface with the Governments of Thailand and Myanmar organizes cross-border coordination and provides information management common services to facilitate the preparedness of refugees regarding voluntary return and other durable solutions.
In 2013, the UNHCR has stated the Thai government had no specific agenda for repatriation. However, the UNHCR started to organize workshops in order to prepare refugees to return to Myanmar . In the joint strategy of UNHCR and CCSDPT for 2013-2014, the assumption made is: the on-going political reforms and the peace negotiations in Myanmar may progress to the point at which voluntary repatriation of a large numbers of refugees become possible. UNHCR acknowledges there remains a possibility of a worsening situation which could cause significant numbers of IDPs/refugees to seek asylum in Thailand. Third-country resettlement will remain a possibility for registered refugees, but the levels are anticipated to decline.
The UNHCR guarantees that essential basic services will be maintained in the meantime in the camps. The 2013-2014 strategy takes into account the reduction of food assistance (due to funding reductions) and the need for health and education to be provided in the period leading up to return.
HI’s started working in Thailand in 1984 and first focused its actions on the delivery of mobility and assistive devices to Thai and Burmese landmine victims, most of whom needed lower limb prostheses.
Since 1998 the scope of project broadened and the project promoted provision of physical rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities and facilitating persons with disabilities access to health, education and economic activities within the temporary shelters. A community-based approach was employed to achieve this broadened scope of action.
Handicap International (HI) Thai site has been significantly evolving through the years and following the past economics and political opening in Myanmar. HI has thus expanded its projects in terms of thematic of intervention, geographical areas and number of contracts. HI is currently implementing activities in nine camps on the Thailand/Myanmar border and in three thematic:
- Rehabilitation, implemented in 5 camps
- Disability and Social Inclusion (DSI), implemented in 3 camps
- and Mine Risk Education (MRE), implemented in 9 camps
Hl’s operational strategy is based on promoting empowerment of people with disabilities through its client centered approach supporting people with disabilities to participate equally in specialized and mainstream services and access information and protection. This strategy is consistent with the European Union’s policy statement ‘Guidance Note on Disability and Development 2004’. The operational strategy of HI also directly contributes to the UNHCR’s “Executive Committee Conclusion of Refugees with Disabilities and other Persons with Disabilities protected and assisted by UNHCR No. 110 (LXI) – 2010”, which recognizes the marginalization and exclusion of refugees with disabilities and recommends that they should receive appropriate protection, assistance and should have barrier free access to information. Furthermore it recommends that people with disabilities should have access to both inclusive mainstream and specialized services. The project also contributes directly to articles 11, 16, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 of United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – UNCRPD, all of which emphasize the aspects such as freedom from exploitation, violence and abuse; living independently, having personal mobility, and access to health, habilitation and rehabilitation services; right to work and employment. The UNCRPD has been ratified by both Thailand in 2008 and Myanmar in 2011.
2. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Justification of the study
Taking into account that people with disabilities remain one of the most vulnerable groups among people living in the shelters, they deserve a specific attention in assessing their chances to get access to economic opportunities whether in Thailand or in Myanmar if they decide to repatriate, in respect to the basics principles for protection of most vulnerable groups while assessing durable solutions options.
People with disabilities within the camps lack livelihoods opportunities and services are not always accessible. Livelihood opportunities within the camps offer limited options to refugees to practice their skills and run a livelihood activity providing sufficient income. Furthermore, the humanitarian and more especially food assistance services in camps are progressively decreasing. This situation leads to refugees going outside of the camps to seek alternative solutions within a set perimeter. Refugees need to reinforce skills to access livelihood opportunities that help to reduce dependency on external assistance within the camps and prepare them in case of repatriation to Myanmar. This is particularly important in a return context where refugees will no longer be able to rely on humanitarian assistance to provide food, water, shelter, health, education and other relief items. Refugees lack clear information on the current legal framework and existing livelihoods opportunities in Thailand and Myanmar, whether through wage or self-employment, public and private support mechanisms for income generating activities, apprenticeship placements etc. In this context, people with disabilities face additional barriers in accessing services. These opportunities are often not accessible to people with disabilities. There is a need to carry out a study on the labor market in Thailand and Myanmar. In doing so, particular attention should be given in assessing opportunities matching the needs of the most vulnerable groups among refugees and those with disabilities currently living in the temporary shelters. The study should also assess the accessibility of already existing opportunities for people with disabilities. Some stakeholders have already conducted survey and research on livelihood in this context but they lack of inclusiveness perspective.
Objective of the study
The study meant to facilitate the implementation of the different options for durable solutions for refugees in line with the sector strategy highlighted in UNHCR “Sustainable framework for durable solution”. The development of the Livelihood Sector is a cornerstone of this strategic framework which envisions conducting comprehensive needs assessments to design relevant skills trainings that coincide with livelihood opportunities and promote independence and self-reliance. The same document also stresses the importance of ensuring equitable access and participation of vulnerable groups.
The study is intended to contribute to improve self-reliance and livelihoods in the Burmese camps for the most vulnerable refugees more specifically people with disabilities.
Specific objectives of the study
• To improve understanding and document/analyze the labour market and its access to people with disabilities on the Thailand - Myanmar border camps in the perspective of the durable solutions including repatriation of refugees in Myanmar.
• To improve understanding from livelihood services providers in the camps about how the skills developed in the camps are matching with labor market out of the camps in Thailand and assess their level of inclusion (existing barriers, e.g. physical, attitudes, practices, policies)
• To increase awareness of the above issues amongst refugees and humanitarian and development stakeholders
Key questions of the study
• What are the livelihoods opportunities (including self employment, income generating opportunities) and individual skills currently developed amongst the refugees in the camps? Are those opportunities and skills developed accessible to people with disabilities (existing barriers, e.g. physical, attitudes, practices, policies)?
• What are the livelihoods opportunities in Thailand (outside the camps). Who are the employers/livelihoods stakeholders, what are their approaches and experiences with the camps? Is there any interest in partnering with HI and with service providers active in the camps?
• What are the livelihoods opportunities (including self employment, income generating opportunities) and individual skills currently developed in Myanmar for refugees while repatriated? Are those opportunities and skills developed accessible to people with disabilities?
• Are there any opportunities to enhance networking among employers located in the areas surrounding the camps to facilitate information sharing and bringing together labour supply and demand?
• Are there any opportunity to create linkages between the network of Disabled People Organizations in Thailand engaged in vocational trainings/livelihood activities and people with disabilities living in the shelters and their self-help groups for exchange of experiences based on research findings?
3. METHODOLOGY
The exact methodology should be proposed by the consultants in their applications.
The methodology should include but not limited to the following:
Literatures review especially that of people with disabilities within the temporary shelters. It will use HI’s experience in working on improving the access to livelihoods to people with disabilities. HI will share on its experience in Kyrgyz Republic, in Vietnam/China/Laos, in the Philippines and more broadly scoping missions done prior to project development (with similar methodology) to support the survey on the labor market
Data collection amongst relevant key stakeholders, livelihoods service providers and potential employers within and outside the camps. HI, using its existing network will support the identification of the key informants within the camps.
Quantitative and qualitative primary data collection and analysis on what refugees are already doing inside and outside the camps and explore how those activities can be expanded and capitalized on. All possible linkages with opportunities in Thailand and Myanmar should be established and explored so that such skills gained by refugees can be practiced and enhance the refugees’ professional experience.
In Myanmar, the research will be limited to a literature review of secondary sources and in depth interviews with key actors and stakeholders in Myanmar. The reason why we opted for this approach is due to the still unpredictable and unstable situation in Kayan state, area where most of the refugees are coming from and the incapacity of HI at present to have access to these areas. HI thus estimates that this could be the first step for further studies and investigation in the future.
4. DELIVERABLES
The applicant in charge of the assignment will:
• Organize one day debrief with HI regional program coordinators and project managers of the preliminary findings from the research.
This workshop should include the following presentations in power-point:
o Key points from draft report outline
o a detailed explanation of the methodology used by the researchers
o a detailed explanation of the methodological assessment tools used
o preliminary findings/results of the research
o recommendations
• Organize a restitution workshop to the stakeholders acting in the livelihood sector in the refugee’s camps namely CBOs, NGOs and International organizations, UNHCR and as well potentially the Royal Thai Government. During the workshop the consultants will
o Remind the objective of the study
o briefly share the methodology used
o present the results and findings of the srudy
o explain the limits of the research
o Collect feedback and comments from the participants. and insert outputs of the workshop annexed to the final report
Following the workshops, the selected applicant will produce the final study report, incorporating relevant feedback from the workshop participants and other comments submitted by HI staff. The final study report should be clearly divided into the following sections:
1. Executive summary of the study findings
2. Introduction to the context
3. Research methodology, including selection and sampling methods, and mention any
Constraints and challenges encountered, and strategies used to overcome them
4. Detailed key findings and conclusions related to the main objectives
5. Recommendations
6. Annexes – all data collection tools,
7. List of persons met during the research process and salient points of the meetings
Two hard copies and a soft copy (in Microsoft Word), in English, and will be translated in Thai and Burmese/Karen of the final research report must be submitted to HI no later than 2 weeks after receipt of comments from HI on the preliminary findings report.
Within the report confidentiality will be respected when representing personal information. Photos used will have HI permission form completed, any inclusion of pictures of children will have the statement within the document…. “All names & information about the location of children and family privacy in conformity with HI Child Protection Policy”
TIMEFRAME
The consultancy is expected to start from mid august 2014 and shall be completed not later than December 15th, 2014 with all deliverables submitted.
On the basis of the proposed timetable laid down in these Terms of Reference, the applicant must set up a detailed work schedule for the performance of the service.
The work schedule must clearly specify the manner in which the Consultant will approach the activities required to perform the service.
The schedule must indicate the progress and/or the standard of service performance, including the criteria and/or indicators to check that the service provision is proceeding smoothly.
INDICATIVE WORK SCHEDULE
Activity Start date End date
Call for expression of interest 4th July 30th July Handicap International
Selection of the applicant and contract signing 31st July 10th August
Handicap International
Preparatory work: fine-tuning of the study protocol, methodology, analysis of gaps through a literature review and stakeholders meetings. Submission of protocol design & tools for validation to HI. 11th August End August
Research team & Handicap International
Data collection End August
Research Team
Data analysis, drafting preliminary results and recommendations Early November Research Team
Organizing HI debrief workshops and stakeholders workshops Mid to end November Research Team & Handicap International
Submission of draft final report Early December Research Team
Submission of all deliverables 15th December Research Team
5. COORDINATION
The selected applicant will be oriented and supported by HI team in both countries (Cambodia/Thailand) and guided by HI Livelihood Technical advisor based in South Asia region. Furthermore, HI Regional Technical Unit Coordinator based in Cambodia and covering Cambodia & Thailand Program will provide technical inputs on inclusion on a regular basis. Monthly reviews will also have to take place to assess progress against the set objectives and take decisions for further steps.
6. EXPERTISE REQUIRED
Specification of the requirements.
The research will be carried out by a team of experts including at least an international senior consultant leading the study, a national consultant and a full field research team (research officers, data, and statistician, interpreters (Karen Thai & English)) to fulfil the objectives of the assignment.
The senior team leader who will endorse responsibility of this assignment should have at least the following skills, experience and knowledge:
- Minimum of 3 years demonstrated experience in project research and related methodologies, preferably in South East Asian context.
- Proven experience and publication of studies conducted
- Experience in conducting participatory (qualitative and quantitative) research techniques
- Excellent spoken and written English
The team of experts (including the team leader) should combine the following skills, experience and knowledge:
- Knowledge and significant experience in livelihoods sector
- Experience and knowledge in community participation
- Experience and/or knowledge in refugee contexts
- Experience with regard to disability would be an asset.
- Spoken & written English, Karen and Thai languages
Handicap International is committed to protect the rights of the children and opposes to all forms of child exploitation and child abuse. HI contractors must commit to protect children against exploitation and abuse, and will be expected to sign a Code of Conduct
7. TERMS AND CONDITIONS - APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates should submit the following with their application:
1. Technical proposal including brief cover letter, understandings of the assignment, detailed proposed methodology based on the Terms of Reference, a work plan including coordination mechanisms with HI.
2. CVs of proposed team (experts and support staff), list of similar experiences/assignments highlighting those focused on livelihood and/or local development and/or disability research.
3. Two references
4. Registration certificate (copy)
5. One relevant example of published work
6. A budget breakdown for the consultancy including fees, travel, accommodation etc.7. List of relevant Documents requested for the contractual process in case of selection (Passport, insurance, fiscal registration…)
The applicant must integrate all expenses related to the study which should include flights, logistics, organization of workshops etc. These should be integrated within the financial application.
Maximum budget available: 70 000 US$
Evaluation of the expression of interest will be made through a selection committee only if complete application is received. Criteria to select the best application will be based on quality of the methodology, human resources dedicated to the study, realistic work plan, previous experiences, demonstrated expertise of the applicant, and competitive financial proposition.
Complete applications should be sent to:
Hlima RAZKAOUI , HI Thailand Coordinator: bbpmgr@thailand-hi.org
Copy to:
Gilles Nouziès : HI Cambodia – Thailand program director direction@hicambodia.org
Anita Pearson, HI Regional Technical Unit Coordinator techn.coord@hicambodia.org
Applications submitted by email should indicate as subject:
Handicap International Thailand - Livelihoods study consultancy application
Deadline for submission: July 30th 2014, 5 pm GMT
Applications submitted after the deadline (day or hour) will not be considered.
Selected applicant will contacted after decision from selection committee (Expected August 5th).