Call for Consultancy Applications for Study on the Working Conditions

Required documents

• The consultancy will involve conducting an evidence-based study across Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champasak provinces, engaging a diverse sample of 400 platform workers, including motorcycle riders, taxi/Tuk-tuk drivers, platform company staff, entrepreneurs, food stand and restaurant workers, youth, local authorities, and civil society organizations. The study will examine labor rights, occupational health and safety, social protection frameworks, and gender- and youth-specific challenges to inform policy reforms.
• Application Criteria
• Required Application Documents
• Technical Proposal: A comprehensive approach paper (maximum 10 pages) detailing the methodology, proposed work plan, and timelines to meet the study objectives as specified in the Terms of Reference (ToR). The proposal should highlight mixed-methods research, gender-disaggregated analysis, and participatory research approaches.
• Financial Proposal: A detailed budget in USD or Lao Kip, providing a clear breakdown of costs for technical services (e.g., research design, data collection, enumerator training, data analysis, report writing), travel expenses (e.g., flights, ground transportation, accommodation, per diem), and other associated costs (e.g., workshop logistics). Note: Oxfam will directly remit the 5% income tax to the Lao tax authority.
• Curriculum Vitae(s): CVs of the proposed consultant(s) (maximum 3 pages each), demonstrating relevant expertise in labor rights, social protection, OSH, or informal economy research. For team applications, include a clear outline of roles and responsibilities.
• Evidence of Previous Work: Two non-confidential examples of prior studies or reports showcasing experience in labor market analysis, social protection frameworks, or gig economy research.
• Proof of Registration: A copy of valid business registration for enterprises or consulting firms, as applicable.

Quality

• Specialized Knowledge: Demonstrated expertise in labor rights, social protection, occupational health and safety, or informal economy research, preferably in Laos or comparable developing country contexts.
• Research Excellence: Proven ability to design and execute robust mixed-methods studies (quantitative and qualitative), including survey design, statistical analysis, thematic analysis, and gender-sensitive methodologies, with a track record of producing high-quality, publishable reports.
• Gender and Inclusivity Focus: Strong commitment to applying a gender-transformative lens to ensure equitable participation and representation of diverse groups, including women, youth, and ethnic minorities.
• Ethical Research Standards: Adherence to ethical research practices, ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and inclusivity in data collection and stakeholder engagement.

Capacity

• Fieldwork Experience: Extensive experience conducting face-to-face key informant interviews (KIIs) with diverse stakeholders, including government officials (e.g., MoLSW, LSSO), platform operators, trade unions, and platform workers, in the specified provinces.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Proven cultural competence in engaging with multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities in Laos to ensure respectful and appropriate interactions.
• Travel Capability: Ability to travel to Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champasak provinces for fieldwork, interviews, and participatory workshops.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English for report writing and stakeholder communication; proficiency in Lao is highly desirable for effective fieldwork and local engagement.
• Digital Proficiency: Familiarity with digital data collection tools (e.g., Kobo Toolbox, SurveyMonkey) to enhance efficiency in survey administration and data management is an advantage.

Financial

• Cost-Effectiveness: Competitive pricing with a transparent and detailed budget breakdown, ensuring all costs (technical services, travel, and ancillary expenses) are clearly justified and aligned with the scope of work.
• Budget Transparency: Comprehensive inclusion of costs for research activities, travel logistics, enumerator training, data analysis, report production, and stakeholder validation workshops.