Intersectional power mapping study in the coffee, tea and forestry sectors of the Lao PDR

Oxfam is seeking a consultant to conduct a power mapping study as part of the “Reducing vulnerability in Lao PDR: Advancing social protection and labour rights and entitlements in the coffee, tea and forestry sectors – Phase II (SOLAR II)” Project. The findings will be used by Oxfam, International Labour Organization (ILO), and project partners to inform learning and design appropriate activities aimed at improving workers’ effective access to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), occupational safety and health (OSH) risk prevention and control measures, social dialogue and collective bargaining measures, and gender equality, particularly for informal workers and women in the coffee, tea and forestry sectors in the country.

1. Introduction

The Lao coffee, tea and forestry sectors are integrated into global supply chains serving export markets. Organic products from these sectors are high-value niche items. However, these sectors rely heavily on informal and seasonal labour, with significant participation by women (particularly ethnic minority women in the tea sector). They also share similar decent work deficits, including limited access to social protection and systemic OSH risks, exacerbated by climate‑related hazards, as well as limited access to social dialogue mechanisms and gender-based discrimination and risks.

The SOLAR II project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by a consortium of partners including the ILO, Oxfam, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Lao Federation of Trade Unions, and Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is part of the EU’s flagship TICAF Programme (Team Europe Partnership to increase Sustainable and Inclusive Trade, Investment and Connectivity in the Agriculture and Forestry sectors). TICAF aims for increased domestic production, processing, exports, national revenue, and the creation of decent jobs in the coffee, tea and forest-based value chains, including the realization of labour rights for workers, particularly informal workers and women. Key areas of focus are improving effective access to social protection and enhancing labour rights, including OSH, which are considered as critical drivers of progress.

The project will be implemented across 16 districts in 7 northern and central provinces: Phongsaly, Luangnamtha, Luangprabang, Houaphan, Xiengkhouang, Vientiane province, and Khammouane.

2. Rationale for the intersectional power mapping study

Through the evidence-based intersectional power mapping study, Oxfam, ILO and partners aim to gain a deeper understanding of the power dynamics, power relations and structures in local areas, affecting the daily lives and decision-making of workers and households in the coffee, tea, and forestry sectors in the project target areas. Specific attention will be paid to intersectional gendered power dynamics across the different programme intervention levels to analyse the root causes of power inequalities. The study will identify and examine power structures and influences exerted by a range of local stakeholders, including but not limited to district-level officials, village authorities, employers (e.g., plantation owners, SME owners, households employing seasonal labour), buyers, middlemen, and labour brokers.   

3. Objectives of the baseline study and use of findings

Oxfam will engage a national consultant to conduct the intersectional power mapping study. This study will provide information on power relations, power dynamics and influences exerted on workers, as well as the ways workers themselves exercise power in the target areas with respect to their social protection and labour rights situations and needs. It will also explore the various power dimensions and socio-cultural norms that shape gender inequality.

The study will (1) collect primary data from local stakeholders and select project beneficiaries in order to identify workers’ and households’ perceptions and interactions with local authorities, employers, buyers, middlemen, labour brokers and their own bargaining power; (2) determine which organisations, groups and structures the project should work with based on their power to influence the extension and effective access to social protection and labour rights for informal workers; and (3) provide practical recommendations to design the project interventions in the target areas.

4. Methodology
   1. Methodological approach

The methodological approach will broadly include the following:

• Desk review
• Primary data collection with partners and stakeholders across 7 provinces (Phongsaly, Luangnamtha, Luangprabang, Houaphan, Xiengkhouang, Vientiane province, and Khammouane) using a suitable sample selection method, worker surveys, group discussions, and key informant interviews with disaggregated data collection (e.g., age, gender, ethnic group, nature/type of employment)
• Validation meeting with project partners (LFTU, SSO, MoLSW, and CSO partners)

Key data collection on power relations, dynamics and structures will be done with the overall objective of:

• improving effective access to social protection, particularly through the NSSF;[1]

• improving OSH risk prevention and control measures
• determining intersectional gender barriers to access social protection and labour rights
• existence of and access to social dialogue mechanisms to discuss problems and challenges, and collective bargaining arrangements

Specific tasks for the consultant are as follows:

• Inception phase: Outline a study methodology, including data collection tools and sample selection that defines and intersectional and gender-responsive framework
• Organise administrative tasks in coordination with Oxfam and ILO
• Study phase: Conduct desk review and primary data collection from a representative sample across 16 districts in the 7 provinces
• Data analysis
• Validation of findings
• Intersectional power mapping report, including feedback from Oxfam and ILO, of approx. 20-30 pages (excluding annexes)

1. 2. Ethical considerations

Oxfam expects the consultant to ensure informed consent, confidentiality and cultural sensitivity. Local languages and translators should be used where needed. The safety and dignity of all interviewees, especially those in vulnerable situations, should be prioritized. Therefore, the consultant should include a protocol on dealing with sensitive information that is shared during KIIs and FGDs, for example about reports on sexual harassment at work or domestic or intimate partner violence..

1. 3. Monitoring, coordination and supervision

The consultant will work in close coordination with the Oxfam and ILO project team. Regular check-ins will be scheduled with Oxfam to align on progress, share preliminary findings, and ensure the methodology remains contextually relevant and aligned with Oxfam’s values and strategic priorities.

Oxfam will facilitate introductions to key stakeholders and provide support in organizing validation workshop and accessing relevant documentation.

5. Workplan and Expected Outputs

A tentative work plan is indicated in the table below, which can be used by candidates to prepare the proposal. The final deliverables will be developed in discussion with relevant project stakeholders. Timelines are subject to change based on the actual situation and geographical conditions.

6. Duration of Assignment

The duration of the assignment will be approximately 18 working days over a period from May to September 2026.

During the assignment, the consultant will inform on a regular basis the coordination team (Oxfam and ILO focal points) about the progress made, copy the coordination team in the communication channels (emails, etc.), transparently update Oxfam on possible challenges faced during the mission to be able to take respective management action, and point out issues that require feedback or a decision, including budget allocations. The consultant should take into account the guidance provided by the coordination team in further elaboration of data collection, the assessment and project impact survey including reporting.

7. Profile requirements

All consultants involved in the assignment should possess the following qualifications or competencies (essential criteria):

• Experience in conducting grassroots studies on social protection and labour rights in Lao PDR, through an intersectional lens (such as gender, age, ethnic group, nature/type of employment, and disability)
• Experience in local-level data collection, including data disaggregation
• Knowledge of social protection and labour rights, and informal employment/work in rural areas of Lao PDR
• Cultural competence for multi-ethnic communities
• Fluency in English and Lao
• Ability to draft clear and convincing high-quality reports in English

8. Coordination for this assignment

Oxfam Focal Point: Mr. Khamphy Khammavong: Khamphy.Khammavong@oxfam.org

ILO Focal Point: Ms. Noutthong Alounthong: alounthong@ilo.org

9. How to Apply

Interested candidates, as individual or team, are requested to send a short cover letter, CV, financial quote (in USD), and a detailed technical proposal in line with the TOR.

The Financial quote must include:

• Consultancy fees: unit price, number of days, total price
• VAT/Tax details. If you are exempted, please provide proof thereof
• Details on mission costs of consultant or team (transportation, DSA, etc.)
• Grand total

The Technical proposal must include:

• Proposed approach/methodology for this assignment
• Workplan/Timeline
• Proven skills and expertise to conduct an intersectional gender analysis approach
• Any proven background in line with the essential criteria listed in section 7

Please send your complete application to https://jobs.oxfamnovib.nl/job-invite/14335/ by 4 May 2026 @ 23:59 GMT/BST/EAT Laos time at the latest.

10. List of project target provinces and districts

Please note: 

• The selected consultant is required to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the project Description of the Action as it is the foundational project document against which progress will be measured.

Our commitment to safeguarding

• Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

Note: All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and may be subject to appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam International Secretariat also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, if a job applicant has been employed by another member of the scheme, we will request information from that organization about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.