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Save the Children International is looking for a Consultant for Policy Advocacy Research for 7% Project

JOB TITLE:  Consultant for Policy Advocacy Research for 7% Project

TEAM/PROGRAMME: Human Resources   LOCATION: Bangkok, Thailand

Background 

According to the World Health Organization, road traffic accidents are responsible for more than 1.2 million deaths globally each year, with motorcycle accidents accounting for nearly a quarter of these deaths. In 2012, 14,059 people were killed on roads in Thailand, resulting in a road death rate of 36.2 per 100,000 people. Road accidents are the second leading cause of death of Thai children. Most children travel on motorcycles daily, and while Thai law mandates helmet use for motorcyclists, only an estimated seven percent of children wear helmets. Research indicates that helmet use is the single most effective means of preventing injury among motorcyclists; it reduces risk of death by 40% and severe head injury by 70%. 

To address the above concerns, Save the Children initiated the 7% Project in 2014 to establish a coordinated effort among road safety key actors in the country in promoting a culture of helmet use and road safety for children riding motorbikes. The project’s four components are: 

• Education – teaching children the importance of and how to wear helmets, using peer influence to change behaviour
• Police Engagement – working with teachers, parents, and police to ensure that children wear helmets every time when riding motorcycles
• Media and Outreach – campaigning to include helmets as part of school uniforms, and conducting nationwide messaging, events, advocacy, and social mobilisation efforts
• Adaptation – designing helmets that youth want to wear, and providing opportunities for children to customise their own helmets

Purpose of Consultancy

In order to achieve the goals of the 7% Project, an effective policy advocacy and campaign strategy based on sound policy research is required. With this, Save the Children is seeking a consultant to provide technical expertise in conducting a comprehensive policy research relevant to road safety initiatives for children in Thailand. This consultancy expects to guide the project implementation team and partners in undertaking policy advocacy initiative with school authorities and other partners.

Scope of Consultancy

In close coordination and consultation with the Project Implementation team (PIT), the consultant is expected to undertake the following main tasks:

1. Conduct a policy research and mapping relevant to road safety/helmet use among children in Thailand

This policy research is expected to include a comprehensive study on existing policy structure, amendment procedure, policy channels, feasibility of a proposed change and stakeholder mapping of the agencies relevant to the area of helmet - road safety and pertinent to the effective advocacy effort in the target area.

The research shall focus on the key target agencies including, but not limited to, Ministry of Education, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and other policy bodies.

The consultant will collect relevant statistics on road safety and helmet use to build the evidence needed to support policy advocacy.

1. Design and Lead the Policy Dialogues with key stakeholders and potential advocates

The consultant shall design and lead the facilitation of policy dialogues with key stakeholders and potential advocates i.e. academia, parent associations, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), civil society including Road Safety Workgroup members, education authorities (Ministry of Education, OBEC, BMA, school authorities), and police, to discuss proposed policies development or reform for promoting helmet use among children riding motorbikes.

1. Draft policy recommendations and key messages

Building upon the results of the (Item 1) policy research and the (Item 2) policy dialogues with the key stakeholders and potential advocates, the Consultant, is expected to develop or formulate policy recommendations and refine key advocacy messages to promote helmet use among children in Thailand.

In undertaking the above tasks, the consultant is also expected to accomplish the following:

1. Regularly discuss and report to the Senior Child Safety and DRR Officer and/or Project Coordinator, on the developments or any concerns related to the above tasks or the overall consultancy work;
2. Consult with the project implementation team for information validation or prior direct coordination with partners or target schools for the implementation of activities.

Key Deliverables: All deliverables are in English

Consultancy period:

The consultancy service period is approximately 60 working days, from November 2016 to 31 January 2017.

Management of Consultancy

The consultant will be directly reporting and be accountable to the Advocacy Coordinator and Road Safety Project Coordinator. At the same time, Save the Children, as represented by the Advocacy Coordinator and Road Safety Project Coordinator, will approve all outputs or documents developed by the consultant, related to the consultancy engagement.

Key Qualifications:

1. Proven experience in research and strong track record in policy research
2. Familiar in government relations or similar fields
3. Have their own teams and assets
4. Eligible to work in Thailand
5. Excel in communicating and producing research content/ presentation in both Thai and English
6. Available for the 7% Project’s team meetings upon request
7. Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines

Consultancy Budget

The consultant is requested to submit the proposal and detailed budget with their application letter. The financial competitiveness of the fee will be considered in the selection process. Costs involved in the assessment such as materials and travel, will be covered by Save the Children.

Submissions for the consultancy

The submission must address the terms of reference and include: 

• Name and contact details of applicant
• Resume of the lead consultant
• A cover letter outlining the relevant experience and expertise of the consultant and initial ideas on the approach to be taken the achieve the consultancy objectives
• A draft summary proposal of the research scope, design, methods, and field implementation approach (maximum 5 pages)
• A detailed quote in THB (including travel and other costs)

Deadline for submission of application is on 15 November 2016     

To apply, please send your application and CV to HR & Admin Manager at email address: Thailand, HR

Please indicate in the subject as “Apply for – Consultant for Policy Advocacy Research for 7% Project_(Name of candidate)”

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

“We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.”