I. Introduction The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its Sectoral Policies Department (SECTOR), seeks to contract a qualified institution to deliver two complementary outputs:   (1) a background paper articulating the ILO’s conceptual and normative approach to labour issues of the blue economy, and;  (2) a modular training package for internal and external capacity-building. The assignment supports ILO’s strategic goals related to decent work, inclusive growth and environmental sustainability, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the ILO’s Just Transition Guidelines. This contract will contribute to consolidating a coherent organizational approach to the Blue Economy across sectors, and to equipping ILO staff and constituents with the tools and knowledge necessary to engage in related policy dialogues. II. Background and purpose The concept of the Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health. As ocean-based economic activities expand — including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport, ports, and emerging sectors such as deep-sea mining — the transformation of the ocean space has deep implications for the world of work.  For the ILO, the Blue Economy is fundamentally a decent work issue. The growth and transformation of ocean-based sectors must go hand in hand with respect for international labour standards, workers’ rights, gender equality, and inclusive governance, and sustainable livelihoods These sectors often present decent work challenges, including informality, lack of social protection, hazardous working conditions, weak enforcement of labour standards, and limited representation. This initiative is part of the ILO’s broader strategy to strengthen its technical leadership and enhance visibility in global discussions on the Blue Economy. Recent engagement in high-level policy forums—such as the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3)—is creating momentum to embed labour considerations into ocean governance frameworks. In parallel, the signing of a cooperation agreement between the ILO and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) reflects growing institutional recognition of the need to address labour dimensions in emerging ocean sectors, including deep-sea mining. These developments present a strategic window of opportunity for the ILO to project a coherent, cross-sectoral Decent Work narrative in the evolving Blue Economy space. At the same time, this initiative responds to increasing demand from ILO constituents for coherent and practical tools to engage in Blue Economy debates, policies, and other processes with Decent Work at the core. Through the development of conceptual and capacity-building tools, the ILO seeks to support its tripartite partners in shaping inclusive, rights-based approaches to the Blue Economy. III. Vendor’s Responsibilities  The selected institution ("the Service Provider") will:  • Produce a high-quality, publishable background paper (8,000–10,000 words) articulating ILO’s approach to the Blue Economy from a labour and social justice perspective, with content relevant to fisheries, aquaculture, maritime tourism, maritime transport, ports, and emerging sectors such as deep-sea mining. • Design a modular training package (3–5 modules) adaptable for 2–3-day courses or standalone sessions, suitable for in-person, online, or hybrid delivery, with content relevant to fisheries, aquaculture, maritime tourism, maritime transport, ports, and emerging sectors such as deep-sea mining. The Service Provider will deliver the core outputs over four phases, as detailed below. 1. Inception Phase • Conduct a structured desk review/mapping of relevant ILO documentation and selected external resources in relation to key Blue Economy sectors and value chains, including fisheries, aquaculture, maritime tourism, maritime transport, ports, and emerging industries such as deep-sea mining. • Identify relevant frameworks, standards and tools from the UN system and multilateral organizations. • Hold a virtual inception meeting with SECTOR to clarify objectives, strategic priorities, expected audiences and key messages. • Submit an inception note summarizing the proposed methodology, annotated outline of deliverables, team roles, and timeline. 2. Technical Paper Development Phase • Draft a publishable background paper (approx. 8,000–10,000 words) articulating the ILO’s approach to the labour dimensions of the Blue Economy. • The paper should: o Provide a conceptual framing of the Blue Economy from a labour and social justice perspective; o Identify decent work challenges and opportunities across the key Blue Economy sectors and value chains, including fisheries, aquaculture, maritime tourism, maritime transport, ports, and emerging sectors such as deep-sea mining. o Highlight relevant ILO standards and tools (e.g. C188, MLC, OSH conventions, social protection, skills); o Explore cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, youth employment, informality, OSH, migration, and just transition; o Position the ILO’s role within broader global and interagency initiatives (SDGs UNOC, etc.)  o Include good practices or case studies where relevant. • Share a draft for internal review and incorporate ILO feedback. 3. Training Package Development Phase • Design a modular training package structured around 3 to 5 thematic modules that can be delivered as a 2–3-day course or as standalone learning sessions. • Prepare materials for each module including: o PowerPoint presentations; o Facilitator notes with suggested talking points and pedagogical guidance; o Group exercises and/or case studies; o Supporting resources (reading lists, handouts). • Ensure content is accessible to mixed audiences (tripartite actors, ILO staff, policymakers) and can be delivered in-person, online or hybrid formats. • Highlight possible delivery channels (e.g. ITCILO, regional workshops, policy dialogues). 4. Finalization Phase • Present the draft training package and background paper to SECTOR for validation. • Revise and finalize materials based on feedback received. • Submit all outputs in editable formats (Word, PPT, PDF) and in English. IV. ILO’s Responsibilities • Provide background documentation and institutional references; • Organize inception and follow-up meetings; • Coordinate internal reviews and consolidate feedback; • Facilitate connections with other ILO units or external partners as relevant;   • Validate final outputs. V. Schedule and Reporting Deliverable / Description / Format / Deadline 1 Inception Note / Word/PDF in English / Week 2 2 Draft Background Paper / Word in English / Week 4 3 Draft Training Package / PPT, Word, PDF (editable) / Week 6 4 Final revision and delivery of materials / Word, PPT, PDF (finalized and editable) / Week 8 The selected institution will work under the overall technical supervision of the Sectoral Policies Department (SECTOR), with direct coordination provided by the Transport and Maritime Unit (MARITRANS).  Additional inputs may be provided by other relevant SECTOR teams depending on the thematic focus of specific modules. The Service Provider will be expected to: • Maintain regular communication with the designated ILO focal point (via email and virtual meetings); • Submit deliverables according to the agreed timeline; • Incorporate comments and suggested revisions into the final outputs; • Seek clarification when needed to ensure outputs meet expectations. All deliverables will be subject to final approval by SECTOR before payment is processed.  Coordination with the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) may also be required to ensure compatibility with potential delivery formats. VI. Completion Criteria Completion will be confirmed based on: • Delivery of all agreed outputs in the required formats; • Acceptance by SECTOR of final deliverables; • Technical quality, clarity and coherence across products; • Reflection of gender, inclusion and tripartite perspectives; • Usability for training and advocacy purposes; • Adherence to ILO branding and accessibility standards. VII. Special Terms and Conditions All intellectual property developed under this contract shall remain the property of the ILO.  Payments will be made in USD and will be contingent upon formal acceptance of the agreed deliverables, following the timeline and conditions established in the contract.  No advance payments will be issued. The Service Provider is fully responsible for ensuring that all materials are submitted in professionally formatted, editable versions and meet high standards of quality in terms of writing, accessibility and presentation. The total contract value will be paid in two instalments, based on the satisfactory delivery and formal approval of the agreed outputs by the ILO: 1st Payment (40%) - Deliverable 1 and 2 - Upon submission and approval by SECTOR              2nd Payment (60%) - Deliverable 3 and 4 - Upon submission and approval by SECTOR