ThaiNGO

A. Background

Foundation for Older Persons’ Development (FOPDEV) was founded in December 1999 as a nongovernmental organisation dedicated to working with and for older persons in Thailand, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. Promoting income security in old age and strengthening the capacity of older people to effectively engage in development are among its key priorities. FOPDEV is an active member of HelpAge International, a global network organisation on ageing that aims to promote the wellbeing and inclusion of older women and men and reduce poverty and discrimination in later life.

As an Implementing Partner of UNFPA under the work plan on “Facilitation of Technical Support for UNFPA on the Life-Cycle Approach to Population Ageing”, FOPDEV’s mandate and field of work align with UNFPA’s programmes under ‘Output 3: The policy environment is strengthened through the utilization of evidence on population changes and megatrends, including population ageing and climate change, for the development and monitoring of population policies and programmes. As part of the UNFPA  5-year Country programme document for Thailand (2022-2026), the 2023 Annual Work Plan includes generating evidence for advocating a rights-based life-cycle approach to population aging and informing policymakers, utilizing social return on investment (SROI) in project management, increasing availability of knowledge packages for age-inclusive approaches, development of the life cycle digital platform's features and functionalities, enhancing access to essential services through the platform, and coordinating meetings with project partners for the Life-Cycle Digital Platform.

B. Purpose

This assignment aims to contribute to generating and increasing the availability of knowledge packages related to age-inclusive approaches and vulnerable older persons and other vulnerable persons. To achieve this purpose, FOPDEV seeks professional services from an academic institution to gather community evidence on age-inclusiveness in community-based initiatives. This community research will document the organisation’s experience and innovations in promoting older people's well-being through working with community-based organisations (CBOs), including older people’s associations/clubs. The results will support the production of knowledge packages related to age inclusion and vulnerable persons, including older women and those with disabilities, and could be used to raise awareness of key stakeholders and policy advocacy at different levels.

C. Scope and focus

The study will

• cover at least 2 locations in three provinces Chiangmai, Chiangrai and Marasakham, where FOPDEV has worked in the past years through different projects.
• highlight the themes of focus of the selected locations, which could include health, income generation/ food security, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation.
• investigate and analyse 1) the role of FOPDEV and the process they use in supporting and working with CBOs; 2) describe how these CBOs operate, including relating to gender and intergenerational relation and disabilities 3) their achievements and impacts on older people’s lives and families/communities; 4) sustainability and potential for replication; and 5) lessons learned and recommendations.
• include gendersensitive and intergenerational approaches.

D. Methodology and specific tasks

1) Clarify and agree with FOPDEV and UNFPA’s focal point on the research and methodology's scope and focus, data gathering tools, and deliverables.

2) Hire research assistant(s) to support the lead researcher in conducting the research.

3) Desk review of relevant materials, especially the documents of the projects included in the study, provided by FOPDEV.

4) Work with FOPDEV staff to arrange logistics, travel and venues for the evidence-gathering in the selected communities.

5) Collect field data according to the scope, focus and methodology agreement.

6) Draft a full report and share the report with as well as present key findings to the FOPDEV team and UNFPA focal point for comments.  

7) Prepare the final draft incorporating the feedback and present the results with wider key stakeholders if requested.

Note: The UNFPA project manager will manage the research process and be supported by relevant project staff from FOPDEV, including SMT, if needed.

E. Deliverables

The consultant will

1) Prepare an inception report that includes a detailed methodology, a work plan, and an outline of the report.

2)  Prepare a draft report (in Thai) for comments and presentation of key findings.

3)  Produce a full report of about 20 pages in Thai and English plus annexes (in Thai only) in an outline to be agreed with the FODPEV team. 

F. Indicative timeframe

G. Skills and Experiences required:

FOPDEV anticipates hiring a consultant (individual or team) with the following qualifications:

Essential

• Advanced degree(s) in social work, development, social policy or another field relevant to the nature of the study
• Extensive experience with development assistance delivered through CBOs in Thailand
• Familiarity with ageing and older people's issues, including age inclusiveness and other vulnerable groups, including disability.
• Experience with similar research
• understanding of the country's context
• Exceptional analytical and summarising skills
• Appropriate IT/computer skills
• Writing skills in Thai and English with a clear, simple writing style

Desirable

• Working experience with older people and/or older people’s associations or clubs.

H. Budget

FOPDEV anticipate spending between 300,000 to 320,000 Baht for this assignment. The contract will be output-based rather than time-based.

I. How to apply  

Applicants are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) of about 3 pages plus annexes for delivery of the assignment, including:

• A cover letter -Summary of skills and experience relevant to the skills and experience required.
• Consultant’s understanding of the assignment in their own words
• Any comments or suggested revisions to this TOR
• Initial work plan with target dates
• Budget (see below)
• CV(s) and an example of a relevant piece of work annexed.

The costing/budget should include professional fees (daily rates x number of days) and any other costs to carry out the assignment.

 A panel will evaluate EOI and select based on the criteria outlined in the Skills and Experiences section.

Selection of the Consultant will be by a panel and based on the experience of the Consultant, the quality and relevance of the expression of interest, and the proposed budget (i.e., value for money, within resources available).

J. Questions and the deadline for submission of EOI

Questions or requests for further clarifications should be submitted in writing to the contact person below:

Name of a contact person at FOPDEV: Narathip Thepmongkol

Email address of contact person:  narathip.fopdev@gmail.com

The deadline for submission of questions is 21^st August 2023. Questions will be answered in writing and shared with parties as soon as possible after this deadline.