SCOPE OF WORK 

FOR SENIOR RESEARCH CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT STUDY ON IMPLICATION OF INCLUSION OF LABOUR PROVISION IN  

FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS 

 

Position 

​​Senior Research Consultant​ 

Period of Performance On/About (From – To) 

​​August 26, 2024​ 

​​August 25, 2025​ 

Maximum Level of Effort 

​​STTA (45 days)​ 

Base of Operations 

Remote from Home, with possibility of travel to Jakarta 

 

Project Background: 

Collectively, the 10 countries that comprise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) contribute more than 20 percent of global fish production. As the fishing industry has tried to meet growing global demand, oversight has not kept pace. As consumer demand has grown, competitive pressures and declining catch rates, coupled with insufficient regulation and minimal oversight, have created incentives for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and allowed exploitative and abusive treatment of workers to proliferate, including treatment that rises to the level of forced labor and trafficking in persons. The Addressing Labor Exploitation in Fishing in ASEAN (ALFA) project aims to build the capacity to coordinate and collaborate across ASEAN to mitigate forced labor and promote responsible labor practices in the fishing industry. 

The ASEAN region has experienced significant economic growth and integration in recent decades, driven in part by the establishment of free trade agreements (FTAs) which facilitate trade and investment flows leading to increased economic opportunities. In the evolving global trade landscape, issues such as labor and the environment have become instrumental in shaping economic policies. Concerns regarding labor rights and fair-trade practices have prompted the inclusion of labor provisions in FTAs, aiming to protect workers' rights, improve working conditions, and promote sustainable development. 

The ASEAN-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, which represents a new generation of FTAs, includes some new and emerging issues. However, incorporating these issues into the negotiations for upgrading ASEAN’s FTAs or potential FTAs remains a challenge. This regional study will investigate the potential implications of including labor provisions in FTAs on companies, workers, and governments in ASEAN Member States (AMS). The study will explore the impacts and provide insights for policymakers, trade negotiators, businesses, and stakeholders to make informed decisions, develop effective policies, and foster sustainable economic growth within ASEAN. The study will also take stock of the perception of business and industry groups, employers, trade unions and civil society on those labour provisions. This study will take into account the varying degree of knowledge and understanding of stakeholders in AMS pertaining to labour provision in FTAs. This initiative is planned in the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Programme 2021-2025. Further details can be found in the endorsed concept note of the study, which will be shared with applicants invited to interview.  

 

Purpose: 

The Senior Research Consultant, accompanied by 1 (one) Research Assistant, will lead this pivotal study over a span of 12 (twelve) months, collaborating closely with the Project Director of ALFA and ASEAN Secretariat (Labour and Civil Service Division). Given the complexity and significance of incorporating labor provisions in FTAs, the Consultant’s expertise will be instrumental in formulating the research design, executing comprehensive analyses, and engaging with stakeholders. The objective is to generate actionable insights and pragmatic policy recommendations that align with ASEAN's initiatives to enhance labor conditions and promote responsible trade practices. 

OBJECTIVES AND DUTIES: 

Collaborate intensively with the Project Director of ALFA to develop a robust research design, aligning it with the study's purpose of evaluating the implications of labor provisions in FTAs on AMS, in consultation with the ASEAN Secretariat. 

Provide specialized technical insights to guide the research, particularly focusing on areas such as labor rights, fair trade practices, and the efficacy of existing policies. 

Conduct a comprehensive analysis of both primary and secondary data, which may include but is not limited to relevant ASEAN documents, academic literature, other documents from reliable sources, and interviews with key informants. This analysis should aim to illuminate the gaps, challenges, and opportunities in incorporating labor provisions in FTAs within the ASEAN region. 

Arrange and conduct a series of key informant interviews (KIIs) with the focal points of the Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM) and other relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies; policymakers, trade negotiators, businesses and other stakeholders from ASEAN Member States; relevant officials from state parties of bilateral/multilateral FTAs with labour provisions; members of the study’s advisory group; and other respondents as relevant.   

Facilitate stakeholder engagement sessions, involving ASEAN member states, international organizations, civil society, tripartite partners, and industry representatives. These sessions aim to gather additional insights and validation for the study’s findings. The consultants will act as resource persons, facilitate sessions, and prepare the summary records of the sessions which capture feedback and discussions. 

Collaborate with ALFA, ASEAN Secretariat, and advisory group to refine findings and recommendations, ensuring they are actionable, relevant, and aligned with ongoing ASEAN initiatives to improve labor conditions through FTAs. 

Draft the study report and finalise it based on input from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Secretariat, ALFA and other stakeholders for the endorsement of SLOM. 

 

LEVEL OF EFFORT/TIMELINE 

The level of effort for this assignment is for 45 days over a period of up to 12 (twelve) months. 

 

REPORTING 

The ​Senior Research Consultant​ will report to the Project Director of ALFA for further conveyance to ASEAN Secretariat’s Labour and Civil Service Division. 

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher), preferably in international trade, labor studies, economics, public policy, or other related fields. 

A minimum of 12 years of prior experience in designing and conducting research projects related to international trade, labor rights, or regional integration, with a focus on ASEAN. 

Strong understanding of FTAs and multidimensional aspects of labour provisions in FTAs. Familiarity with FTA negotiations, both within and outside the region, and implementation is highly desirable.  

Strong familiarity with ASEAN and its trade policies, labor and trade policies of ASEAN Member States, and the unique challenges facing labor standards in the region is highly desirable. 

Demonstrated expertise in labor standards and international trade issues, particularly as they relate to FTAs. In-depth understanding of ASEAN and its Member States is a strong asset. 

A commitment to a consultative and collaborative approach in working with diverse stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society, tripartite partners (ASEAN, ATUC, and ACE), and the private sector. 

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency in national languages of ASEAN Member States is an advantage. 

 

 

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