Research consultant for training impact assessment

Project Background

Better Factories Cambodia (BFC), a Better Work programme in Cambodia, is an initiative by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) uniting governments, employers' and workers' organizations, global brands, factory owners and workers to improve working conditions in the garment, footwear, and travel goods (GFT) sector and to make the sector more competitive. BFC aims to support the application of international labour standards and compliances of national labour law in the GFT sector, at factories and across-the sector.

With the support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), BFC is conducting a project focusing on promoting effective grievance mechanisms in factories. The project aims to further strengthen the industrial relations environment, working closely with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), trade unions, Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association (TAFTAC), and other industry stakeholders. The project provides capacity building to key stakeholders in the industry to promote effective grievance handling mechanisms in the factories and industry specific guidance to solve and address grievances effectively.

Under the project outcome: “By 2027, employers and workers and their representatives uphold and are protected by national labour laws and fundamental principles and rights at work; and enterprises in the sector are more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive”, the project has three outputs:

• Output 1: Learning and capacity development programme on grievance mechanisms are developed to reflect the current status of grievance mechanisms.
• Output 2: Effective grievance mechanisms at factory level are promoted and Training of Trainer (TOT) conducted.
• Output 3: Industry workshops among different stakeholder groups conducted.

Under output 2, BFC directly provided training to 41 selected factories in the garment, footwear and travel good sector through and in-depth training on grievance mechanism. In addition, more than 100 factories have received coaching services on grievance mechanism through the BFC advisory services. The training focused on supporting factories to implement effective grievance handling mechanisms including awareness raising, improving management systems, and strengthening of social dialogue committees.

Scope of work, methodology, and expected outputs

The project team is looking for a national consultant to support conducting a study to understand the training impact and various grievance mechanisms used in the factories including apps. The objective is to assess the impact of the project, especially on its in-depth training and support provided to 41 targeted factories, focusing on the concrete results and improvements observed, and to understand what types of grievance handling channels work well. The methodology involves conducting interviews and focus group discussions with a random sample of training participants to uncover the specific outcomes achieved and to gain deeper insights into the effectiveness of the training. The consultant will be working closely with the project team to design the right methodology for the expected outputs. The expected outputs should include detailed recommendations that will contribute to the strategic planning of future interventions on grievance mechanism in Cambodia.

Key deliverables and timeframe

The research consultant will be expected to produce the following deliverables:

1. Workplan: A workplan outlining the study’s framework, objectives, methodology, ethical considerations, and a detailed timeline in consultation with the project team.
2. Data collection, analysis, and draft report: Data collection conducted and an initial report presenting the study design, data analysis, findings along with strategic recommendations for promoting and strengthening effective grievance handling mechanisms in the sector.
3. Revised Report: An updated report incorporating feedback from the technical review team and consultation with key stakeholders.
4. Presentation deck and draft executive summary: Preparation of an executive summary and a PowerPoint presentation to share findings at a BFC-hosted stakeholder event planned at the end of November.
5. Final Report: A comprehensive report (up to 20 pages, excluding annexes but subject to discussion with the project team) summarizing the context, methodology, findings, and actionable recommendations. Annexes to include all research instruments in both English and Khmer, interviewee list, raw data, and adherence to ethical standards.

The contract is expected to start no later than September 9, 2024. The number of the dates are indicative levels of effort for the expected tasks and deliverables. The number of days foreseen in one task can be reallocated to another task and adjusted in consultation with the project team. The timeline for the deliverables shall follow the following table:

Deliverables

Target due dates

Deliverable 1:  Workplan (3 days)

September 16, 2024

Deliverable 2: Data collection among selected factories and draft study report with data analysis and presentation of preliminary findings (12 days)

October 24, 2024

Deliverable 3: Revised study report addressing the feedback from the technical review team and key stakeholders (5days)

November 7, 2024

Deliverable 4: Presentation deck and a draft executive summary to be used at a stakeholder workshop (2 days)

November 20, 2024

Deliverable 5: Final report (3days)

November 29, 2024

The individual consultant is expected to consult and work closely with BFC project team. The individual consultant should have the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social science or a related discipline, such as sociology, anthropology, political science, international development, education etc.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, encompassing design, execution, analysis, and the presentation of findings.
• Extensive experiences in conducting research and writing high-quality reports on related topics.
• Familiarity with the Cambodian garment sector, labour issues, and social dialogue in Cambodia or similar contexts is a plus.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the societal, political, economic, and cultural dynamics of the region.
• Adherence to gender-sensitive practices and attitudes in professional interactions.
• Excellent interpersonal abilities, coupled with robust proficiency in written and spoken in Khmer and English.

Duration

The work under this assignment will start from September 9th, 2022, to November 30th, 2024. This timeline can be modified through mutual agreement, but the final report should be finished no later than November 29th, 2024.

Payment

The payment will be made in several instalments upon completion of deliverables and satisfactory of BFC.

Application

Interested applicants should submit their applications (expression of interest) in English accompanied by: (1) an updated CV and cover letter; (2) concept note; (3) proposed budget expenses; and (4) sample reports of similar work.  The documents should clearly outline:

• Why the applicant is suitable for the assignment.
• Personnel capacity and qualifications meet the requirement.
• Understanding of the task and methodology suggested for carrying out the assignment.
• Description of and the timeline for actions to be undertaken to fulfil the assignment.
• Outlining an estimated budget for the overall assignment including professional fees (daily consulting fee) and cost estimates with breakdown by necessary budget lines.

The expression of interest shall be sent to: bfcjobs@ilo.org by 2nd August 2024.

Confidentiality Statement

All data and information received for the purpose of this assignment are to be treated confidentially and are only to be used in connection with the execution of these Terms of Reference. All intellectual property rights arising from the execution of these Terms of Reference are assigned to IFC and ILO. The contents of written materials obtained and used in this assignment may not be disclosed to any third parties without the express advance written authorization of the IFC and ILO.