Consultant / Researcher for Organized Recruitment to Lithuania from Uzbekistan

STATEMENT OF WORK Safe Migration in Central Asia Project Consultant/Researcher to explore opportunities for enhancement of organized recruitment to Lithuania by the Agency for External Labor Migration under the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan BACKGROUND The Agency for External Labor Migration (AELM) under the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a government agency established to regulate and manage the migration of Uzbek citizens for work abroad. The agency's primary objective is protection of the rights and interests of Uzbek migrant workers. One of the key activities of the AELM is organized labor recruitment. The agency collaborates with foreign employers, recruitment agencies, and embassies to create employment opportunities for Uzbek migrant workers. The AELM provides support and assistance to workers throughout the recruitment process, including pre-departure training, language courses, and skills examinations. The agency has signed bilateral and multilateral agreements with countries that employ Uzbek migrant workers to ensure the respect of workers' rights, including protection against discriminatory practices. In addition to organized labor recruitment, the AELM conducts research and analysis on labor migration trends and issues. This information is used to inform the agency's policies and programs to better serve the needs of Uzbek migrant workers. The AELM plays a crucial role in regulating and managing the migration of Uzbek citizens for work abroad. Through its organized labor recruitment activities and other initiatives, the agency aims to ensure that labor migration is a safe and beneficial opportunity for Uzbek citizens while protecting their rights and interests. Funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Winrock International (WI), Safe Migration in Central Asia project (SMICA, 2019-2024) is focusing on building cooperation with local government, private sector and civil society to promote rights-based migration and counter trafficking in persons (TIP), reduce vulnerability of at-risk population to all forms of TIP, and improve identification and assistance to trafficked person. SMICA intends to provide technical support to AELM in enhancement and diversification of organized recruitment schemes, through support in analyzing labor market of Lithuania, mapping and connecting with recruitment entities and agencies in Lithuania, as well as reviewing work visa requirements and relevant procedures for the citizens of Uzbekistan. In this regard, SMICA seeks to engage an International Consultant/Expert under a fixed-price contract to undertake required research of relevant recruitment agencies/entities. The Consultant/Expert will work closely with the SMICA Uzbekistan Country Coordinator to achieve the desired outcomes. OBJECTIVE The objective of the fixed-price contract is to: Conduct research of the labor market of Lithuania and demand for migrant work in several sectors of economy, with a focus on low-skilled jobs. Analyze the system of labor recruitment in Lithuania, with a focus of state and private organizations engaged in recruitment of labor migrants from abroad. Develop the list of relevant recruitment agents, with contact information. Review work visa requirements and relevant procedures for the citizens of Uzbekistan, in line with recent legislative changes. Prepare the Report on the Research with practical step-by-step recommendations for AELM on further enhancement of organized labor recruitment opportunities in Lithuania. Conduct online consultations with AELM and online presentation of the Final Report, if needed. DELIVERABLES / DATES The table below outlines the proposed timing of the deliverables. Deliverables Deliverable Date 1 Conduct the research, in line with objectives stated above. Submit Draft Report on the research to Winrock, with recommendations By August 4, 2023 2 Submit Final Report, based on the feedback from Winrock and/or AELM By August 30, 2023 METHODOLOGY AND REPORTING The Consultant will report to the SMICA Country Coordinator in Uzbekistan or her designee. All deliverables shall be provided in Russian, English or Uzbek. Duration of the contract July 15 – September 15, 2023. PAYMENT SCHEDULE Payment will be made according to the deliverables schedule: First tranche (50%): upon submission and approval of Deliverable 1 Second tranche (50%): upon submission and approval of Deliverable 2 QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND Bachelor’s degree in economy, law, development, international relations, public administration or other related field of study At least three years of research experience Knowledge of the economy and labor market of Lithuania and/or Uzbekistan is an advantage Excellent communication and writing skills (English and/or Russian) Good attention to detail, ability to organize, and to meet deadlines. Able to work independently and collaboratively. APPLICATION AND DEADLINE To participate in this application, you must send your resume and price offer for the entire scope of services (lump sum), according to these terms of reference, to the following e-mail: CentralAsiaJobs@winrock.org. All questions regarding this application should be sent to CentralAsiaJobs@winrock.org. Applications received by July 5 will be considered in a priority order