TERMS OF REFERENCE Social protection technical support, Myanmar HelpAge is seeking a consultant to carry out two separate but interrelated assignments related to social protection cash transfers in Myanmar. The assignments are in support of two HelpAge International projects funded by the LIFT donor consortium. While there is no single definition of social protection, it generally relates to means of protecting people from the various risks and shocks they face throughout their lives. Poor and vulnerable households in Myanmar are often ill-equipped to deal with the variety of shocks and stresses they experience, including short-term emergencies (such as natural disasters), livelihood shocks (such as a failed harvest or losing a job) or the inevitable lifecourse stresses (such as raising a family, facing a disability or growing old). For example, shocks from extreme climate events or the death or serious illness of the family breadwinner may lead to children being removed from school or the sale of productive assets. In times of economic difficulty, households often reduce both the quantity and quality of food they consume. In Myanmar, many families in crisis also take on crippling debt at high interest rates, making it difficult for them to save and invest in improving their livelihood. Many countries provide social protection through government-funded policies and schemes, including cash transfers to households. However, Myanmar still has very limited government-provided social protection systems, despite approval of a National Social Protection Strategic Plan in December 2014. HelpAge s projects aim to generate experience and lessons for the government in delivering cash transfers and other forms of social protection. 2. Purpose Two assignments will be carried out during a single visit to Myanmar around March-April 2016. Because the assignments are related, HelpAge is seeking a single consultant to carry out both. The nature and outputs of each assignment is detailed in the following pages: Assignment no. 1: Assistance with social protection advocacy and operations steps, Myanmar Assignment no. 2: Designing cash transfer delivery systems, Myanmar Dry Zone 3. Time requirements and duration The proposed consultancy (2 assignments) is for a total of about 23 work days. This work requires one trip of about two weeks to Myanmar to support both assignments. This trip should begin the second half of March 2016 and avoid water festival holidays starting the week of 10 April. Tentatively the in-country schedule will be up to 7 work days for assignment no. 1 until the end of March and up to 6 work days for assignment no. 2 around early April. It is expected both assignments will be completed in April (see below). 4. Qualifications of consultant HelpAge anticipates hiring a consultant the following qualifications: Essential HelpAge International, Social Protection Myanmar, TOR 1
Degree(s) in a field relevant to the nature of the study Demonstrable experience designing implementation arrangements for cash transfer systems in low income contexts in Asia, preferably in Myanmar. This implies deep understanding of registration, enrolment, payment delivery and grievance mechanisms. Demonstrable experience producing similar documents Expertise in social protection mechanisms Strong writing skills in English with a clear, simple writing style Exceptional analytical and summarising skills Diplomacy, tact and cultural awareness Appropriate IT/computer skills Desirable International experience designing social pensions implementation arrangements Myanmar experience an advantage Experience advising governments on social protection schemes Experience in designing or managing MIS systems Deep understanding of ageing and the needs of older people 5. How to apply Interested consultants are invited to submit an Expression of Interest for delivery of the work. The short Expression of Interest (about 4 pages) should include: 1) Proposed methodology and any comments on this TOR 2) Clear work plan including output/deliverable and time frame, including statement on availability for follow-up work after April 2016 3) Costing (see below) 4) Appendixes (not included in 4 pages) a) CV of the consultant(s) b) Contact information for 2 professional references c) 1-2 relevant studies previously produced The costing/budget (point no. 3 above) should include professional fees and any other costs to carry out each assignment, excluding travel to Myanmar and ground travel and living costs in Myanmar, which will met directly according to HelpAge standards. Please submit separate budgets for assignments no. 1 and no. 2 as costs will be covered through separate projects. The city of departure for Myanmar should be noted. Selection of the consultant will be by a panel and based on the experience of the consultant, the quality and relevance of the expression of interest, and the proposed budget (i.e. value for money, within resources available). Final negotiated fees will be specified in the consultancy contract. The deadline for submission is midnight 27 February 2016. Please contact fon@helpageasia.org for further information or to submit your EOI. HelpAge International, Social Protection Myanmar, TOR 2
Assignment no. 1 Assistance with social protection advocacy and operations steps, Myanmar HelpAge began a new policy oriented project funded by the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) in 2014, called Strengthening the Ministry of Social Welfare To Fulfil Its Role in Expanding Social Protection. In December 2014, Myanmar s Union Government approved a National Social Protection Strategic Plan laying out eight flagship social protection schemes including cash transfers to vulnerable groups. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement (MSWRR) has proposed to implement a universal Social Pension programme, being one of the flagship projects in the Plan. HelpAge is supporting the MSWRR to move towards implementation of the social pension. To this end, HelpAge supported a feasibility study in January 2015 to assess technical options for implementing the Social Pension. There is now need to continue follow-up discussions with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement on how to build momentum towards implementation of the Plan through an effective advocacy plan, aimed particularly at new actors emerging from the recent national elections. One activity of the project is a series of short-term technical support consultancies in designing and implementing social protection schemes for all age groups. The next phase of this activity includes providing technical support to DSW for social protection advocacy to the new Government and building public awareness. 2. Purpose The purpose of this assignment is to clarify next steps on national advocacy related to social protection. 3. Methodology and specific tasks for consultant This assignment will be carried out mainly through a series of discussions and meetings in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon, along with a desk review of key documents. The consultant is expected to undertake these main tasks: Discuss the nature of the assignment, outputs and audience with HelpAge and its Social Protection Advisor. Meet with officials of the Department of Social Welfare and other stakeholders as requested to understand the key elements of the audience, the context and the assignment. Produce the output (i.e. Output 1) related to this assignment (see below). Discuss the need for and potential scope of an Operations Manual for a social pension, though that OM will not be produced as part of this assignment. Discuss next steps with HelpAge including areas of home-based support by the consultant to execute recommendations and produce anticipated additional outputs under separate contract. HelpAge International, Social Protection Myanmar, TOR 3
4. Output Output 1: Social protection advocacy strategy. This strategy document of about 15 pages will specify the audience (e.g Parliamentarians, key government officials, community outreach if needed, etc.). For each audience, the strategy should also specify main messages and modes of delivery, which might vary by audience. The strategy should also propose key aim/s or the critical issue/s around which advocacy materials should be developed. Eg: should we focus on poverty alleviation and vulnerability as an overarching focus to attract the new administration and other key ministries? An example of a key submessage will be affordability of social protection as a poverty reduction tool. The strategy should also propose appropriate advocacy tools (eg: leaflets, posters, press releases, short video clippings, PPTs etc) for each audience; who should develop the tools and by when; and who should deliver the messages for greatest credibility and clarity. 5. Time requirements and duration Assignment no. 1 is expected to be of total 11 working days duration, including 7 days in Myanmar, and 4 days home-based development of Output 1 above. A draft of the report will be due around 19 April and final report by 30 April 2016. HelpAge International, Social Protection Myanmar, TOR 4
Assignment no. 2 Designing cash transfer delivery systems, Myanmar Dry Zone The LIFT donor consortium has approved a project to be implemented in Myanmar s Central Dry Zone called the Dry Zone Social Protection Project. The three-year project will be implemented by HelpAge International in collaboration with the Mandalay YMCA. To help vulnerable households in the Dry Zone to cope and manage risks, this project aims to expand social protection. It will do this by enhancing informal community-based mechanisms and practices; strengthening government and community capacity to protect the poor; and delivering cash benefits to vulnerable groups (people with disabilities and older people). The project activities will lead to two project outcomes: poor households have expanded access to community assistance in times of stress, and vulnerable groups have greater income security. The project outcomes will contribute directly to the following Dry Zone programme outcome defined by LIFT: The basic needs of poor households in the target villages are met through effective social protection interventions. The locations of the project are 30 villages in each of six target townships of two regions: Pakkoku and Yesagyo Townships (Magway Region) and Mahlaing, Myingyan, Taungtha and Natogyi Townships (Mandalay Region). The total number of target villages is 180. This project aims to generate experience to help the government execute its National Social Protection Strategic Plan, including experience in delivering cash transfers. Collaborating to the extent possible with local government in delivery, the project aims to provide monthly cash transfers to older persons and persons with disabilities in all 180 villages for a period of two years. One activity of the project is this: Activity 4.1 Designing cash transfer delivery systems: As HelpAge is heavily involved in national social protection development through its other LIFT-funded project, the proposal partners plan to create a link with government-provided social protection through this project. To prepare for the cash transfers, the systems and procedures will first be established, building on the findings of a national feasibility study commissioned by HelpAge on behalf of DSW. This activity will generate practical lessons for cash transfer delivery for the government and LIFT. This activity has two parts: (1) Operational assessment and consultations: A consultant will assess delivery options and consult with stakeholders to see how best to harmonise local mechanisms with national plans, and prepare tools, formats and procedures for cash delivery. This step will involve both Union level DSW and local government players, to seek their advice and build ownership of the scheme. (2) Training module development and workshops: Staff handling records and making cash deliveries will be trained in a 1-week workshop for 25 people. 2. Purpose The purpose of this consultancy is to assess and recommend operational options for the delivery of cash transfers in target areas through the project, in a way that maximises lessons for government. HelpAge International, Social Protection Myanmar, TOR 5
3. Specific Tasks for Consultant The study will be carried out through initial desk review followed by one visit of about a week plus travel to include interviews and discussions in Yangon or Nay Pyi Taw and in the target areas. Specifically the tasks include: Desk Review / Skype discussions with HelpAge to clarify the outline and scope of the task Produce a more detailed design and timeframe of the research study, including workplan, methodology, and key study questions, for agreement by HelpAge Conduct a desk review of documents related to Myanmar/Dry Zone context and the LIFT-funded project, as well as Myanmar s social protection context including the new national Social Protection Strategic Plan. Make one visit to Myanmar of about 6 days. Discuss the issues with HelpAge and others in Yangon and/or Nay Pyi Taw. Conduct an assessment in target areas. This will include discussion with key local stakeholders including township governments, village and village tract administrators, financial organisations, and other parties working in the same area, especially those planning to deliver cash transfers such as Save the Children. Produce the Outputs Incorporation of comments/feedback The consultant also agrees to be available for producing elements of an operational manual and training package for cash transfer delivery, to be completed from home during May 2016. This will be under separate contract. 4. Outputs The Consultant is responsible for producing the following two Outputs in English: Output 2 is the assessment design, including workplan, methodology, revised report outline, and key study questions (about 3-5 pages). Output 3: The main product of the assignment is an assessment report according to an outline to be agreed with HelpAge. The Output 3 report will be about 15 pages in length plus attachments. An indicative outline is in Attachment 1 to this TOR. The consultant will be asked to review and revise a more detailed report outline with the initial workplan, in consultation with HelpAge, detailing the sub-topics to be covered and estimating the length of each section. The consultant should write the report in clear English so that they can be easily understood and translated, avoiding long sentences, jargon, and abbreviations as much as possible. Technical terms should also be clearly explained or else avoided when possible, without compromising the technical rigour of the analysis. The study may also contain numbered/bullet points, diagrams, or other visual materials to illustrate material and guide the reader. Detailed textual material or tables should be annexed. 5. Time requirements and duration Assignment no. 2 is expected to be of total of up to 12 working days duration, including about 6 days in Myanmar, and 6 days home-based development of the Outputs above. The study should take place in March-April 2016, with the visit to Myanmar completed by about April 6th latest in light of the water festival holidays in Myanmar. The visit of about 6 days will include: About 3 days of discussions with HelpAge in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw HelpAge International, Social Protection Myanmar, TOR 6
About 3 days of discussions with stakeholders in the Dry Zone plus travel time The report will be due around 19 April and the final report by 30 April, or as otherwise agreed with the consultant. The consultant should be available by Skype or phone after the report is issued to explain and clarify the recommendations. Following this assignment, the consultant may be asked to prepare an operational manual and training materials based on final decisions arising from the report s recommendations. If so, that work will be contracted separately. Attachment 1: Tentative Outline for Study Report (Output 3) Executive summary 2. Institutional arrangements 3. Operational systems and implementation strategy 4. Technical options a. Eligibility b. Registration c. Payment d. Exit e. M&E and complaints 5. Summary of recommendations 6. Next steps Attachments Outline of operational manual Observations on assessing impact Training plan and training module outline for follow-on assignment HelpAge International, Social Protection Myanmar, TOR 7