ThaiNGO

Terms of Reference 

Consultant to undertake the Baseline Assessment for EAPHP Project 

1. Background

PHP is highly pervasive across Asia as it is deeply rooted in social norms and culture. Further compounding the problem is that teachers, parents, and caregivers often lack knowledge on non-violent discipline methods. The UN Secretary General’s Global Study on Violence Against Children published the World Report on Violence Against Children in 2007.  Since the report’s release, regional momentum to eliminate all forms of violence against children has increased. Bangladesh, the Philippines, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam have been acting on the report’s recommendations, working to prevent, respond to, and safeguard children from all forms of violence, particularly PHP. Mongolia became the first Asian country to prohibit PHP in all settings in March 2016, and while other countries have been working towards legal reform, progress has been slow.

Despite these efforts, greater focus is needed on eliminating and prohibiting PHP in all settings, as it remains widespread across Asia. Successful regional level interventions to abolish PHP in country contexts must utilise a wide range of actors and existing channels in advocating for legal reform. Regional platforms must be utilised, as they ensure effective and sustainable change through promoting dialogue and information sharing among countries. They provide a platform for governments, organisations, institutions, children, and adults to commit to ending VAC and support initiatives to prevent and respond to violence. In addition, CSOs are instrumental in mobilising social capital for change on a regional level, and are well positioned to engage with lawmakers and the public. Therefore, the project aims to achieve its objectives through strengthening the capacity of CSOs and CSO networks to advocate for the prohibition of PHP regionally.

PHP is also highly pervasive in Thailand, as it is deeply rooted in social norms and culture. One study on violence against children in Thailand revealed that 77.3% of children reported experiencing some form of physical/psychological punishment in school and/or at home.[1] A national survey conducted by the Office of Welfare Promotion, Protection, and Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups (OPP) revealed that more than 60% of Thai teachers believe that PHP is necessary, and is the most effective means of discipline.[2]

CSOs and other child rights advocates have been urging the Royal Thailand Government (RTG) to review its child protection policies and other relevant laws, as they do not explicitly prohibit all forms of PHP of children in all settings. In June 2014, the Thai government launched the National Strategy for the Prevention and Eradication of Violence against Children and Young People (2014-2019). This strategy aims to outline and improve mechanisms to prevent, respond to, and safeguard children from all forms of violence, however it does not take a clear stance on ending PHP of children in all settings. Also, while PHP is unlawful in schools and in the penal system, it is not illegal in the home and in alternative care and day care settings.

Previous Save the Children projects have demonstrated that abolishing PHP is challenging as parents, teachers, and communities practice various forms of corporal punishment. Also, the government may be reticent to prohibit PHP as it is currently under a military junta. As PHP of children is prevalent in Thailand, successful interventions must utilise a wide range of actors and existing channels in communicating with parents, caregivers, and professionals on the dangers of physical punishment, and how to implement positive and non-violent discipline.

While some CSOs have been working for a legal ban on PHP, their efforts are disconnected and uncoordinated. Many CSOs lack advocacy skills necessary for promoting legal reform or alternative forms of discipline. As CSOs are instrumental in mobilising social capital for change and are well positioned to engage with lawmakers and the public, it is essential they receive technical support to develop strategic plans, acquire relevant information and tools, and increase their capacity to advocate for policy change. With adequate resources, CSOs will be key players in implementing a comprehensive and coordinated national strategy to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against children, particularly PHP. There are current opportunities for CSOs to influence child rights advocates and high-level government officials that are receptive to legal reform. Arising opportunities include the CSO review and the amendment of the Child Protection Act B.E. 2004.

The overall objectives of this consultancy

Save the Children will hire a consultant to conduct a baseline assessment of the project on prevention of physical humiliation and punishment in family and school settings across 4 project sites, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son with the following objectives:

• Establish baseline indicator values against outputs and outcomes in the M&E matrix which can be used to monitor project progress (see Annex I) through consultations with local stakeholders and beneficiaries at school, community and government levels as follows:
  1. Conduct mapping analysis of stakeholders including CSOs, NGOs, working groups and government agencies/duty bearers (in child protection and education sectors) and consultations with selected stakeholders on the following areas:
     1. Mapping of relevant mechanisms, laws and policies on prevention of physical punishment and humiliation against children and/or non-violent discipline in home setting;
     2. Mapping of relevant mechanisms, laws, policies and curricula on prevention of physical punishment and humiliation against children and/or non-violent discipline in school setting;

• Knowledge, attitude and practice towards physical punishment and humiliation against children among key stakeholders, policy makers and duty bearers.

1. Gather and analyze primary and secondary information that will assist program staff in modifying project interventions and further refine project indicators if necessary with focus on addressing the following learning questions (in line with the Theory of Change in Annex II):
   1. Prevalence, extent and nature of physical punishment and humiliation in home and school settings in targeted areas;
   2. Knowledge, attitude and practice towards prevention of physical punishment and humiliation against children in home and school settings and/or non-violent discipline (see suggested tool in Annex III) in targeted areas;

• Public knowledge, attitude and practice towards prevention of physical punishment and humiliation against children and/or non-violent discipline in targeted areas (see suggested tool in Annex III).

1. Undertake cross-sectional study of gender and social inclusion issues related to physical punishment and humiliation in home and school settings (i.e. boys/girls, men/women, LGBTIQ, hill tribes and minority language/culture groups) in targeted areas.

2. Scope of this consultancy:

Methodology

A consultant will be hired to conduct the baseline assessment. The following is the outline of a suggested process; however, it would be expected that this would be further refined by the consultant. The baseline assessment shall be undertaken based on the Save the Children International requirements and must be in line with Save the Children’s ethical guideline (Annex III).

Preparatory work:

• Literature review of secondary data which can be used to set baseline indicator values (as applicable)
• Development of survey tools to be used for collection of baseline data.
• Development of sampling methodology for administering surveys (as applicable)
• Training of data enumerators (as applicable)
• Translation and pre-testing of survey tools
• Leading workshop with partners

Field Work:

• Leading the administering of baseline survey tools
• Leading other consultations with project beneficiaries, partners and Government as deemed necessary during baseline methodology design

Data Processing, Analysis and Reporting:

• Data entry and analysis of completed baseline survey tools
• Discussion on preliminary findings of baseline
• Draft Report and final reports (including updated Logframe matrix with baseline data)
• Presentation on key findings

3. Deliverables

Note that all deliverables will be reviewed and must be approved by the Save the Children MEAL Coordinator.

4. Consultancy Timeframe & Management

The consultancy service period for the whole assignment is 25 working days, between June-July 2017.

Consultant qualifications and profile

• At least master’s degree in child protection, education, research, social sciences or other related field
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of policy framework and stakeholders in child protection and/or education in Thailand
• Experience in large-scale survey and participatory evaluation approach
• Thai and English language proficiency
• Ability to work within strict deadlines

Management of consultancy

• The consultant will report to MEAL Coordinator
• Technical advice and child safeguarding/participation compliance: PHP Project Coordinator and Child Protection Specialist
• Save the Children should approve all plans and documents developed by the consultant

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, travel and taxes, should be all-inclusive to the proposed budget.

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)

Annex I: Logical Framework:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qjk50j1srdp4j7j/Programmatic%20Results%20Framework-THAILAND-Combined%20Mar17%20v3.docx?dl=0

Annex II: Theory of Change:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aoug34r5x6szt3t/AADSSFdEmi7JNjkXNjyLqXC7a?dl=0

Annex III: Materials on Positive Discipline manual and evaluation tool

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fvn3tc0vvzoyvt7/AABqR72Brh2OdWjdyIdfF34ja?dl=0

Annex IV: Ethical Guideline:

Before undertaking any monitoring and evaluation activity with children or adults an ethical assessment should be undertaken by the Country Office. Where appropriate, approval for an activity should be obtained from all relevant ethical or institutional review boards in-country prior to the commencement of the activity.

As per the minimum standards, at each of these stages the responsible individual or office must:

• Make sure the information gathering activity is necessary and justified:
  • Make sure that the purpose of the activity is clearly defined
  • Use the minimum sample size required to get statistically significant or valid results
  • Consider carefully the ethics of using a comparison or control group
• Adopt informed consent and voluntary participation procedures:
  • Participants must give their informed consent (either written or verbal) to participate. When children are involved consent must also be granted from an appropriate adult. Consent forms should be field tested before use. Save the Children’s Practice Standards for child participation can give more guidance.
  • Ensure that participants are well informed on the purpose of the activity and how the results will be disseminated
  • Make sure that individuals are informed that their participation is voluntary and that they have a choice to opt out
  • Confirm that participants understand the limits of the activity, in terms of benefits, and the next steps
  • Consider very carefully the use of incentives for participation and try not to use incentives where possible
• Adopt appropriate confidentiality procedures, sensitive to children’s needs
  • Ensure that all persons involved in the activity, including data gatherers, data input staff, translators etc have received training on the confidentiality procedures and signed an appropriate confidentiality agreement
  • Confidentiality may need to be breached to provide immediate protection to a child. Children and adults must be made aware of the confidentiality procedures before being asked to provide any information.
• Ensure that the costs to children of participating in activity do not outweigh the benefits, and ensure their safety at all times:
  • Adhere to Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding Policy
  • Ensure that participation is in the children’s best interests and does them no harm
  • Ensure that information gathering with children is appropriate to their age and stage of development
  • Anticipate adverse consequences and develop appropriate responses
  • Be cautious and protective and undertake ethical checks as you proceed with any activity
  • Be sensitive and flexible; if situations change you must be prepared to stop or change an activity if ethical issues cannot be resolved
• Be consultative
  • Determine whether local permission from community stakeholders or authorities is needed to proceed and adhere to any locally established institutional policies or guidelines for conducting research.
  • Information about the activity must be provided to all stakeholders
  • Prepare local communities and explain the purpose and aims of the activity
• Be sensible and prepared
  • Researchers have a responsibility to be mindful of cultural, religious, gender, and other significant differences within the research population in the planning, conduct, and reporting of the study findings
  • Ensure that those gathering information from children and/or vulnerable communities are adequately trained and ready to follow up or refer children who might need special attention as a result of research/investigation in sensitive themes.
• Respect the dignity and autonomy of those participating in the activity
  • Ensure children and/or vulnerable communities are not simply used as a means to achieve research objectives
  • Know that study participants have a right to remain anonymous.
• Be accountable
  • Adhere to the International Accountability Charter
  • Make sure that a complaints and feedback mechanism is in place for children and adults participating in the activity
  • Ensure accuracy of information during analysis, interpretation and reporting. And remain open to the findings of any study and do not allow vested interests to interfere
  • Make sure that proper acknowledgement is given at all stages, as appropriate.

Ethical issues

Every data gathering exercise involving children and vulnerable communities is theme or context specific therefore you must review all ethical considerations before undertaking a new activity.

Whenever we conduct research on people, the well-being of research participants must be our top priority. The research question is always of secondary importance. This means that if a choice must be made between doing harm to a participant and doing harm to the research, it is the research that is sacrificed.

In some cases you may decide that you cannot proceed with a monitoring and evaluation activity because of ethical issues.  In this case you may need to re-design the activity or cancel it altogether if an ethical solution cannot be found.

Additional Resources:

• International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) -  Policy governing the use of human subjects in 3ie funded studies web http://www.3ieimpact.org
• FAO Food Ethics: http://www.fao.org/ethics/ser_en.htm

Close date for submissions: 21 June 2017

Submissions should be addressed to: hr.thailand@savethechildren.org and tommy.chaiya@savethechildren.org

Please indicate in the subject as “Apply for EAPHP Consultant 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.”

[1] The Project to Support and Promote the Protection and Wellbeing of Children, Youth and Family, National Health Foundation, 2006

[2] The Study on Violent Behaviors and Approaches used with Children, OPP, Thailand, 2011,