Safe Migration in Central Asia International Consultant To conduct training on the best practices and help with the development of the Seasonal Worker Programs and Recruitment Protocols in Compliance with ILO Standards . Position: Training and labor policy development Consultant Location: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan Duration: Two days – 30-31 October 2024 Reports to: Turkmenistan Country Coordinator, safe Migration in Central Asia (SMICA) Project Summary: Design a 2-day seminar for Turkmen professionals from the of the Ministry of Labor and social protection, the General Prosecutor Office as the coordinating body of the newly created National CTIP Commission, and the Office of the Ombudsman as the independent monitoring body on the best practices of development and implementation of the Seasonal Worker Programs and Recruitment Protocols in Compliance with ILO Standards. The expert will help the local partners with the development of the Seasonal Worker Programs and Recruitment Protocols as well. Interested candidates should apply by submitting their CV and cover letter describing relevant achievements an expected daily rate to [email protected] by 10 October 2024, with the subject line “Training and labor policy development Consultant”. Winrock would like to thank all applicants for their interest but only candidates who meet all requisite criteria and are shortlisted will be contacted. About the Safe Migration in Central Asia (SMICA) Project: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Safe Migration in Central Asia (SMICA) project works to strengthen the ability of Central Asia to promote safe migration and reduce trafficking in persons. SMICA is a 7-year initiative (through August 2026) providing support for the republics of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and that fosters a coordinated and evidence based regional response. Project activities include collaborating with national, regional, and international experts and organizations to strengthen bilateral and multi-country strategies and actions to promote rights-based migration and counter-trafficking in persons (CTIP); reduce vulnerability of at-risk populations to all forms of TIP; and expand and improve identification and assistance to trafficked persons. The overarching goal of SMICA is to strengthen the mutual accountability of all stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector to become more self-reliant in efforts to prevent trafficking in persons, protect survivors of human trafficking and promote safe migration. Background Human trafficking includes the purchase, sale, or exploitation of a person by means of deception, force, threat, as well as restriction of freedom or exploitation of person’s vulnerability. It is a worldwide problem that impacts all countries, including the Central Asian states. According to the U.S. State Department Trafficking in Persons Report, more than 25 million people around the world are victims of human trafficking, including forced labor. In 2022 ILO started active negotiations with Turkmenistan and in February 2023 ILO and Turkmenistan reached an agreement on a roadmap of cooperation for 2023 and 2024 aiming to start the comprehensive labor sector reform and third-party monitoring visits planned for 2023 and 2024 cotton harvesting period. One of the activities in the roadmap relating to USG TIP report recommendation on establishing, training relevant personnel on, and implementing labor inspection and recruitment oversight protocols to improve forced labor identification and prevention, including during the recruitment of workers by farmers during agricultural harvests, relates to technical assistance to the Ministry of Labor and social Protection in developing seasonal worker programs and recruitment protocols, mainly involving experts form Uzbekistan to share their best practice in this area. The 7-year Safe Migration in Central Asia program, funded by USAID (SMICA), implemented by Winrock International (WI), seeks to strengthen the engagement of all stakeholders to integrate individual country approaches into coherent regional strategies to strengthen bilateral and multinational actions to promote migration based on rights and combating human trafficking; to reduce the vulnerability of at-risk populations to all forms of trafficking; and to expand and improve identification and assistance to victims of trafficking. As part of the project, SMICA will provide а training seminar for relevant authorities of Turkmenistan on the best practices of development and implementation of the Seasonal Worker Programs and Recruitment Protocols in Compliance with ILO Standards. The expert will help the local partners with the development of the Seasonal Worker Programs and Recruitment Protocols as well. Scope of work and deliverables The contractor will develop training program developed in line with ILO standards, and conduct a training workshop for 30 participants representing relevant local labor related policy and implementation professionals on the best practices of development and implementation of the Seasonal Worker Programs and Recruitment Protocols in Compliance with ILO Standards. The expert will help the local partners with the development of the Seasonal Worker Programs and Recruitment Protocols as well. The contractor will Communicate with Winrock International SMICA project staff to discuss goal of the training. Design two-day GESI-customized training module on the best practices of development and implementation of the Seasonal Worker Programs and Recruitment Protocols in Compliance with ILO Standards and help the local partners with the development of the Seasonal Worker Programs and Recruitment Protocols. The training should include: International Labor Organization (ILO) standards for Seasonal Worker Programs (SWPs). GESI principles and their importance in SWPs. Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Seasonal Workers Best practices for ethical recruitment of seasonal workers. (all topics specified in the attached agenda) Develop the key messages and presentation of best practices in developing Seasonal workers’ recruitment programs. Conduct/facilitate the aforementioned training based on the dates provided by Winrock International Tentative timeframe and topics October or November 2024 Conduct the training applying all the materials on the topics, exercises and appropriate samples to help participants analyze and learn the lessons of fair and effective recruitment policies Produce a report, observation and recommendations for Winrock International and further training seminars MILESTONE DATES The table below outlines the proposed timing of the deliverables. Milestone Deadline of submission Training agenda finalized and approved by SMICA October 20, 2024 Training module, including agenda, hand-outs and presentation in Russian language, as well as pre- and post-training tests finalized and approved by SMICA October 25, 2024 Training Sessions conducted in Ashgabat. October or November 2024 (date TBC) Final report, including results of the training and analyses of pre- and post-training evaluation. January 15, 2025 METHODOLOGY AND REPORTING The Consultant will report to the SMICA Country Coordinator in Turkmenistan or her designee. All materials must be provided in Russian. Contract duration October 15 – January 30 Payment schedule Payment will be made in a single tranche upon completion of all tasks under the contract, through a bank transfer in USD. Qualifications and experience Educational Qualifications – Master’s degree or higher in one of the following fields: Labor Economics, Human Rights, Gender Studies, Social Work, International Development, Migration Studies, or related disciplines. – Specialized training or certification in Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), with a focus on labor migration and worker rights, is highly desirable. Professional Experience – At least 5-7 years of professional experience in designing, developing, and implementing labor migration policies, Seasonal Worker Programs (SWPs), and recruitment protocols, preferably in compliance with ILO standards. – Demonstrated experience in integrating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles into labor or migration-related programs, including the design of inclusive policies for women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. – Proven track record of working with government institutions, trade unions, private sector, NGOs, and international organizations on labor rights, migration management, or GESI-related projects. – Experience facilitating capacity-building workshops and training programs for a diverse audience, including government representatives, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Knowledge and Skills – Strong understanding of ILO conventions and standards related to fair recruitment, labor rights, and seasonal work, with practical experience in applying these standards to real-world projects. – Expert knowledge of GESI principles and their application in labor migration and recruitment policies, particularly in identifying and addressing barriers to inclusion. – Experience in developing and implementing Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks for labor policy development programs, with a focus on assessing GESI outcomes and compliance with international standards. – Advanced facilitation skills with the ability to adapt training methodologies to suit local contexts, ensuring engagement and knowledge retention among participants from different sectors. – Ability to provide technical assistance and ongoing support to local partners, including offering guidance on the creation of sustainable, GESI-sensitive Seasonal Worker Programs and recruitment protocols. International Experience – Experience working in diverse, multicultural settings, particularly in regions where seasonal migration is common. Experience in Central Asia, Southeast Asia, or Eastern Europe is an asset. – Familiarity with the socio-political contexts of labor migration in developing countries, and the ability to apply GESI principles within such contexts. – Prior experience in coordinating with ILO offices, international donors, and multi-lateral organizations is a plus. Language and Communication Skills – Fluency in Russian (written and spoken) is required. – Knowledge of English language is highly desirable but not mandatory. – Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and convey complex ideas in a clear, accessible manner. 6. Additional Experience (Desirable) – Experience in project management, including budget oversight and resource management for training programs. – Published work or research in the areas of labor migration, GESI, or fair recruitment practices. – Previous involvement in policy advocacy or advising governments on labor rights and recruitment issues. APPLICATION AND DEADLINE To participate in this application, send the following documents to email: Resume. Price offer for relevant tasks under current SOW, including travel costs to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Please, note that SMICA will cover accommodation and meals during the days of the trainings, as well as travel costs to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Please, indicate gross amount in USD. If applicant will not indicate if the amount is gross or net, SMICA will consider the amount as gross, by default. Important! Indicate in the title of your email, “Training and technical assistnce on the best practices and he the development of the Seasonal Worker Programs and Recruitment Protocols in Compliance with ILO Standards”. All questions regarding this application should be sent to [email protected]. Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law. At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation. Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization