ThaiNGO

1. About ACTED

ACTED is a non-Governmental organization with headquarters in Paris, founded in 1993. Independent, private and not-for-profit, ACTED respects a strict political and religious impartiality and operates according to principles of non-discrimination and transparency.

ACTED’s vocation is to support vulnerable populations affected by wars, natural disasters and/or economic and social crises, and to accompany them in building a better future. The programs implemented by ACTED are in 37 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean seek to cover the multiple aspects of humanitarian and development crises through a multidisciplinary approach which is both global and local, and adapted to each context.

2. Project Background

ACTED and ADRA have been providing Vocational Training Services in nine refugees camps along the Thai-Myanmar border since 2013 to prepare refugees for potential safe and voluntary return. Selection and provision of 10 VT courses has been based on two separate labour market assessments conducted by ACTED and ADRA in 2013.

The training has focused on refugees developing and practicing VT skills which are line with Myanmar labour needs relevant to access livelihood opportunities in a wide variety of contexts, but with priority on possible repatriation to South eastern Myanmar and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) along the Thai Myanmar border. At the same time, ACTED and ADRA have supported capacity and curriculum development of TVET colleges in Loikaw in Kayah State and Hpa An in Kayin State, Myanmar

Given the recent positive political developments in Myanmar and the continuing peace process in Eastern Myanmar, there is a need to better understand the labour market needs and employment opportunities for potential refugee returnees and for the local population in the East-West corridor between Thailand and Myanmar. In particular, there is a need to identify and create linkages with medium to large private sector employers that will support training and employment opportunities for these people.

3. Objectives of the consultancy

1. Identify medium to large scale private sector employers that can potentially support training and employment opportunities for refugees returnees;
2. Identify VT areas that are relevant to the labour market needs for refugee returnees;
3. Initiate partnerships with medium to large private sector employers that can potentially support training and employment opportunities for refugee returnees; and
4. Provide recommendations for programming

4. Methodology of the consultancy

1. Desk-top review

Review of previous literature and reports to develop an understanding of the labour market needs and employment opportunities for potential refugee returnees and for the local population in the East-West corridor between Thailand and Myanmar. In addition, to identify a list of medium to large private sector employers, ethnic civil society organisations, VT related government agencies and VT related non-government organisations that can potentially support training and employment opportunities for refugee returnees.

2. Field visits

Field visit in Hpa Han and Loikaw: Identify economic development trends Kayah and Kayin states based on bilateral meetings with local authorities, private sectors actors and development agencies. Thus, the economic patterns identified will be linked to the recommendations in the final report. ACTED will organize transport to/from Kayah and Kayin and set-up meetings with relevant local stakeholders, including: GTHS Loikaw/Hpa-an, Loikaw University, Loikaw/Hpa-an Chamber of Commerce, Department of Labour, local private sector representatives.  Through these meetings, the consultant will gather first-hand information on the state of the local labour markets and livelihoods opportunities available to skilled returnees, both of which will inform the recommendations for VT programming to be offered in the final report.  Additionally, during consultations with private sector representatives, the consultant will seek to assess interest among business owners towards potential participation in the project (intern hosts, specialised training partners, networking events, etc.).    

5. Required Qualification and Skills

• At least 10 years’ experience in livelihoods and technical and vocational skill development
• Experience in conducting a similar type of market survey for an institutional donor (preferably the EU)
• Concrete experience of providing a written reports that can influence key decision-makers
• Knowledge of Myanmar context, especially in relation to Kayah/Kayin State, is an asset

6. Deliverables

1. List of medium to large scale private sector employers, Karen and Karreni civil society organisations, VT related government agencies and VT related non-government organisations that can potentially support training and employment opportunities for refugee returnees;
2. Meetings with local stakeholders in Kayah and Kayin states (GTHS Loikaw/Hpa-an, Loikaw University, Loikaw/Hpa-an Chamber of Commerce, Department of Labour, local private sector representatives)
3. Approximately 15-page report, in both English and Burmese, detailing findings from desk-top review, site visits, stakeholder consultations etc including recommendations.

7. Timeframe and duration of the mission, with expected deliverables

           A total of 14 working days.

All bids must be submitted to;