Call For Expressions of Interest in Consultancy to Develop an EAC Policy on Social Protection and Welfare at International Labour Organization

OBJECTIVES to the assessment

• The aim of the consultancy is to undertake a comprehensive review of existing literature (published, programme documents and other literature) of current policies, practices, and knowledge on social protection in the EAC Partner States and regionally (including similar economic and social institutions in Africa); and use the review in a consultative process to draft a policy guidance document that will facilitate the development of a regional policy on social protection.

SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES

The tasks required to achieve the above aims, and the expected deliverables involve the following main activities:

• Preparation of a detailed inception report underlining the proposed methodology, clear action plan for the study and timelines. The inception report should include a list of major sources of literature that will be covered as well as a list of experts to be interviewed. Literature should include ILO publications (standards, reports, recent project activities) that are relevant to social policies, particularly the coverage of vulnerable groups including migrant workers. Updated quantitative information about social protection programmes and schemes in concerned countries reflecting legal and effective coverage with social protection collected for the ILO’s World Social Protection Data Base will be made available in the process of drafting and for further evidence-building and consultations with EAC in the process of policy drafting.
• A desk-top document and literature review to highlight current policies, practices and knowledge on social protection and inclusive social protection mechanisms in the EAC Partner States**.** The focus will mainly be on how social protection is conceptualized using ILO’s framework of comprehensive social protection systems based on international social security standards highlighting the extent to which Social Protection programmes in the EAC are effectively reaching all populations including those in the informal sector, the most vulnerable particularly children, young people, persons with disabilities and those affected by HIV and AIDS. The section will also highlight the implementation of legal and effective coverage gaps and challenges that will constitute a rationale.
• A mapping of social protection mechanisms in each Partner State to determine the requirements for effective coordination and capacity building needs for enhanced coordination of social protection provision. This phase of the study will largely entail the development of a detailed 4W (Who is Where, doing What, When) matrix as a basis for the development of an integrated regional social protection policy. This will include a review of the principal social protection programmes in the Partner States; the lead agencies; the population covered and target beneficiaries; as well as opportunities for extension of legal and effective coverage; opportunities for progressive extension of coverage; and an outline of financing options.
• Development of a draft regional social protection policy. Drawing largely from activities (ii) and (iii) above, the consultant will develop a draft regional social protection policy. The draft policy will include proposed priority actions for integrated social protection at national and regional levels. This entails drafting test guidelines and standardsfor (i) delegation from regional to national to subnational governments; and (ii) coordination of social protection interventions at local levels, and linkages between these levels of coordination.

PROPOSED TIMEFRAME AND WORK PLAN

• The contract stipulates that the study should be undertaken and completed over 30 days in the period between October and November 2023.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

• 30% upon submission of inception report including his/her understanding of the assignment, detailed methodology notes, research and analysis tools and a realistic and detailed work plan
• 30% upon submission of a comprehensive review document which encompasses the examination of current policies and practices related to social protection in the EAC Partner States, assess their alignment with the ILO's comprehensive framework, analyze the effectiveness of programs reaching diverse populations, especially vulnerable groups in the informal sector, and identify gaps and challenges in legal and practical coverage
• 20% upon delivery of a detailed mapping report which includes a comprehensive mapping of social protection mechanisms in each Partner State
• 20% upon submission of a draft regional social protection policy including proposed priority actions for integrated social protection at national and regional levels, guidelines, and standards for delegation from the regional level to national and subnational governments and coordination mechanisms, fostering linkages across different levels of social protection interventions.

ASSIGNMENT SUPERVISION

• The consultant will work under the supervision of the ILO BRMM project Chief Technical Advisor, the ILO CAPSA Project Manager and the EAC Principal Gender and Community Development Officer. The EAC will ensure leadership and coordination of the policy’s design process.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT

• Advanced university degree (Masters) in social sciences, public policy, development studies, Monitoring and Evaluation or any other related discipline relevant to this assignment.
• Technical understanding of the social protection system and good knowledge of international social security standards and their application to regional and national policies.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully facilitating participatory strategy development on the national level; experience with supranational strategy development will be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to write reports, make presentations, facilitate participatory workshops, conduct focus group discussions, and facilitate training.
• Previous experience in carrying out similar assignments is desirable.
• Experience dealing with the AU, the EAC and other regional mechanisms will be an added advantage

Competencies

• At least five years of experience working and/or researching social policy, and social protection policy design
• Application of international social security standards into comprehensive policies
• Design of SMART monitoring frameworks
• Strong familiarity with the human rights-based approach for disadvantaged groups and its application to informal justice systems
• Strong oral and written communication ability
• Experience with desk reviews, FGDs and with working with CSOs
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.

Evaluation Criteria

Expertise and qualification

• Applicant has an advanced university degree (Master) in social sciences, public policy, development studies, Monitoring and Evaluation or any other related discipline relevant to this assignment.

Maximum Score - 10

• Applicant demonstrates a strong technical understanding of social protection systems and possesses a solid knowledge of international social security standards, along with the ability to apply this knowledge to regional and national policies effectively.

Maximum Score - 10

• Applicant has a proven track record in successfully facilitating participatory strategy development at the national level and experience in supranational strategy development

Maximum Score - 10

• Applicant exhibits proficiency in various communication skills, including report writing, presentation delivery, facilitation of participatory workshops, conducting focus group discussions, and providing training.

Maximum Score - 10

• Applicant has previous experience in conducting similar assignments

Maximum Score - 10

• Applicant has experience in engaging with regional bodies such as the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), or other regional mechanisms

Maximum Score - 10

- Proposed approach to deliver the ToR’s scope of work

• Applicant demonstrates (via submitted technical proposal) their expertise working on developing policies. The technical proposal includes a realistic work plan.

Maximum Score - 20

• Based on the submitted proposal, the applicant demonstrates the appropriate approach/methodology to be used to deliver on the objectives of the assignment including any innovation/new idea proposed.

Maximum Score - 20

Total - 100

• Minimum Acceptable Score for the Proposal to be considered for financial evaluation - 70

Interested consultants can send questions if any to the ILO’s Procurement Unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ADDIS_PROCUREMENT@ilo.org) until 20 September 2023. Questions will be answered and shared with the interested organizations by Close of Business on 22 September 2023.

Completed technical and financial proposals are to be submitted to ADDIS_PROCUREMENT@ilo.org by Close of Business on 29 September 2023.