Terms of Reference (TOR) for conducting Research on “Best practices of establishment of Trade Unions in EU”

Armenian Progressive Youth NGO announces a competition for a Research Company or an Individual Consultant to conduct a Research on “Best practices of establishment of Trade Unions in EU” and support adaptation of features of best models from the research to the Armenian context.

I. Project Title: “EU4LabourRights: Increasing Civic Voice and Action for Labour Rights and Social Protection in Armenia”
II. Post Title: Research Company or Individual Consultant
III. Contract Duration: September – November 2021 (20 working days)
IV. Application Deadline: 10 September, 2021

V. Background:

“EU4LabourRights: Increasing Civic Voice and Action for Labour Rights and Social Protection in Armenia” project is implemented by OxYGen Foundation, Socioscope NGO, “Asparez” Journalists’ Club NGO, Armenian Progressive Youth NGO, Media Diversity Institute – Armenia in cooperation with Protection of Rights without Borders NGO, and Eurasia Partnership Foundation and is funded by the European Union. The Project will facilitate a multi-stakeholder policy Platform – CVA which will lead national consultations on the development and implementation of relevant public policies aimed at addressing the discrimination and violation of labour rights, with the involvement of grassroots organizations and activists’ non formal groups.

VI. Purpose of the assignment

Considering the current state of Trade Unions in Armenia and urgent need for supporting the new ways of working among them, Armenian Progressive Youth NGO aims to conduct a research on the best practices of the trade unions, in particular the practices in the EU countries. Consequently, the most effective models of operation of the trade unions will be identified. Features of these models will be adapted to the Armenian situation, taking into consideration the legal grounds available in Armenia. Based on the final study and findings, youth-led trade union will be established in Armenia.

VII. Main Responsibilities:

• Conducting evidence-based and publication-quality research on “Best practices of establishment of Trade Unions in the EU”.
• Conducting desk-based research and identifying the most effective models of operation of the trade unions in the EU.
• Providing an overview and analysis of the best practices that have a transferability potential and can be adapted to the Armenian situation, taking into consideration the legal grounds available in Armenia.

VIII. Specific Tasks

The Research Company or Individual Consultant will be responsible for:
• Working closely with the Armenian Progressive Youth NGO project team to agree on the final version of research design and detailed plan of the study;
• Conducting a desk review of the best practices of establishment of Trade Unions in the European Union along with statistics, available national and international studies, evaluations and reports, and data from relevant agencies;
• Conducting analysis of legal and policy framework, mechanisms and procedures of establishment of Trade Unions in Armenia and in the European Union;
• Analyzing the results of the desk-research and drafting a comprehensive assessment report, including findings and general recommendations to Armenian Progressive Youth NGO on relevant best practices in the EU, the potential of their transferability to the Armenian context and how to adapt them taking into consideration the legal grounds available;
• Finalizing and submitting the report in English to Armenian Progressive Youth NGO;
• Presenting the key findings and recommendations of the initial report to counterparts, NGOs and other key stakeholders;
• Supporting the legal experts of the Armenian Progressive Youth NGO in adaptation of features of best models from the research to the Armenian context and establishment of a Trade Union.

IX. Deliverables:

Specifically, the Research Company or the Individual Consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables:

• Research methodology designed, tools developed (in English) and desk review conducted;
• A comprehensive publication-quality Research report in English is prepared and submitted to Armenian Progressive Youth NGO;
• A consultancy to legal experts of the Armenian Progressive Youth NGO on establishment of Trade Union based on the research findings is provided;
• Key findings and recommendations of the initial report are presented to counterparts, NGOs and other key stakeholders;

X. Experience and Competencies required

• Solid experience in conducting research work;
• Proven sufficient capacities that ensure a successful completion and high quality of deliverables;
• Proven knowledge and experience in data analysis;
• University degree in sociology or statistics for key research staff;
• Knowledge on labour rights and labour legislation will be an asset;
• Experience in working with non-governmental and international organizations;
• Fluency in English for key research staff;
• Excellent analytical skills;
• Excellent listening, observational and verbal communication skills;

XI. Timeline

It is expected that potential candidates will come up with tentative timeline with regard of the entire assignment. The assignment should start in mid-September 2021. Details concerning the time schedule will be discussed with successful company/candidate. Armenian Progressive Youth NGO reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines. This ToR is an integral part of the contract to be signed with the Research Company or Individual Consultant.

XII. How to Apply

Applicants are requested to submit their proposals electronically (in English) to Armenian Progressive Youth NGO via [email protected] no later than 10 September, 2021.

XIII. Application Package Requirements

The Application package should include the following documents:

1. Application Form (Annex I)
2. Price Offer Form (Annex II)
3. Proposed Research Timeline
4. CVs of researcher or research personnel
5. Copies of at least 2 researches conducted (in English)
6. Copy of the State Registration Certificate (for companies only)

Applications that do not fall within the guidelines described in this ToR will not be considered.

“EU4LabourRights: Increasing Civic Voice and Action for Labour Rights and Social Protection in Armenia:” Project is implemented by OxYGen Foundation, Socioscope NGO, “Asparez” Journalists’ Club NGO, Armenian Progressive Youth NGO, Media Diversity Institute – Armenia in cooperation with Protection of Rights without Borders NGO, and Eurasia Partnership Foundation. The Project is funded by the European Union.