Philippines: Baseline Study Consultant

Project Name: PH 2023 Strengthening the Community-based Protection Systems to eliminate Worst Forms of Child Labour (WFCL) in Visayas Region (PHCL0447)

Project Goal: 

Elimination of the WFCL through a multistakeholder approach in Visayas Region

Project Objective/s: 

• Outcome 1: Community members, CSOs, Private Sectors, and Government agencies have increased knowledge on Worst forms of Child labour (WFCL) issues and protection within the COVID context
• Outcome 2: Improved access to services for the WFCL victims and their families
• Outcome 3: Increased capacity of children, families, and duty bearers in addressing WFCL issues
• Outcome 4: Improved WFCL related policies and programs at the local, district and national level

Location: Iloilo and Negros Oriental

Project Period: 02 January 2023 - 31 December 2025

Target Beneficiaries: 

• Children and youth (including children with disabilities and LGBTI+) that are vulnerable to WFCL or victims of WFCL (100 Children and youth for capacity building and 2,000 children and youth for awareness-raising)
• 150 Families with children and youth that are vulnerable to WFCL or victims of WFCL

Target Groups: 

• 1,000 Community members of Iloilo and Negros Oriental
• 10 Local CSOs from Iloilo and Negros Oriental.
• 2 Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPCs) based in Iloilo and Negros Oriental
• 9 LGUs with ~18 Barangays in Iloilo and Negros Oriental.
• 2 Government agencies: Regional Council Against Child Labour (RCACL) and Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE)
• 90 Private companies
• Private and public schools in the targeted LGUs

Implementing partner (s): 

• Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc. (Bidlisiw)
• Children’s Legal Bureau, Inc. (CLB)

2. Background of the Project: 

80 million children worldwide fell victim to the WFCL by the end of 2020, with 9 million additional children at risk due to COVID-19 impacts (ILO, 2021). Despite a ban on the employment of children under 15-year-old (R.A. 7658), WFCL including the Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC), is still among the Philippines’ most urgent problems, with over 800,000 children engaged in hazardous labour (Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), 2021). The issue of WFCL in the Philippines derives from a range of socioeconomic factors including limited employment opportunities, poverty, limited access to education (particularly as a result of covid, only 10% of schools have resumed in-person lessons), social norms (in some families, children are obliged to work to support their families) and weak regulations, monitoring and enforcement on child labour (e.g., R.A. 7610).

Of the 17 regions in the Philippines, Western Visayas & Central Visayas are ranked among the highest with respect to the incidence of child labour. In Iloilo, there was an increase of 23% in the total profiled child labourers and cases from 2019 (4,204) to 2021 (5,404), even though 643 children had been pulled out of child labour by various efforts & initiatives in 2020. Of the 5404 child labourers (CLs) in 2021, the majority of the CLs were in farming (1804), Other (1197), fishery (752), Construction (615) & Domestic work (556), quarrying & mining (136), while others are in manufacturing, forestry, transport & waste management. In the entire province of Negros Oriental, a total of 6,681 CL cases were identified in 2021. Within the Central Visayas, Negros Oriental has the highest number of child labourers profiled, with reports having found 20 cities and municipalities to have child labour cases in the province. Although most of them are in Agriculture and Fishery, the third-highest is Domestic Work, while others are in Construction and manufacturing.

In the Philippines, culturally, the majority of children recruited for domestic work are girls. While the statistical data on SEC through or other forms of CSEC in both target areas indicates 0, this is not an accurate representation as the ILO (2018) has indicated that domestic helpers are generally at risk of sexual abuse. Thus, children working as domestic helpers are at risk of sexual abuse, which may also lead to CSEC.

Consultations with CSOs within Iloilo & Negros Oriental showed that multiple risks and vulnerability factors contributed to the proliferation of WFCL. Poverty, social norms and limited access to education (exacerbated by the pandemic) have led to families resorting to child labour, contributing to falling multiple children in Iloilo & Negros Oriental falling victim to WFCL.

3. Objectives of Baseline Evaluation:

The baseline study will establish the baseline values for the project’s key relevant indicators outlined in the project results framework. The baseline study report will be used as a measurement to monitor the project progress against the set indicators over the course of the project implementation.

The baseline study aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. To collect baseline data for the project outcome/ output indicators indicated in the Project Logical Framework.
2. To gather and analyse the incidence and magnitude of WFCL cases (including SEC) in the selected project areas (from 2021-2023).
3. To collect data on the organised groups and sectors present in the communities and their projects or programmes related to WFCL (e.g. CSOs/ NGOs, schools, child protection committees, private sectors) and coordinating mechanisms established
4. To gather information and assess on the current capacity of the 9 local government units on the programs to respond to WFCL cases including relevant local policies and ordinances being enacted at the city/municipality and barangay levels to address the issue of worst forms of child labour. 4. Scope of work: -The evaluator will be required to undertake the following specific tasks: - In consultation with TdH, the evaluator will be expected to design tools and finalise the methodology for the collection of quantitative and qualitative data for the baseline assessment, taking into account the objectives mentioned in section 3 of this ToR. - Collect and analyse available secondary data related to project objectives. - Conduct primary data collection in targeted project locations to measure key indicators. - Analyse and interpret data to develop a comprehensive baseline report. - Data collection involving children and young people should be carried out in a child-friendly, participatory and trauma-informed approach. - Share key findings and insights with TdH Country office and partners through consultations5. Area/s to be covered by the baseline survey and stakeholders involved
5. The areas to be covered by the baseline survey are the following: - Iloilo - - - Negros Oriental

The stakeholders who will be involved in the baseline survey:

• Children and youth in the target areas will be involved in the interviews and group discussions to assess their knowledge and practices in preventing and addressing WFCL. Consent will be requested from both parents and children.
• Group discussions with the partners and target beneficiaries will be facilitated to capture perspectives, capacities, and current practices of children and their families, barangays and LGUs on prevention and response to WFCL.
• In-depth interviews will be conducted with key persons or project stakeholders to generate relevant information and get a better understanding and insight about their awareness and capacity to prevent and respond to WFCL.
• Validation workshop/s with primary stakeholders and implementers will also be organised to present the initial results of the study for verification and further sense-making before the preparation of the report. There will be a separate participatory session for children and young people in presenting the findings of the baseline study.

6. Suggested Timeline: 

Project team proposed the baseline study to be implemented from May to mid of July 2023.

7. Deliverables: 

The following are the deliverables of the consultant:

1. A detailed inception report which responds to the scope of work with methodology, data collection tools, detailed work plan and proposed budget.
2. A field work implementation plan (to be submitted before field work begins). This field work plan should be presented to TdH Country office for comments, and revised as necessary prior to commencing field work.
3. Final data collection tools in local language and English language
4. Data collection forms if online data collection (i.e., Kobo…) and/ or offline data entry form if used.
5. Data collection guidance, if any
6. Raw quantitative data (from online, offline data entry)
7. Raw qualitative data (transcript if available)
8. Final clean data used for data analysis (Excel if available)
9. Final clean dataset used for data analysis in software program data analysis such as SPSS/ STATA and syntax for data preparation and analysis.
10. Final data analysis outputs (in table, graph) that used for report and slide presentation (including data analysis by indicators)
11. A final baseline report incorporating feedback from TdH
12. Final comprehensive slide presentation of the baseline study.
13. List of people interviewed /met as appendices to the final report.

TdH NL will oversee the process and be responsible for accountability and guidance throughout all phases of execution, and approval of all deliverables.

9. Budget: 

Financial proposal should be submitted which outlines all-inclusive costs for conducting the baseline.

10. Evaluator (s) Competencies, Experience and Skill Requirements: 

The evaluator (s) engage to undertake the assignment must fulfil the following requirements:

• Proven professional experience in conducting baseline evaluations on worst forms of child labour (WFCL) or similar programmes;
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in designing participatory research and M&E tools for child protection projects, delivering agreed outputs on time and within budget.
• Has adequate professional understanding or familiarity of WFCL issues, social inclusion of girls, boys, LGBTQI and other forms of sexual exploitation of children.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of child protection programmes and related research on this issue.
• Experience in development and facilitation of participatory and safe sessions with children.
• Thorough understanding of ethical methods of working and safeguarding of vulnerable populations throughout research.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical skills;
• High level of professional writing skills in research/ evaluation using advanced statistical analysis.
• Proven experience with qualitative and quantitative data analysis;
• Expertise and knowledge on child rights, rights-based approach, gender and sexual exploitation of children.

11. Management and Supervision: 

The evaluator/s will work in close coordination with the Country Director and Programme Manager for the baseline evaluation.

The Country will provide preparatory and logistical assistance to the evaluator (s), including:

• Background materials (project proposal, etc)
• Meetings, phone/email communication with relevant TdH staff and partners
• Identify interviewees and provide contact information
• All logistical support for the field visit
• Arranging meetings and appointments with stakeholders and beneficiaries in the field (if necessary)

12. Consultation and Coordination:

The Country Office (CO) and Evaluator/s will work in close consultation with the Regional PMEL Coordinator, REI (Research, Expertise and Influencing) Technical advisor and EU Delegation’s Technical Advisor for technical support of the baseline evaluation.

13. Safeguarding Measures: 

In all its activities, including this study, Terre des Hommes Netherlands ensures compliance with the highest ethical standards for research, including the international child safeguarding standards as laid down in its own Child Safeguarding Policy, as well as compliance with internationally widely accepted Do No Harm principles. Consultants working for Terre des Hommes Netherlands are required to read, understand, sign and abide by the organisation’s Child Safeguarding Policy and expected to uphold the core values of the organisation at all times during their period of assignment. All third parties will be subjected to the safeguarding policy, if need be TdH NL will lead in conducting safeguarding training to the research assistants and the consultant. Research Protocols will be shared with the Technical Advisors of Terre des Hommes Netherlands for approval, drawing on existing international standards.

Furthermore, during the field work and specifically the public consultations (such as Focus Group Discussions, Key informant interviews), Terre des Hommes Netherlands will ensure the assessment is done in a culturally appropriate and respectful way, and will not raise expectations that can’t be met. The research objectives will be clearly explained to all the respondents of the study before collecting data from them. The consultant/ firm will abstain from data collection from any person who will deny or show any reluctance in providing information. Written consent with signature or thumb impression of the respondents, therefore, need to be taken before collecting data. This comprehensive approach will minimise risk, promote safety, and ensure confidentiality and anonymity of all research subjects and related data throughout the process.

How to Apply: 

TdH NL Philippine Country Office invited interested individuals and companies to submit the following application documents:

1. Technical proposal (max. 10 pages) outlining their motivation for the application, the methodological approach on how to conduct the assignment, and the resources required (documents, survey questions, FGD and KII checklists, etc).
2. A proposed activities schedule/ work plan with a time frame.
3. Copy of the CV of the evaluator (s) who will undertake the baseline study.
4. One recent example of a similar baseline report written by the applicant.
5. Financial proposal detailing evaluators itemised fees, data collection and administrative costs.

The full proposal and supporting documents should be uploaded to http://bit.ly/3yTcFfb no later than 07 April 2023,17:00 (PST)

Job post link: http://bit.ly/3LJ7x4O

Please address queries to the Country Office at the following email address: philippines@tdh.nl.

Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Other Information: 

Our Commitment to Diversity, Integrity and Child Safeguarding:

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation. Therefore, people of all gender identities, sexes, sexual orientations, races, colours, religions, cultures, abilities, etc. are encouraged to apply.

TdH NL aims to attract great talent that not only fits the job but also our high standard of values and principles to prevent and eradicate any type of misconduct including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, any other type of misuse of power or lack of integrity and financial misconduct.

TdH NL in particular is committed to keeping children and vulnerable individuals safe and does not accept any form of (child) abuse. Every TdH NL employee is bound by the Child Safeguarding Policy and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy, part of our Code of Conduct. That is why a Certificate of Good Conduct is requested from every employee, which counts as part of the employment contract. Child safeguarding measures are part of our selection and recruitment process.

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, or integrity screenings/references relating to misconduct and disciplinary actions in prior employment. By submitting your application you accept that TdH NL will conduct such pre-employment screening for successful candidates. TdH NL participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.