Senior Social Researcher

Landscape Analysis of Countering Trafficking in Persons Activities in Vietnam

(Learns Task # 4.005)

USAID/Learns Contract

Hanoi, Vietnam

Location: Ha Noi

About Social Impact

Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Project Objective

SI is implementing the USAID/Vietnam Learns Contract. The scope of the five-year project is to support USAID/Vietnam staff and its implementing partners to implement more efficient, effective, and sustainable programs by (1) improving staff knowledge and skills in Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) and Collaborating, Learning & Adapting (CLA); (2) advancing evidence-informed decision-making; (3) strengthening strategic collaboration between staff and local stakeholders.

** Note: This position is open to Vietnamese candidates only **

Background and Purpose

Trafficking in persons (TIP) is a significant issue in Vietnam. Men, women and children are trafficked domestically and internationally for a variety of reasons, including sexual exploitation, child labour, and domestic slavery. Despite rapid economic development since the mid-1980s, inequality and discrimination leave many people vulnerable to exploitation from criminal networks, loan sharks, and unscrupulous employers. Due to challenges in collecting and managing data and the social stigma surrounding victims, the scale of the problem is difficult to establish.

While the Government of Vietnam has taken some action to address these issues, including improving access to legal representation and financial support, it does not meet the standards required to eliminate trafficking. The Government continues to underreport cases, and does not sufficiently investigate and prosecute trafficking rings or complicit officials. Coordination between concerned entities within and across central and provincial levels is weak, hampering the effectiveness of response. Victim identification and assistance programs are also cumbersome and ineffective. As a result, the United States Department of State (DoS) Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons in 2020 placed Vietnam on the Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Vietnam, recognizing the scale of the issue, is exploring the potential to launch new efforts to support countering trafficking in persons (C-TIP). As a preliminary step, USAID/Vietnam wishes to conduct an analysis examining the landscape for C-TIP activity in Vietnam. This will ensure USAID support is well-targeted, informed by experience, and likely to reinforce rather than duplicate efforts.

Research Questions

This analysis will address the following research questions. Note that these research questions will not be answered exhaustively in this assessment; the assessment will provide rapid analysis of each area, allowing for further research if necessary. All research questions should apply the framework used in the DoS 2020 TIP Report, examining efforts in prevention, protection, and prosecution. Any analysis of gaps and recommendations for new programming should focus on prevention and protection.

Landscape Analysis

Provide a brief overview of the current trends of trafficking in persons in Vietnam. This should note the main types of trafficking, victim profile and general awareness of the issue. This should also indicate whether and how COVID-19 has impacted TIP.
What are the main initiatives being delivered to combat TIP in Vietnam? Detail the focus, funding sources, and performance of efforts being delivered by:
- Government of Vietnam
- Local and international organizations
- Other actors, including the private sector
Where are the key gaps in programming at present, and why do they persist?

Support for USAID Programming Design

In light of the situational analysis, where could USAID have the greatest impact on TIP, though both existing and new programming?
- What could be delivered with an funding envelope of approximately $1 million per year over the next five years?
- What could be delivered with additional resources?

Methodology

The research questions are expected to be answered through two methodological approaches:

Rapid Desk Review

GVN policies, directives, decrees, public statements, etc., on C-TIP.
USG documentation on C-TIP issues in Vietnam. This should refer primarily to the DoS 2020 TIP Report, reviewing its analysis and conclusions.
Reports developed by donors, global funds, and local organizations related to trafficking in Vietnam in the last five years.
Programming of other donors and non-state actors, particularly UK FCDO, JICA, GIZ, DFAT, UNODC, IOM and ILO.
Summarizing key policies/programs in neighboring countries on C-TIP.

Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)

USAID Mission and Embassy staff concerned with C-TIP.
GVN representatives: Ministries of Justice; Public Security; Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs; Foreign Affairs; and others as relevant.
Local organizations focused on C-TIP, e.g. Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation.
Other donors as specified above.

Key informants for interviews and validation event(s) will be selected in coordination with USAID. The target number of KIIs will be confirmed in consultation with USAID and Learns at the start of the assignment. Note however that the methodology can be amended based on discussions with the consultant team and given circumstances at the time of kickoff.

Deliverables and Timeline

The assignment is set to commence in May 2021. An indicative timeline is set out in the table below. The estimated LOE is up to 40 working days.

Deliverable	Involved stakeholders	Purpose	Tentative Timeframe
Kickoff Meeting	USAID SSDO, Learns, GVN stakeholders	Introductions Finalization of the scope of work Confirm expected deliverables and timeline Develop buy-in with GVN	Early May
Desk Review	Learns	Review of available literature	Mid May
Inbrief Presentation	USAID SSDO, Learns	Summary of findings from desk review Review of research plan and timings Review of primary research tools	Mid May
Data Collection	Learns	KIIs	Late May
Validation Workshop	USAID SSDO, Embassy, Learns, GVN stakeholders, practitioners and other donors	Validation of study findings and recommendations	Mid June
Additional data collection on programming	Learns	Final KIIs with stakeholders to refine programming options and recommendations	Early July
Utilization Workshop	USAID SSDO, Learns	Review of main recommendations USAID and research team engagement on design implications stemming from the research	Mid July
Draft Report	Learns	Production of draft report	Mid July
Outbrief Presentation	USAID Front Office, SSDO, Learns	Review of research objectives, findings and conclusions Final inputs into reporting	End July
Final Report	USAID SSDO Learns	Production of final report and summary documents for wider dissemination (TBC with USAID)	Early August

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher, with preference for a degree relevant to law, public policy, international development, or another related field
7 years of demonstrated experience working on C-TIP relating to sexual exploitation, labor exploitation, law enforcement, judicial processes, and governance in Southeast Asia, preferably Vietnam
Excellent experience in conducting qualitative data collection in Vietnam (e.g. key informant interviews, focus group discussions, etc.)
Strong understanding of GVN, donor, and CSO landscape relating to C-TIP interventions and networks within these stakeholder groups
Understanding of USG regulations relating to C-TIP preferred
Fluency in Vietnamese and in-depth knowledge of the operating environment in Vietnam required
High degree of fluency in written English required

The closing date for application: 06 May 2021. Selection and interview will be performed on a rolling basis, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply, please merge both your CV and a cover letter into one pdf file and submit it through the online portal.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls. Interviews may include a practical test or skill-based demonstration.

Job Details

Organisation Name:

USAID Learns - Social Impact

Location:

Hanoi

Application Deadline:

Thu, 2021-05-06