ThaiNGO

Location: Thailand

Contract Type: Consultancy Contract

Application Deadline: 30 September 2018

Please refer to TOR for your reference:  http://th.thaingo.org/files/ToR_Behind the Brands Project Consultant.pdf

INTRODUCTION

In 2013, Oxfam initiated the Behind the Brands (BtB) campaign engaging agrifood companies in a race to the top on sustainability policies. Target companies made significant new commitments, especially on land, water, and gender. As companies focus on implementation of their commitments, so too will Oxfam through a new “BtB 1.1” global program.

Thailand is important to BtB transformation as a center of production of agricultural commodities.  Thailand is a major global producer of key commodities.  It is the third largest palm oil producer, the fourth largest sugar producer, and is in the top ten of other key commodities such as rice (key regional and global supply chains), farmed fish and cassava.  Like India and Brazil, while its rural economy has developing country characteristics, overall it is moving into the ranks of Middle Income Countries and therefore a key, emerging market for brands.  It is home to 13 companies on Forbes Global 2000, including Thai Beverage and CP  and to other major multinational seafood and sugar companies, both public and private, including Thai Union , Mitr Phol, and KSL. Mitr Phol and KSL are part of our existing efforts to resolve land conflicts in Cambodia with Coca-Cola.  It is a key country for resolving rights: The Land Matrix has information on 14 land acquisitions involving Thai companies in Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Myanmar. Groups estimate that between 2-3 million migrants working in Thailand, largely from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, many working in value chains, many undocumented and vulnerable to exploitation.

Oxfam in Thailand’s focus on influencing the private sector in Thailand is to adopt responsible and inclusive policies and practices to end inequality.  This is a natural fit for BtB 1.1. The program lays specific focus on bringing transparency in private sector policies and practices with a ‘prevent, respect and remedy’ framework of the UN Guiding Principles in mind. Within this thematic umbrella fit accountability, gender, land, and climate, all of which are also thematic areas of focus for Oxfam in Thailand. This project will help to lay foundation for in-country private sector engagment through developing benchmarks and raising the bar on supply chain transparency for all companies to follow: BtB companies have the expertise and resources to take that lead. There isn’t a community player who represents the views of growers. Oxfam seeks to fill this gap. With this project we will start with a scoping study and developing relationships with key civil society partners. Simultaneously, we’ll leverage the influence of the BtB companies focused on sustainability in sugarcane sourcing in Thailand to create additional space and opportunities for engaging with Thai sugar companies in the future.

JOB PURPOSE:

The consultant will work full time to support the achievement of the first phase of this project as below: 

• Position Oxfam as a key organization in Thailand supporting CSOs and local communities to demand accountability and responsibilities from private players in sugar sector on social impacts and human rights.
• Lay the groundwork to further develop the BtB 1.1 initiative in Thailand, which requires:
  • Better understanding the landscape and issues through research, and mapping our targets
  • Understanding policy gaps through analysis
  • Developing relationships with partners working on these issues on the ground
• Develop a medium-term BtB 1.1 plan, funding contingent.

SKILLS AND COMPENTENCE:

Applicants should have demonstrated expertise in partnership building; supply chain sustainability and agricultural commodities; and some research experience.

• Thai nationals only.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working in either profit or non-profit sectors including research institution in the areas of agriculture supply chain management, sustainability project management, multi-stakeholder partnership, action research, journalism, etc.
• Demonstrate good understanding of women’s rights, informal workers, climate change and community rights.
• University degree (Master’s degree preferable) on relevant areas of study. Good written and spoken English is essential.  
• Demonstrate some strong areas in strategic partnerships and relationships building (i.e. stakeholder and interest mapping, planning, mutual consultation, sharing information and data, develop common messages).
• Mature and professional attitude and approach; have good communications skills and adaptability to the diverse circumstances; ability to plan and manage work independently; ability to travel.
• Home-based work with max. 2 days per week working in the Bangkok Office to plan and share the latest information and progress. Possess own laptop

HOW TO APPLY: Please send your letter of interest and address concisely the eligibility of the consultancy work along with detail CV and expected salary to NQuamman@oxfam.org.uk 

Your e-mail should have the subject line BtB Project Consultant.

Oxfam is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from women, minority and underrepresented groups.

Oxfam is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those that are suitable to work within our values are recruited to work for us.