Home-based: Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination-Sexual Exploitation of Children and Trafficking in Vietnam

The ECPAT International Secretariat (EIS) coordinates the global work of the organisation and is based in Bangkok, Thailand. The Secretariat designs and implements global and regional initiatives and undertakes programming, campaigning, advocacy and research to facilitate network initiatives.

Context of the Assignment: 

ECPAT International seeks to engage the services of an individual consultant or an organisation/institution based in Vietnam to assist in the implementation of a research project on “Protecting children from sexual exploitation along their journey from Vietnam to Germany”. This project is a collaboration between ECPAT International, Diakonie and Bread for the World. It aims to uncover the knowledge gaps and gain a better understanding of the experiences of Vietnamese children that are trafficked into Europe and in and through Germany, looking at the entire journey from pre-transit, through transit, and in Europe, with a specific focus on Germany. It will further look at factors that increase children’s exposure to risks, a) in light of increased vulnerabilities of children and families due to the pandemic; b) the increase in the use of digital technologies to facilitate exploitation, and c) their interlinkages that lead to trafficking. By mapping the relevant stakeholders at each stage of the ‘trafficking journey’, the project will uncover the necessary information required for the second phase, aimed at concrete interventions.

Overall, the project focuses on:

• A study to uncover the layers and interlinkages involved in the trafficking of children between Vietnam and Europe, with particular destination focus on Germany. The study aims at generating the data necessary to inform approaches and models that are best suited to respond to the trafficking of Vietnamese children and identifying actors that are best placed to address this phenomenon.
• Identify 2 transit countries during ‘trafficking journey’ of Vietnamese children following the outcome of literature review and workshops in Vietnam
• Map relevant stakeholders at each stage of the ‘trafficking journey’ and document the prevention and response strategies in place by the various duty bearers in Vietnam and the 2 to be identified transit countries
• Understand how technologies are used by traffickers and victims along the trafficking journey.
• Build up a coalition of stakeholders - in Vietnam and the transit countries
• Provide concrete recommendations on appropriate interventions to a larger group of stakeholders in countries of origin and transit.

Task and Responsibilities: 

The Consultant will be working closely with the network development and research team of ECPAT International, and under guidance of the Project’s Advisory Group in the country with regard to national context for stakeholders and research implementation. We are looking for a local facilitator that has great understanding of Vietnam as a country, the issues faced by the respective minority groups, and that can open doors and make the necessary connection in country, for the project to get access to the right information and overall run smoothly and effectively. Specific tasks include:

• Support any requests and contacts with the government and local stakeholders in Vietnam;
• Facilitate visits, Focus Group Discussions, and various meetings with relevant stakeholders in Vietnam and the oversea Vietnamese communities to understand drivers of migration, recent trends during and after COVID-19, gaps of the current support services and legal framework, roles of different stakeholders, role of technology as facilitator, etc.
• Support ECPAT in conducting workshops and various meetings to validate different mapping findings and forging the analysis and recommended actions in Vietnam.

Working Arrangements: 

• This Consultancy will be implemented on part-time basis from February 2023 until January 2024. Final TOR and deliverables will be elaborated with the successful candidate.
• Development of a work plan will be done in close consultation with ECPAT International.
• The project implementation budget includes funds for event organisation, translation and interpretation, materials and other costs. The consultancy agreement will only include the working days of the assignment.
• The consultancy will be home-based, using own computer, communication equipment and facilities.

Consultant Profile: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of children’s rights and child protection issues, in particular in the context of trafficking of children, child labour and/or children in the context of migration in Vietnam.
• Experience in working with key decision makers in Vietnam
• Strong networking, organisational, communication and public relations skills, particularly in the context of and inside Vietnam.
• Fluency in written English and Vietnamese.
• Proven ability to work independently and meet deadlines, while coordinating with partners.

How to Apply: 

Please submit a CV, Cover Letter, including a short outline of methodological approach, and financial proposal to vacancy@ecpat.org.

Please mention in the subject header: your name and “Vietnam”.

ECPAT International is committed to keeping children safe. The selection process reflects our commitment to the safeguarding of children.

Deadline to apply: No later than 12 February 2023

As this consultancy requires specific skill set and expertise, we will consider applicants as they come in.