TERMS OF REFERENCE To develop a national strategic framework and action plan on the reintegration of temporary labour migrants for the Kingdom of Tonga. 1. BACKGROUND The international Labour Organisation (ILO) through the PCCMHS phase II program contributes to strengthened resilience and adaptive capacity of Pacific Islanders in the context of climate change and disasters, ensuring that migration and relocation remains a choice, and displacement is averted, minimised and addressed. The programme is being delivered through a partnership, with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) alongside UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), along with the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD) and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS). Outcome 2 of the PCCMHS program aims to support Pacific Governments develop and implement national policies to address climate mobility and to strengthening reintegration support to pacific governments, with an emphasis on socioeconomic reintegration. The Kingdom of Tonga recognises the importance of effective reintegration policies to facilitate the successful reintegration of temporary/seasonal migrant workers. The Government of Tonga seeks to develop a National Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Reintegration for the temporary migrant workers. ILO Guidelines on labour market reintegration upon return to origin countries, as well as the recommendation Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience (No.205) also calls for promoting socio-economic and labour market integration. The ILO policy brief on Human mobility and labour migration related to climate change in a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all also highlighted the importance of reintegration in the connect of climate change. The Tonga Migration and Sustainable Development highlighted the needs of the reintegrating returned migrants. Similarly, Tonga Labour Mobility Supply Management Strategy’s strategic policy area 3 also talks about reintegration issues. Reintegration in Tonga presents a multifaceted challenge and opportunity within the context of its unique socio-economic landscape. With a focus on fostering social inclusion and sustainable livelihoods, Tonga endeavours to develop a National Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Reintegration for temporary labour migrants (TLMs) that addresses the diverse needs of individuals returning to society after migration. By engaging stakeholders at all levels, from government agencies to civil society organizations, development partners, UN agencies, and community leaders, Tonga aims to create a supportive environment that facilitates the successful transition of TLMs, ensures their rights and dignity are protected, and promotes their active participation in the socio-economic fabric of the nation. Through the development and implementation of effective national strategic framework and action plan on reintegration, the government of the kingdom of Tonga seeks to empower TLMs to contribute meaningfully to their communities, fostering resilience and social cohesion across the archipelago. 2. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this consultancy is to support the Government of Tonga to develop a National Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Reintegration for temporary labour migrants tailored to the context of Tonga. The action plan should aim to: Enhance the reintegration process for individuals in the context of temporary labour migration. Promote community involvement and support mechanisms for returnees. Facilitate access to education, vocational training, healthcare, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Ensure the protection of TLMs' rights and dignity throughout the reintegration process. Align with international best practices and standards in reintegration policies. 3. EXPECTED KEY OUTCOMES: The deliverables of the consultancy are expected to contribute to the implementation of the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility by formulating National Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Reintegration for the temporary labour migrants. 4. SCOPE OF WORK The consultant will be responsible for: Conducting a comprehensive review of existing reintegration related work, legal frameworks, and relevant documents in Tonga and comparable international contexts. Engaging with key stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, temporary labour migrants, and relevant experts, through interviews, workshops, and consultations, to gather insights and perspectives. Analysing the needs and challenges of TLMs in Tonga. Developing a draft National Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Reintegration outlining the guiding principles, objectives, strategies, and implementation mechanisms. Facilitating stakeholder feedback and incorporating inputs to finalize the National Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Reintegration. Providing recommendations for monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the reintegration policies. 5. SPECIFIC TASKS The consultancy consists of the following tasks: Prepare an inception report outlying methodology, detailed plan and timelines for completion of the work, and approach to be undertaken for the development of the reintegration policy framework. Prepare guiding questions and methodology for focus group discussions and consultations with relevant stakeholders, clearly identifying information gaps and extracting preferences from stakeholders regarding the policy priorities of a reintegration plan. Based on desk research consisting of the review of existing studies and information about the labour market reintegration issues, existing relevant data, stakeholder consultations and focus group discussions, prepare a set of recommendation for labour market integration for temporary labour migrants. Share the draft National Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Reintegration with relevant actors for their comments and feedback. Based on the feedback on the first draft a second draft will be submitted for MTED and ILO’s review. Deliver the draft report in a workshop organized by the ILO in coordination with Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (MTED), other government departments/ministries, UN agencies, social partners and other relevant stakeholders. Prepare final draft National Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Reintegration, finalized on the basis of consultation and review by ILO, PCCMHS partners, and national stakeholders, and taking into account the feedback provided during a validation workshop and other stakeholder consultations, incorporating comments and suggestions obtained through focus group discussions, written feedback and other means. 6. DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE: The assignment starts on 1 November 2024 and is expected to be completed by 30 March 2025. Deliverables are aligned with this tentative timeline (subject to change) as follows: Deliverables and Tentative due date Work plan including proposed methodology - 15 November 2024 -Payment 20% Draft report - 15 January 2025 Second Draft -7 February 2025 -Payment 40% Deliver the draft report in a workshop -1 March 2025 Final report -10 March 2025 - Payment 40% Total workdays = 25 days All payments will be made upon receipt of an invoice and deliverables submitted to the satisfaction of the ILO. The ILO brief format will be shared with the consultant or consultancy company beforehand. All deliverables shall be submitted via Mr. Mahanam Mithun (
[email protected]). 7. QUALIFICATIONS The assignment is be carried out by who should ideally have the following qualifications: An advanced degree in the field of labour migration, labour economics, social development, or a related area with demonstrated expertise on reintegration issues. At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in social policy and programme development with experience in labour market reintegration. Relevant international experience and knowledge of migration in the Pacific would be a significant advantage. Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews and stakeholder consultations. Excellent drafting and report writing skills. Ability to present information in readily understandable forms. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to work on own initiative as well as a member of a team. Ability to plan and organise work. Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and awareness, with the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Excellent command and proficient working ability in English. Experience in working with international organizations like ILO or UN agencies will be an added advantage. Familiarity with the socio-economic context of Tonga and the Pacific region. Experts from the Pacific region would also be prioritised. Previous experience working on reintegration programs or policies will be an asset. 8. PROPOSAL All expression of interest is to be sent to
[email protected] with the subject line: “Consultancy National Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Reintegration for Tonga” no later than 30th October 2024. The submissions should include the following: In submitting an expression of interest, interested consultants should address both technical and financial aspects in the proposal. The technical proposal should be grounded in a thorough reading of the available material, demonstrate a clear understanding of the TOR, and set out, with appropriate explanatory comments, a proposed methodology that includes, amongst others, a detailed work plan with timelines for completion of the work, and information on stakeholder consultations. The submissions should also include: Detailed curriculum vitae of the consultant Proposed work plan, methodology, timeline (1-2 pages) Date of availability to take up consultancy. The financial proposal should be deliverable-based and include: The daily rate of the consultant 9. CONFIDENTIALITY/OWNERSHIP OF MATERIAL The title rights, copyrights, and all other rights of whatsoever nature in any material produced under the terms of this Project which do not otherwise vest in the beneficiary government/organisation, shall be vested exclusively in the ILO, and the consultants should seek the approval of the ILO for any publication which they may wish to undertake. 10. REPORTING The consultant will provide regular updates on the work carried out to the ILO team as well as national counterparts, including government and social partners, as advised. 11. REFERENCES The consultant will identify various sources of information, and will also take into account the following sources: ILO. Guidelines on labour market reintegration upon return in origin countries, available at https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/labour-migration/publications/WCMS_882374/lang--en/index.htm ILO, Guiding principles Access of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons to the labour market, available at, https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/labour-migration/publications/WCMS_536440/lang--en/index.htm ILO, Effective return and reintegration of migrant workers with special focus on ASEAN Member States, available at https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---Asia/---ro-bangkok/---sro-bangkok/documents/publication/wcms_733917.pdf ILO, Global guidelines on the economic reintegration of victims of forced labour through lifelong learning and skills development approaches, available at https://www.ilo.org/skills/areas/skills-for-youth-employment/WCMS_762709/lang--en/index.htm ILO, Socio-economic reintegration, available at https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/labour-migration/policy-areas/reintegration/lang--en/index.htm ILO, Human mobility and labour migration related to climate change in a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all, available at https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/green-jobs/publications/just-transition-pb/WCMS_860606/lang--en/index.htm
