ThaiNGO

Scope of Work

Consultancy for Data Collection and Comparative Analysis

USAID Thailand Counter Trafficking (CTIP) in Persons Activity

Title: ​      ​​Consultant to collect data pertinent to Agricultural work practices

Type of Contract: ​Firm Fixed Price

Reports to: ​     ​Meghan MacBain – Chief of Party for the USAID Thailand CTIP Activity

Duration:​5 months

Timeframe:​January 2024 – May 2024

Background:

USAID Thailand Counter Trafficking in Persons activity (USAID Thailand CTIP) seeks to reduce trafficking in persons (TIP) and to better protect the rights of trafficked persons in Thailand by reducing demand and incentives for using trafficked labor, empowering at-risk populations to safeguard their rights and strengthen protection systems for survivors. As a source, transit, and destination country for TIP, Thailand is impacted by this crime in various ways. USAID Thailand CTIP strengthens collaboration among the public and private sectors and civil society to promote a rights-based approach to victim identification and assistance as well as vulnerable populations’ rights protection.  

The Labor Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) guarantees migrant workers the same working conditions and protections as Thai workers. It pr​e​scribes a legal minimum wage, maximum working hours and minimum rest periods, paid sick leave, annual leave, maternity leave, and prohibitions against discrimination, workplace harassment, and child labor. However, the Act provides limited coverage to seasonal and temporary employees and domestic workers. This consultancy will conduct evidence-based research and data collection to provide feedback and recommendations on seasonal migration policy to ensure inclusion of seasonal migrant workers in social and labor protection measures. 

This will be done through a desk review on this Labor protection Act to understand how other countries in ASEAN are supporting the informal work sector. They will then conduct research targeting 500 or more informal workers in the agriculture sector addressing such issues as working hours, leave entitlements, rest periods, wages, compensation including severance pay and the use of children under 18 in the sector. A brief will then be developed with recommendations for incorporating protection of the rights of seasonal workers in the law amendment process.

Scope of Work: 

The consultant/ consulting firm will be responsible for collecting required data and conducting data analysis. Specific tasks include but are not limited to: 

• Review the Ministerial Regulation on Labor Protection in Agricultural Sector, B.E. 2547 and conduct a comparative legal study on the differences in labor practices between Thailand and other mutually agreed upon, relevant countries. This analysis should include examples of good labor practices and identify shortcomings which Thailand may have in comparison to other countries. 

• Develop an inception report outlining the instruments and protocols for data collection, guiding questions, and a work plan to carry out the task. 

• In collaboration with USAID Thailand CTIP team, refine the guiding questions and develop data collection tools and procedures.  

• Conduct a final review to check for the appropriateness of the language used in the instruments, and will translate the instrument, as it relates to the languages used in target migrant communities.  

• Pilot survey tool by conducting a small pilot exercise to ensure an existing survey tool is appropriately adapted for the local context and target populations. 

• Responsible for digitalizing and uploading the survey onto devices for data collection.  

• Conduct required data collection from workers (a minimum of 500 individuals) in agriculture sectors, specifically rubber, sugarcane, and seasonal fruits.  

• Conduct data analysis on collected and ensure that data analysis is validated by USAID Thailand CTIP before product drafting stage. 

• Ensure that data and its analysis do not contain personal information.  

• Ensure the quality and accuracy of technical information provided as well as the confidentiality and protection of collected information. 

• Creation of a research evaluation report including analysis of the information and a learning brief based on the desk research and data collection.  

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

Winrock is seeking qualified individuals, teams, or firms to carry out this work. The principal candidate must fulfill at least the following criteria: 

• Experience in conducting research, designing methodology and data collection instruments and protocols as well as consolidating and analyzing data. 

• Knowledge on relevant labor protection law and legal framework within the Thai context. 

• Strong understanding of hiring and working practices in different agricultural sectors in Thailand. 

• Experience working in humanitarian sector an asset. 

• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills and ability to foster relationships with key stakeholders. 

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with various partners including government, civil society, and communities. 

• Strong analytical skills and critical thinking skills.  

• Excellent inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking skills, and proven ability to work well in multicultural environments. 

• Ability to work under pressure, effectively coordinate others and meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of work. 

If a team of researchers, under the supervision of a principal researcher, is being proposed, please include specific roles and responsibilities for each member of the team. Each member of the team should fulfill the following criteria and complement one another’s skillset. 

PAYMENT TERMS: 

• 20 % upon approval of inception report outlining the instruments and protocols for data collection, guiding questions, and a work plan for the consultancy. 

• 30% upon submission of data collected in a presentable format. 

• 50% upon approval of the final required data sets and analysis. 

APPLICATIONS:

Applicants should send their expression of interest, a current resume, and a sample of related work/portfolio to TCTIP.recruitment@winrock.org . The subject in the email must clearly state:“Consultancy for Data Collection”.    

Closing date of applications: December 1, 2023. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so encourage interested candidates to apply promptly. 
 

Winrock is currently aware that fictitious vacancy announcements are being circulated through email messages and different websites. Winrock does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, visa, or other fees). Since logos, emblems, forms, names, and addresses are publicly available and can be easily copied or reproduced, applicants are strongly advised to take particular care in applying for vacancies, including undertaking all appropriate measures to protect against such advanced fee frauds. If you believe that you became a victim of such fraud, you may wish to report it to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action. 

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes, and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law. 

Winrock would like to thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates who meet all requisite criteria and are shortlisted will be contacted.