Expression of Interest (EOI) for Consultancy Services for Labour Market Assessment in Baidoa and Xudur

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

S. No

TENDER NO.

DESCRIPTION

1

WVSOM/001/FY25

Consultancy Services for Labour Market Assessment in Baidoa and Xudur

World Vision is a relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities. We work with community members, supporting them to overcome poverty and injustice.  We aim to lift poor and marginalized households out of the vicious cycle of dependence by addressing the underlying causes of vulnerability to environmental and socio-economic shocks.

Project Description

Empowering Marginalized Groups through Economic Graduation in Somalia (EMERGE) is a Resilience and Food Security activity funded by USAID (BHA) in Somalia.

The 5 year project (2024-2029), implemented by World Vision and its partners seeks support for extremely poor, socially marginalized internally displaced persons (IDP) and surrounding host communities (HC) in Baidoa and Xudur to improve and maintain their food security despite shocks and stresses.

Limited stable livelihood options are tied to low education levels (only 52% of men and 48% of women IDPs in Baidoa are literate), rapid urbanization leading to fierce job competition, and nepotistic hiring practices. Unemployment is high in both districts (80% unemployment[1]), especially for formal, stable job opportunities and for youth and IDPs. High unemployment rates also drive both rural-to-urban migration and illegal international migration, the latter predominantly impacting male youth.

Many young male IDPs who stay in the country make ends meet with low-skilled, manual labor, including on farms, construction sites, and transporting goods. Young female IDPs may be employed as maids or engage in petty trading and gender-norm-appropriate IGAs such as beauty salons. Finding employment in Baidoa is challenging for persons living with physical and mental disabilities (PLWD) and most resort to begging. Hudur has fewer employment opportunities with residents dissuaded from moving between urban and rural areas due to the presence of AS. Hudur even lacks the most basic micro, small, or medium enterprises. Although Baidoa has a broader range of options, hiring is based on social capital and clan affiliation rather than skills.

Non-farm livelihoods are a promising option for IDPs, as they can bring their technical and vocational education and training (TVET) skillset with them and such IGAs are typically not dependent on land access. Furthermore, TVET is preferred by youth, as “[they] are less interested in traditional agriculture and livestock and more interested in modern, technology-based production”.

TVET enables access to new IGAs, including self-employment. Seventy-five percent[2] of UPG TVET participants were able to find a job or launch an MSME.

EMERGE’s Theory of Change (ToC) is: IF social capital and cohesion are strengthened through bolstering new and existing linkages to networks and services within and between urban, peri-urban, and rural communities AND human capital is increased through strengthening capacities, skills, and linkages and improving psychosocial and physical wellbeing WHILE access to livelihood opportunities, information, and marketing opportunities is improved along with increased financial inclusion, THEN prosperous and resilient livelihoods will be improved and sustained, RESULTING IN extremely poor, socially marginalized populations who have graduated, thereby improving and maintaining their food security despite shocks and stresses.

1.        PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE LABOUR MARKET ASSESSMENT

One of the reasons behind the high youth unemployment rate is the mismatch between the supply and demand for skilled vocational professionals. While evidence has shown that the employability of the TVET graduates in private and as self-employed is high, the TVET sector in Somalia still remains unorganized and the resources, such as qualified teachers, teaching premises and tools, are often inadequate to organize good-quality training. TVET is a central pillar of sustainable and viable economic development. Well-trained people have better chances of finding decent employment and securing a livelihood. The availability of qualified experts makes a country or region more competitive as a location for business and investment. EMERGE estimates 60% of participants in Baidoa and 20% in Hudur will select non-farm livelihoods. EMERGE will work with interested TVET training centers, such as the 10 identified in Baidoa and two in Hudur, to adapt their training modules and pedagogical methods. To avoid saturation in the local workforce a labour market-oriented TVET system is at the core of EMERGE interventions.

The objective of the Labor Market Assessment (LMA)

The primary purpose of the labor market assessment (LMA) is to collect basic information on the labor force situation in Baidoa and Hudur, the private sector, and the general public with an aspiration to improve employment opportunities for youth, women and vulnerable groups. This action will help to identify sectors and sub-sectors, and relevant skills in labor market that have potential for employment creation and the creation of micro-businesses (self-employment) in Baidoa and Hudur. In addition, it also identifies the potential sources of employment, the key stakeholders crucial in the market, the gaps, challenges and the underlying bottlenecks,

 General Objectives;

A.      Identify economic sectors that have growth potential and offer opportunities for self-employment and paid employment;

B.      Identify the strategies that WV and the other consortium partners may put into action to promote increased involvement in the workforce of vulnerable populations including women and young people.;

C.      Identify the feasible micro-business ideas that have the potential for employment creation, the potential employers, and the potential providers of market-driven technical skills training to enable participation in the identified economic opportunities

D.     Assess labour market needs, business potentials, gaps in the current market needs, and participants' interests, skills, and aspirations.

E.      Identify challenges the youth workforce faces in accessing employment information, especially females, and other challenges and bottlenecks.

Specific Objectives;

1.        Quickly assess the main demographic, social, and economic characteristics of Baidoa and Xudur

2.        Assess and analyze the current situation of the labour market and existing micro-businesses in Baidoa and Hudur, including trends, challenges and opportunities for sustainable employment and self-employment opportunities

3.        To identify the most employable skills and the available jobs in the market that can be filled by the TVET graduates; assessing the priority skills needed in the priority economic sectors categorized into skill types and levels

4.        Identifying key policy and regulatory opportunities and constraints which would be critical in rectifying the systemic deficiencies in labour market operations;

5.        Assess the structure of the labour market, with a specific focus on constraints facing returnees, IDPs, women and youth and provide relevant recommendations.

6.        To assess the capacity of TVET service providers in Baidoa and Xudur (Assessing the facilities, curricula, gender-responsiveness and capacity of the trainers available)

7.        Conduct a quick feasibility assessment and value chain analysis of key types of business ideas identified

8.        Map and analyze types of microbusinesses that can be developed by using skills that are required for sectors and sub-sectors identified. It is important to identify pre-conditions for sustainable microbusinesses based on the community and local market needs; private sector’s current engagement and future needs and investment;

9.        Provide recommendations how best to equip the participants with the necessary skills through vocational training for duration of between 6-12 months

10.    Identify any other additional soft skills that can be complemented with the TVET skills (e.g financial literacy, life skills)

11.    Identify other preferred alternative means of livelihoods for youth

12.    Examine the readiness of the local labor market to adopt and integrate digital and technological solutions and explore how TVET programs can incorporate digital skills to prepare TVET graduates for emerging sectors

13.    Assess the cultural and social norms that may influence labor force participation, especially for women and youth from the marginalized groups, and how they impact skill acquisition and job placement.

14.    Assess existing gaps in connecting job seekers, including TVET graduates, with employers, and explore opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of job matching and recruitment channels.

3.0  RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1.      STUDY DESIGN

Scope

Geographic Areas and Target Population

The LMA targets households, youth, and business people in IDPs camps, host communities, and refugees/returnees in Baidoa and Hudur districts. The LMA will also consider other stakeholders pertinent to the labor market. In the assessment, the team will engage with the key stakeholders and players in the market such as the youth, business people, micro-finance institutions, TVET institutions, key line ministries including the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA), Ministry of Youth & Sport, Ministry of Education (MoE), and other stakeholders.

Context

The LMA will be done within Baidoa and Hudur context taking into consideration the changes that may take place during the project implementation period (political tension/election in the assessment areas, droughts, flooding, and insecurity). The survey team will also analyze the information on how the changes in context affect the implementation of the intervention including the effectiveness of adaptation efforts to be made by the implementing partners, communities, and other stakeholders.

3.2.      METHODOLOGY

The successful consultant is expected to conduct the labor market assessment and analysis by working closely with the EMERGE project team. To meet the objectives of this assignment, the winning service provider has to apply the following:

a)       Desk review of secondary data including project documents reports, assessments and other documents related to the previous labor market surveys done by other stakeholders.

b)      Interviews and meetings with relevant stakeholders with a focus on the members of the Chamber of Commerce, representing the various sectors and sub-sectors such as; Construction, Home & Office Furniture, Banking & Finance, Appliances & Electrics, ICT, Clothes and, Vehicles & Machineries, Agricultural Value chains, telephones and electricals, as well as relevant Ministries and institutions (e.g. Ministries of Labour and Social affairs, Education etc.), TVET centers, NGOs and CBOs, relevant UN agencies etc. Conduct interviews with the previous UPG TVET graduates to explore what training helped them acquire employment.

c)       Field visits to observe the community environment to assess the needs on microbusinesses, and conduct feasibility assessment on the potential microbusiness ideas relevant to the covered sectoral skills.

d)      Market observations and interviews of existing local businesses.

Survey design

The survey will be cross-sectional and employ a mixed-method approach in data collection, triangulation, and analysis drawing on quantitative and qualitative data.  Both primary and secondary data will be collected, reviewed, and analyzed. Youth/Household questionnaire survey (HS), focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) will be used to gather primary data from the youth/households and the business people. The study will have three phases intertwined in the LMA process:

§  Phase one: will involve a comprehensive desk review of secondary information based on the existing information from program Needs Assessment Reports, Labor Market Assessment Reports, Tracer Studies, and any other relevant reports produced in Somalia.

§  Phase two: quantitative youth/household survey using structured questionnaires

§  Phase three: qualitative information gathering using observations, FGDs, and KIIs from youth/households in Baidoa and Hudur, business people, and other relevant stakeholders.

Rationale for the choice of mixed methods design.

The mixed design focuses on both quantitative and qualitative approaches in data collection, analysis, and presentation[3]. The mixed methods approach has emerged as a practical methodology in conducting assessments/LMAs and evaluations for projects as it gives greater insight into phenomena through information validation and triangulation.  Advantages of the methodology include the following:

§  Data from different sources provides an opportunity to understand changes from different standpoints. One data source may not be enough to give explanations for behavior, results, and practices

§  Peculiarity in data collection leads to greater validity as information omitted by one method can be augmented by another source.

§  This method answers LMA questions from several viewpoints. It Ensures that there are no ‘gaps’ in the information collected.

§  The method is helpful when one methodology does not provide all the information required.

§  It’s a good methodology for social, health, and behavioral studies as it interacts with several stakeholders and utilizes all available from multiple levels and lines of evidence n to conclude.

Sampling Design

To actualize this design, the LMA will target different stakeholders and population groups using different data collection methods i.e. structured questionnaires and focus group discussions for targeted households, key informant interviews for business people, youth workforce, and government technical units. All information gathered from these sources will be synthesized and analyzed to answer the survey question.

The consultant will choose an appropriate sampling methodology including but not limited to a One-Stage Simple Random Sample design to ensure that participants have an equal probability of selection for the survey, thereby producing unbiased estimates. 

While designing the assessment tool, the assessment team will consider various factors. For this assessment, both quantitative and qualitative approaches will be employed in gathering information at household levels with a focus on women and youth workforce among other community groups. The assessment also considers business people and other stakeholders relevant to play crucial roles in the labor market. WVI expects the consultant to more emphasis on the qualitative approach as it helps to generate in-depth thoughts, perceptions, and issues in the labor market.  Items covered in the questionnaire will be framed from project outputs, intermediate outcomes, sub-purposes, purposes, and the goal. Further in this approach, the assessment team will adopt the best sampling methods taking into consideration sample size to be used at different levels in the later assessments and evaluations. This should be well elaborated in the inception report. With the help of local administration, the household numbers for the target IDPs and host communities will be obtained before the commencement of the assessment to facilitate the scientific determination of the sample size. This will be based on the household numbers from each IDP and host community falling within the project scope. Probabilistic methods will then be used to sample the key respondents at the household level.

  Data Sources

Primary data will be collected among the sample community groups in the targeted districts. Additionally, business people, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders will be included in qualitative data collection as appropriate to better understand the context.

Documents Review

The survey team will undertake a thorough review of all available project documents as deemed necessary to gather vital information on the project design, implementation, and monitoring processes.  Of necessity, the survey team will review the following literature:

ž   Project proposal including logic model, M&E Plan, ITT & DIP

ž   SomRep Annual Resilience Measurement Reports

ž   MOUs signed with line ministries

ž   Any Labor Market Assessment and Tracer Study Report in Somalia.

ž   Any other relevant documents by FSNAU, WFP, UNICEF, UNOCHA, and others as required.

Field Processes

Selection and training of enumerators: Enumerators with previous research experience and the ability to speak Somali and English languages will be recruited. Key government officials from the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Livestock, Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA), Ministry of Youth & Sport, will be engaged to support the process. Depending on sample size, a total of [xxx male, xxx female] enumerators will be engaged for a survey and these will work hand-in-hand with the WV Staff during data collection. The field team (enumerators & project staff) will be trained in data collection techniques using SMAP FieldTask/Kobo ToolBox and/or any appropriate platform and master of the data collection tools before the field data collection exercise. During the training, the field team will also be briefed on the objectives of the survey, how to identify the appropriate respondents at various levels, and how to fill in the questionnaire appropriately. Emphasis will be put on research ethics, accuracy, and completeness among others

Field Data Collection: The team will use mobile phones configured with SMAP FieldTask/Kobo Toolbox mobile application for data collection (Uses WV Somalia SMAP/ or Kobo server).  The interviews and discussions will be conducted mainly in the Somali language.  Focus group discussions will be conducted by experienced researchers using a predetermined focus group guide with relevant themes and sub-themes, while key informant interviews will be conducted using a predetermined guide with open-ended questions for specific informants.

To ensure the effectiveness of the data collection process, the tools (questionnaires, FGDs, KIIs) will be pre-tested with a small sample to refine them based on initial feedback. The assessment tools will be developed collaboratively by involving relevant and local stakeholders to guarantee relevance and cultural appropriateness considering language clarity, thematic relevance, and local context will be used to ensure the tools align with the objectives of the assessment.

3.3. ANALYSIS AND REPORTING:

The household questionnaire will be automated using field Task/ Kobo Collect application and completed questionnaires on field Task will be uploaded to the server. The data gathered will be analyzed and interpreted systematically. Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS or other statistical data analysis programs available that can help generate the required information. Qualitative data will be analyzed for key themes and used to supplement quantitative data organized into themes. Both qualitative and quantitative data should be used to find employable skills and assess the capacity of TVET service providers to offer such courses.

The descriptive statistics including the frequencies, percentages, and proportions will be used in the quantitative analysis based on responses under each question. Cross tabulations will be used to measure the variation of information among different groups of respondents and from various administrative units where necessary. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic and content analysis with the help of analysis sheets.

Findings and Conclusions: Findings will be presented in the form of text, graphics, and tables. The survey team will prepare the report in a user-friendly format, following the structure agreed in the inception report. This section will present findings as statements of fact that are based on analysis of the data. The survey findings will be structured around the survey questions so that report users can readily make the connection between what was asked and what was found. Variances between planned and actual results will be explained, as well as factors affecting the achievement of intended results. The assumptions or risks in the project design that subsequently affected implementation will also be discussed. The conclusion section will be comprehensive and balanced; it will highlight the gaps, bottlenecks, and opportunities in the targeted districts. The conclusion section will be substantiated by the evidence and logically connected to the survey findings. The conclusion will also respond to key survey questions and provide insights into the identification of and/or solutions to important problems or issues pertinent to the decision-making.

Data Quality Control & Survey Ethics

All data quality control measures will be adhered to during the survey including; reviewing of the study tools, translation of the tools into local languages, standardization of the training (pre-testing and ensuring that the enumerators are familiar with local terminology), review of evidence against bond evidence parameters, using GPS functionality in Field Task/ Kobo to geo-reference the data, regular supervision and data cleaning. The administered tools will be checked regularly for correctness, completeness, and consistency. After entry, the data will be cross-checked to ensure the accuracy of the information obtained from the field and then compared and validated. During analysis, validation will be done by comparing the emerging information with secondary data to ensure that any outliers are addressed.

Ethical Consideration: The following ethical considerations will be adhered to during the survey process:

    The rights and privacy of individuals

    Voluntary nature of participation – and the rights of individuals to withdraw partially or completely from the process

    Consent and possible deception of participants

    Maintenance of the confidentiality of data provided by individuals or identifiable participants and their anonymity

    Reactions of participants to how researchers seek to collect data.

    Effects on participants of how data is analyzed and reported.

    Behavior and objectivity of the surveyor.

3.4. RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY

Survey Team Responsibilities

The consultant will lead the development of Technical and Budget proposals that include an assessment plan, methodology, and appropriate/relevant data collection and analysis tools.

    Work closely with Consortium Project Managers and Technical and M&E Advisors during the design of the methodology/ tools; agree on the tools that will be used.

    Presenting the methodologies and tools to the Consortium Technical Team and agreeing on the final tools.

    The consultant will train and guide enumerators, and Project staff on the data collection protocols and data collection tools.

    Design data entry and analysis spreadsheets

    Monitor and verify data entry and quality control

    Make visits to data collection sites and do FGDs and KIIs

    Incorporate feedback from sector teams into tools and reports

    Approximately one-hour PowerPoint presentation of results and discussions to be delivered

    The result is expected to be published and the survey team needs to give due attention to the quality of the report.

EMERGE Project Management Team Responsibilities

    Provide reference documents like project proposals, M&E plans, earlier evaluations and progress reports

Consultancy Qualification Requirements

Research consulting firms with the following qualifications and skills are required:

1.      Key Skills:

                     i.            Degree in economics, agriculture, or related field, with specialization in private sector, labor market analysis, and related areas.

                   ii.            Strong writing and intercultural communication skills

                  iii.            Knowledge of the socio-economic environment in Somalia is an added advantage

                  iv.            Sensitivity to cultural and understanding of political and ethical issues in Somalia

                   v.            Knowledge of Somali context, region – South West State

2.      Experience:

                     i.            Minimum of five (5) years of experience in labor market policy development, planning, and analysis.

                   ii.            Experience with vocational training and job placement programs

                  iii.            Similar work experience – in the region is essential.

3.      Language:

i.    Proficiency in written and spoken English.

ii.   Good working knowledge of Somali is an asset.

4.      Deliverables:

i.          Inception report including data analysis plan

ii.         Sampling plan and Filed plan for data collection, checklists for field monitoring.

iii.        Complete tabulation plan (submit just after finalization of the questionnaire)

iv.        Report on enumerators training and study tool pretesting.

v.         Filed monitoring reports for data collection phase

vi.        Raw Dataset

vii.       PowerPoints for debriefing and final presentation of results.

viii.      Submit draft survey report 

ix.        Final comprehensive report,

x.         Survey Questionnaires

xi.        High-resolution pictures (field activity snapshot

4.0       PROPOSALS EVALUATION CRITERIA

1.         Mandatory Requirements

i.          Provide a certified copy of business registration(company/organization)

ii.         Provide a valid tax compliance certificate

2.         Technical Requirements

         i.            Provide updated company profile demonstrating technical capabilities and relevant experience of the applicant

       ii.            Provide references including names and contact information from previous clients who can be contacted regarding relevant experience (At least five similar assignments in a similar context)

     iii.            Detailed CVs of key personnel (including any formal qualifications) should be provided (Annex)

     iv.            Provide Technical proposal clearly demonstrating the applicant’s technical capacity and its understanding of the project requirements,

       v.            Work plan showing time frame of the LMA

     vi.            Presence in Somalia or Any Fragile countries

3.         Financial Evaluation

Provide financial proposal that includes

         i.            A detailed breakdown of costs associated with the delivery of the LMA exercise including Logistics Cost

       ii.            Credit Terms

     iii.            Payment Terms

Interested qualified consultancy firms are encouraged to submit their proposal with the below documents in English and by email to [email protected]  on or before 26th  October 2024.

Proposals should be submitted in three distinct/separate attachments, namely

1.         Mandatory Requirements

2.         Technical Proposal

3.         Financial Proposal

NB (Bidders who will combine the three documents shall be disqualified).Bids received after the deadline shall not be considered.

Email title should be; Consultancy Services for Labour Market Assessment in Baidoa and Xudur

“World Vision reserves the right to accept or reject any Bid and is not bound to give reasons for its decision”

            For inquiries and questions, kindly send an email to [email protected]