INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP A POLICY PAPER ON ‘DECENT JOBS, FORMALIZATION AND INCLUSIVENESS - DRIVERS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIVES IN CENTRAL ASIA’

Background

UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. UNDP supports countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

UNDP’s ‘Aid for Trade in Central Asia (Phase-IV)’ is a regional project that aims to promote inclusive growth and jobs creation through the strengthening green productive capacities and competitiveness in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with a particular focus on export capacities for niche products in the agriculture and agro-industrial sectors. The project aims to help national stakeholders better address challenges caused by rapidly changing global market demands, technological change (automatization, 4th industrial revolution) and climate change. To ensure that new employment is economically and socially sustainable, the project supports the development of an ecosystem that encourages inclusive labour markets and formal employment that provide safe and decent jobs and access to social protection for workers and their families.

The proportion of informal workers in the agriculture sector is still significant (86% of employment in agriculture in Central and Western Asia are informal)[1], low wages and access to finance and social safety nets are limited compared to workers in formal employment. For the agriculture and agricultural value chains to become a favorable place for employment, the risks of informality and exclusion has to be tackled on several fronts.

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted both health and socio-economic conditions of people. Lost income of workers, especially informal workers, due to temporary suspension or permanent loss of jobs, put them at risk of poverty (SDG 1), with disproportional impact on women.  The need to provide a lifeline for informal workers has emerged as urgent priority for the governments. Countries with thin social protection schemes have struggled to incentivize vulnerable individuals and small businesses to enroll in national registries as a first step to formalization. Moreover, a new suite of macro-economic, fiscal and structural policies and social protection reforms are needed to incentivize investment in productivity and quality of jobs, facilitate gradual transition into formal work, promote inclusive growth and improve the tax and revenue base [2].

In this regard, a comprehensive research will be carried out under the project, that will help to better understand the multi-faceted phenomenon and the profile of informality in three countries of Central Asia, namely Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The research will particularly focus on identifying the key drivers of informality in agriculture and agri-industry sectors, the main determinants of informality for various (age, gender, rural-urban etc.) categories of workers and the barriers preventing informal workers to access social protection or formal labour market. The research will provide a comprehensive analysis of the root causes of informality from the perspective of low productivity, access to finance and public services, legal and regulatory framework of the labour and product markets, design of tax and social protection system and responsiveness of the institutions. The specific dimensions of the survey will be defined upon the desk-review and analysis of the available secondary data.

The research will ultimately provide evidence for developing a set of policy recommendations and options for consideration by decision makers related to expanding labour standards and the coverage of social protection in agriculture and agroindustry sectors, promotion of ecosystem which incentivize decent employment and formal work, including tax policies and other governance mechanisms. The findings shall also inform the project to design activities, which support employers and workers in agriculture and agrobusiness sectors, to develop business models that promote formality and access to social protection.

The research proposes to use a combination of a desk review of secondary data and a survey. It aims to explore the experiences of both employers and workers, in particular of informal workers specifically focusing on the following issues: what categorizes workers as formal or informal, what benefits and working conditions workers expect from government authorities and employers, what challenges workers and employers experience being in the informal economy and, what incentives for formalizing the employment can be provided. The survey will give a deeper insight into the situation of workers in agriculture and agro-industrial sectors than the general information provided by the standard research available up to date.

The overall research process will be carried out in three stages and implemented by international consultant and service providers as described below:

1. Desk review - This phase aims at structuring the research and clarifying the key issues to be addressed. The analysis of available document and secondary data relevant to the research will help to elaborate the questions for the field phase and develop a more detailed methodology of the research. Preliminary, two sets of questions will be prepared both for policy makers and beneficiaries of public social protection systems. The list of questions will be discussed and approved by the UNDP IRH, the Aid for Trade Project Manager and respective UNDP COs. A list of selected employers and workers in agriculture and agroindustry, as well as policy makers/implementers in each country will be prepared (i.e. national and local authorities including ministries of labor, agriculture, social security organizations and staff of their field offices, local municipalities particularly social assistance specialists, tax collectors and labour inspectors, farmers associations, cooperatives etc).
2. Field survey – Upon formulation of the questionnaires and the survey method, which can assure safety, confidence and representation of collected data, the contracted service provider will field team of trained local interviewers to conduct a field or telephone survey of employers and workers, policy makers/implementers listed above[3]. In case of workers, surveys may be organized in a form of focus groups. The interviewers will ask questions, insert the answers and if required interviewers would clarify the questions. 
3. Synthesis of data - This stage is devoted to the preparation of survey reports by the sociology/marketing/research/consulting companies or institutes. It entails the analysis of the data collected, methodology and overview of answers, and preparation of the overall assessment and conclusions. Team leaders of interviewers will summarize the answers and draft a report on findings.

 

International consultant, based on summary reports of survey findings (to be delivered by a service provider company contracted for survey), will draft a policy paper depicting the status and main manifestations of informality in Central Asia, its impact on development outcomes and the socio-economic position of men and women with recommendations for tackling it. The interviews/survey findings would help to understand the connection between informal employment and decent (or lack thereof) working conditions in the region. Also, it would provide insightful information on drivers of informality and barriers to access social protection or formal economy.

The final policy paper will contribute to the policy dialogue for development of an adequate policy framework and social contract between employers and workers related to employment and labour standards. The survey would complement the findings obtained by Labour Force Surveys. It would contribute to a national assessment and improve evidence-based policy decision making.

Survey Questions

Formulated questions would allow determining the profile of the workers in agriculture or agrobusinesses, by asking questions related to their employment status, access to decent work conditions, motivation for accepting informal work, barriers workers experience to access health, social protection or formal employment. Moreover, participants in the survey will be invited to assess the change of the situation since the legal or regulatory reforms aiming to tackle informality and limited access to social protection have taken place (if any). Questions would be classified in accordance with the category of interviewees (employers, female and male workers, policy makers/implementors, regulators etc.), which can also be adjusted based on the status of employers and workers (informal or formal).

Employers and workers will be asked to assess the impact of current legislation and other government regulations on their economic activity and work.  Some of the questions of the survey may be specific to informal workers and dimensions of decent work, such as social security and working conditions.

Policy makers/implementors will be asked about their perception regarding workers’ decisions to stay in informality; why do they prefer to stay informal; what are the main barriers to formalize; what are the main forms of informality; how the government is tackling or plans to tackle the issue. The local authorities including tax collectors and labor inspectors will be asked to provide insights from their field work, law compliance and enforcement, contribution collection, impact of COVID-19 on informal workers etc.

Respondents and Countries

Policy makers/implementors, workers (formal, informal, seasonal men and women etc.) and employers in the agriculture and agro-industry sectors in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, including those ones covered by the Aid for Trade Project.

Outcomes

The Survey will produce two distinct deliverables:

(A) country reports with policy makers’, employers’ and employees’ perceptions regarding the key drivers and barriers for informality and access to decent work in agriculture and agroindustry sectors.

(B) Policy paper with recommendations for addressing informality in agriculture and agroindustry in Central Asia.

The policy paper will identify key barriers for farmers and agro-processing SMEs in Central Asia, reasons for informality, low productivity, labour market inequalities, underemployment of vulnerable groups (young, women, older workers etc.) and develop recommendations on addressing the informality in an integrated manner. The paper will explore opportunities to make labour markets inclusive: allow and encourage all people of working age to participate in paid work and provide an adequate environment for their professional development. It aims to mobilize the talents and resources so that they can participate in and benefit from driving economic growth.

 

[1] ILO Report on Women and men in the informal economy: a statistical picture  https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/documents/publication/wcms_626831.pdf

[2] UNDP, COVID-19 and Central Asia: Socio-economic impacts and key policy considerations for recovery

[3] The field visits shall consider all COVID restrictions and required measure

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work

The consultant will work under the guidance and supervision of Employment Specialist and Social Protection Specialist at UNDP IRH as well as under supervision of Aid for Trade Project Manager. The consultant shall cooperate with service providers contracted for the field surveys and provide technical guidance. Specific results to be achieved by the consultant are listed below.   

Conduct desk review and prepare questionnaires for a survey:

• Conduct desk review of national data, publications and policy documents for Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan covering issues such as informal employment, working conditions and access to social protection as well as labor protection of agriculture and agri-industrial workers, the entry barriers to access formal labour market e.g., skills levels, tax barriers, low level of productivity, financial exclusion that aim to identify the structural fractures in labour markets and gaps in currents policy framework and implementation in all three countries.
• Based on a desk review, develop a structure of the policy paper and outline content of proposed chapters. The chapters shall be structured, where possible, as per critical issues in three countries (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan).
• Propose structure for survey methodology and template of questionnaires.
• Prepare two sets of questions for policy makers and employers on one side and beneficiaries of public social protection and labor protection systems and those excluded from the coverage (informal workers) on other side, which upon shall be used by service providers contracted for the field surveys. Questions shall be adapted for each country based on national context and desk review.
• Jointly with AfT project manager and respective UNDP COs prepare a list of potential interviewees including employers and workers in agriculture and agroindustry, as well as policy makers/implementers in each country (i.e. national and local authorities including ministries of labor, agriculture, social security organizations and staff of their field offices, local municipalities particularly social assistance specialists, tax collectors and labour inspectors, farmers associations, cooperatives, etc).
• Provide guidance to service providers contracted for carrying out the field surveys.

Draft the policy paper on "Decent jobs, formalization and inclusiveness - drivers to improve quality of lives in Central Asia" (30-35 pages) based on three countries’ summary reports of survey findings, which shall contain:

• Background/Overview of current situation (2-4 pages)
• Succinct analysis of findings, challenges and key issues (15-20 pages)
• Recommend an action plan aiming at tackling (a) informality, (b) improving social protection coverage and (c) labour protection (8-10 pages)

Validate research findings and finalize the policy paper on "Decent jobs, formalization and inclusiveness - drivers to improve quality of lives in Central Asia"

• Validate research findings and recommendations through peer-review, including by the UNDP Sustainable Development Team at IRH, and through online consultation sessions with UNDP country offices staff of three countries, regional experts and others to be defined in coordination with UNDP;  
• Finalize the final policy paper

Output and Deliverables

Deliverables/ Outputs	Estimated Duration to Complete	Target Due Dates
1) Desk review, Structure of the policy paper, Survey methodology and questionnaires, the list of potential interviewees	10 working days	30 September, 2021
2)?Draft policy paper, inclusive of?recommendations, for validation	20 working days	30 November, 2021
3) Validation through peer-review?and consultations; Final policy paper	5 working days	10 December, 2021

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

•     Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;

•     Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;

•     Treats all people fairly without favoritism;

•     Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

•     Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

 

Functional Competencies:

•     Strong interpersonal and communication skills;

•     Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;

•     Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;

•     Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;

•     Extensive knowledge of UN System and UNDP mandate;

•     Comprehensive knowledge of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);

•     Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;

•     Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.

•     Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;

•     Positive, constructive attitude to work;

•     Ability to work with, and analyze data, using relevant tools/computer programs (Excel, online survey tools) to present findings;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

•     Master’s degree in economics, labour economics, social sciences, international development or closely related fields.

Experience:

•     At least 5 years of experience working on economic, labour economics, social protection, skills development or informality issues;

•     At least 3 years of analytical/research experience, which requires ability to synthesize growth, poverty, inequality, labour market and social protection data. Experience with analysis of field survey data is an asset.

•     Hands-on experience of working in ECIS region or in middle and upper middle-income countries;

•     Experience working on the relevant SDGs

Language:

• Good command of English both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of Russian language is an asset.

1. Required Documents

Interested candidates must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications.?? 

1. Curriculum Vitae or P11;? 
2. One?example of?a?previous publication;? 
3. Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment.?? 
4. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;? This document also contains a Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided.?

Evaluation of Applicants:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.

The award of the contract shall?be made?to the candidate whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and?b) having received the highest score out of?set?of weighted?technical criteria (70%) and financial criteria (30%).?? 

• The technical criteria consist of qualification review (education, experience, language) [max. 70 points]?? 
• Financial?score?shall?be computed?as a ratio of the proposal?being evaluated?as the lowest priced qualified proposal received by UNDP for the assignment will be based on a maximum 30 points.? 

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 70 points:

• Criteria A (Relevance of education) – max points: 10
• Criteria B (Relevance of work experience on social studies, employment or social protection issues) – max points: 20
• Criteria C (Quantitative and qualitative data collection, processing, interpretation and analysis of data on employment, poverty, growth, inequality and social protection) – max points: 20;
• Criteria D (Interview – assessing technical knowledge, motivation and communication skills) – max points: 10.
• Criteria E (Language) – max points: 10;

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points for technical criteria (approx. 70% of the total technical points) would?be considered?for the Financial Evaluation.? 

For those passing technical evaluation above, offers will be evaluated per the Combined Scoring method:? 

??????????? a)? Technical evaluation (70%)?? 

????????????b)? Financial evaluation (30%)? 

The application receiving the Highest Combined Score will be awarded the contract.?? 

Payment Terms

Candidates shall quote?a?lump-sum?"all-inclusive"?fee?for the completion of each deliverable. The term?"all-inclusive"?implies that all costs (professional fees, communications, consumables,?etc.) that could be incurred by the IC in completing the assignment?are already factored?into the lump-sum submitted in the proposal.

Payments shall?be done?upon verification of completion of deliverables and approval by the IC's supervisor.? 

The lump-sum price is fixed regardless of changes in the cost components.?? 

• First Tranche – 30% upon submission and approval of Deliverable 1
• Second Tranche –?35% upon submission and approval of Deliverable 2
• Third Tranche – 35% upon submission and approval of Deliverable 3