BACKGROUND

The Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) coordinated the formulation of the National Social Protection Policy Framework (NSPPF) in 2016 which defines the necessary areas of reform to ensure income security of the people, reduce poverty, strengthen the stability of the financial system and sustain economic growth.

As we approach the mid-point mark of the NSPPF 2016-2025, it is ideal for NSPC to take stock of the development of Social Protection in Cambodia, to recognize the achievements and to also identify areas where an update of the NSPPF might be needed in order to attain the lofty ambitions it has set, and to remain relevant to the changing demands of the social protection system as a whole.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the review is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the NSPPF and propose, on this basis, options for reforms / improvements. It should consist of an evaluation of the current social protection landscape vis-à-vis the objectives of the current Rectangular Strategy and National Strategic Development Plan 2019-2023 and reflects the current understanding of the social protection system in Cambodia. In addition, it should also be an opportunity to assess the overall performance of the social protection system in Cambodia versus the country's needs, particularly in terms of creating a more inclusive and sustainable social protection system. In this regard, It should also include the identification of new areas and gaps that have arisen and are not addressed by the NSPPF. It should  provide options with consideration of the overall feasibility to pursue these options, so as to enhance and update the framework to include an articulation of the strategy for the further implementation of the NSPPF.

As such, the main objectives are:

• The assessment of the adequacy of the NSPPF in addressing and further guiding the development of social protection in Cambodia
• The reform options to be included in NSPPF for the further acceleration of implementation of social protection reform.
• The assessment of the overall performance of social protection system in Cambodia versus the needs

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

1. An inception report of maximum 20 pages in English that includes possible modifications to the methodology.
2. To attain the objectives, the following outputs are envisioned:

• A consolidated report on the Review of the NSPPF
• A discussion between relevant stakeholders on reform options
• A technical note (produced in behalf of the GS-NSPC) containing the proposed reforms to be presented by the GS-NSPC to the NSPC.

The Reports should be presented in English and translated into Khmer with high-quality translation. The structure of the reports follows the structure proposed in the enclosed Concept Note. It can be adjusted based in dialogue between the Service Provider​ and the General Secretariat for the National Social Protection Workshop presentations during the different phases of the process.

METHODOLOGY

The methodology and tasks will include the following

1. Desk review of existing studies of the social protection system.
2. Consultation with Ministries, institutions, and key stakeholders (including face to face and virtual consultations considering the limitations due to the COVID-19 situation).
3. Gap analysis comparing existing systems with the expected needs.
4. Develop options for a future comprehensive social protection system, including results in the national dialogue process. Options for reforms and improvements should be built upon the evidence and analytical work done in the previous sections with in-depth consultation with national stakeholders over the needs and the vision for social protection in Cambodia. It should include both short and long-term proposals that focus on the overall social protection system covering a range of domains such as policy and legal, institutional and governance arrangements; implementation elements and the feasibility of the reforms
5. Consolidated Report should minimally consist of the elements above and should also include the (i) compilation of all existing reports used as inputs into the review of the NSPPF, (ii) all observations and consultation notes with national stakeholders, (iii) all data extracted and used as the basis for the assessments and projections, and (iv) the documentation of all the recommendations and considerations taken in determining the final recommendations.
6. Validation workshops
7. Collaboration with the GS-NSPC in the preparation of the presentation (including a technical note) to be submitted to the NSPC

TENTATIVE TIMELINE OF DELIVERABLES

The consultancy is scheduled to start in February 2021 and completed by August 2021.

APPROACH

The external collaborator is expected to liaise with the relevant Ministries and institutions responsible for the various social protection programmes and schemes, and meet with the relevant stakeholders and civil society organizations to obtain feedback, validate the findings and recommendations, and integrate their comments in the report. Gender perspectives shall be taken into consideration.

CONTRACT SUPERVISION

The ILO Social Protection Manager, with oversight from the ILO Senior Technical Specialist on Social Protection, will provide day-to-day supervision of the contract ensuring the articulation between the service provider and the General Secretariat of the National Social Protection Council. The ILO Senior Technical Specialist on Social Protection will provide technical supervision as required.

CONTRACT PERIOD

A proposal on the number of days required should be prepared by the Service Provider in the counter proposal

PAYMENT

The amount of this external collaboration contract is all-inclusive, and based on the consultancy rate proposed for 50 days of work.

1. First payment of 30% will be made upon submission of the inception report.
2. Second payment of 30% will be made upon submission of the first draft of the SPDR.
3. Final payment of 40% will be made upon submission of the final SPDR, with high-quality translation in Khmer, to the satisfaction of the ILO.

REQUIRED PROFILE OF TEAM MEMBERS

The Service Provider should propose a team that combines an experienced lead international social protection expert with the technical requirements needed to deliver the products according to the general parameters proposed under the Concept Note, including the participation of qualified national experts. The team should include at least:

The International Lead Expert

Responsible for the following outputs:

• Coordinate the work of the team and ensure the communication with the GS and ILO
• Develop a detailed methodology for the review of the NSPPF
• Designing of the questionnaires and other instruments to facilitate data collection needed for the review
• Develop a preliminary report, detailing the assessment of the NSPPF implementation to date, and the performance of the Cambodia Social Protection System for consultation with the GS-NSPC and other stakeholders
• Production of the final consolidated report which includes the documentation of all the considerations taken during the consultation of the options for reforms and improvements with the national stakeholders and on that basis the final recommendation based on the entire review of the NSPPF.
• All work delivered under the review of the NSPPF including work done by team members of the service provider.

The International Lead Expert shall meet the following qualifications:   

1. Advanced university degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Economics, Political Science or related disciplines.
2. At least 10 years of experience and policy making and technical knowledge in social protection with significant experience in upper and middle-income countries
3. Familiarity with the Cambodian national context is considered as an asset.
4. Proven experience in conducting research and technical consultancy on social protection issues.
5. Excellent report drafting ability and fluency in English is required.

The Social Protection Expert will be responsible for the following:

• Assist the Lead Expert in the development of the detailed methodology for the review of the NSPPF
• Conduct the interviews and the collection of the data, feedbacks and recommendations needed for the review
• Assist the Lead Expert in the development of the preliminary report
• Facilitate the consultation process for the development of the options for reforms and improvements
• Assist in assessment of the feasibility and strategic coherence of the options for reforms and improvements.
• Assist the Lead Expert in the production of the final consolidated report

The Social Protection Expert shall meet the following qualifications:      

1. University degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Economics, Political Science or related disciplines.
2. At least 5 years of experience and technical knowledge in social protection with significant experience in upper and middle-income countries
3. Familiarity with the Cambodian national context is considered as an asset.
4. Proven experience in conducting research and technical consultancy on social protection issues.
5. Excellent report drafting ability and fluency in English is required.

The National Expert(s) will be responsible for the following:

• Provide a national context and lens in the development of the deliverables and outputs
• Assist in the translation of the documents from Khmer to English
• Assist in the interviews and the collection of the data, feedbacks and recommendations needed for the review
• Facilitate the co-development of the review deliverables and outputs between the appointed service provider and the national stakeholders

The National Expert(s) shall meet the following qualifications:

1. Advanced university degrees in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Economics, Political Science or related disciplines.
2. At least 3 years of experience and technical knowledge in social protection issues in Cambodia.     
3. Excellent report drafting ability
4. Fluency in English and Khmer is required.
5. Excellent communication skill is an advantage

The Service Provider should provide a proposal of the specific experience required.

The Service Provider is strongly encourage to register their interest and submit their written enquiries to [email protected] before 10th February 2021. An online briefing for all interested Service Provider will be conducted on 12th February where the written enquiries and further clarification will be provided. The Service Provider should send their technical proposal including CVs of team members and previous similar works to [email protected]. The financial proposal shall be submitted separately to [email protected]. Both technical and financial proposals are to be submitted by 22nd February 2021. Late submissions will not be considered.