Background
Trade unions serve as pivotal actors in the defence of workers’ rights, ensuring fair labour practices, and advocating for social justice. By uniting their efforts, trade unions have the capacity to present a cohesive and powerful voice in policy-making, bargaining, and advocacy for improved working conditions and labour rights. However, across Africa, fragmentation among unions frequently undermines their effectiveness. A landscape marked by limited cooperation often results in weaker representation, inefficient resource use, duplicative efforts, and diminished influence in the socio-economic and political domains.
The potential benefits of enhanced trade union collaboration are profound. A unified trade union movement can wield greater influence in advocating for workers’ rights at company, sectoral, national, sub-regional, regional, and global levels. Moreover, coordinated efforts enable unions to pool resources and expertise, negotiate inclusively, and contribute to policy and legislative changes. The barriers to this unity, however, are significant, ranging from structural challenges embedded in union constitutions to leadership agendas and external political interferences.
Despite these obstacles, there are numerous examples of successful collaboration among unions in Africa. These partnerships have demonstrated the benefits of collective action in defending workers’ rights and advancing social justice. The International Labour Organization (ILO) is committed to supporting trade unions in their efforts to strengthen cooperation. Through its Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), the ILO has initiated a research project under the GLO422 Global Product funded by its Regular Budget of Technical Cooperation.
The project aims to identify good practices and enablers of trade union collaboration, examine barriers, and provide strategic recommendations for fostering effective cooperation. The research will be conducted in eight African countries- Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tunisia – and will focus on understanding the conditions under which unions can cooperate effectively, the typologies of such cooperation, and the lessons that can be applied across the region and globally.
This research represents the first phase of a broader initiative that will be expanded to other regions. The findings will culminate in a global workshop and be integrated into training activities at the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO).
Objective of the Assignment
The primary objective of this assignment is to conduct data collection through surveys, interviews, and field visits to gather authentic insights for the research project. The data will contribute to understanding good practices, challenges, and opportunities in trade union cooperation in the selected countries, and ultimately, to developing strategic recommendations to strengthen trade union collaboration in Africa and beyond. You will be working very closely with the Africa Labour Research and Education Institute (ALREI) of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union
Scope of Work
The scope of work includes, but is not limited to:
1. Survey Development and Administration
Designing and administering surveys to trade union leaders, mid-level officials, and external stakeholders to gather quantitative and qualitative data on their experiences with cooperation and collaboration.
2. Interviews and Focus Groups
Conducting in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, including trade union representatives, policymakers, and civil society actors, to capture nuanced perspectives and contextual insights.
3. Field Visits
Undertaking field visits to the eight target countries to observe union activities, engage with stakeholders, and collect primary data.
4. Secondary Data Collection
Gathering and analyzing existing data, reports, and case studies on trade union cooperation in the selected countries and beyond.
5. Documentation and Transcription
Recording and transcribing interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations to ensure accurate representation of findings.
6. Reporting
Preparing detailed reports on the data collection process, including a summary of key insights, challenges encountered, and recommendations for subsequent phases of the research.
Deliverables
The consultant(s) will be responsible for delivering the following:
1. A detailed work plan for the data collection process, including timelines and methodologies.
2. Survey instruments and interview guides tailored to the objectives of the study.
3. A comprehensive dataset from surveys, interviews, and field visits.
4. Transcripts of interviews and focus group discussions.
5. A preliminary report summarizing key findings from the data collection phase.
Duration of the Assignment
The assignment is expected to be completed within [insert timeframe, e.g., three months], starting from the date of contract signing.
Qualifications of the Consultant(s)
The ideal consultant(s) or research team should possess the following qualifications:
1. Advanced degree in social sciences, labor studies, or a related field.
2. Proven experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, particularly in the field of labor rights and trade union studies.
3. Strong knowledge of trade union dynamics in Africa.
4. Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
5. Proficiency in English and French is highly desirable.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit a proposal that includes:
1. A technical proposal outlining the methodology and approach for data collection.
2. A financial proposal detailing the proposed budget.
3. Relevant experience and references.
4. CV(s) of the consultant(s) or team members.
Proposals should be submitted by 29 November 2024 to alrei@ituc-africa.org
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Relevance and feasibility of the proposed methodology.
2. Demonstrated experience and expertise of the consultant(s).
3. Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal.
4. Understanding of the project context and objectives.
Expected Outcomes
The data collected through this assignment will contribute to:
1. A comprehensive analysis of good practices in trade union cooperation and collaboration.
2. Identification of barriers and enablers to effective union collaboration.
3. Development of strategic recommendations for strengthening trade union cooperation in Africa.
4. Enhanced capacity of trade unions to engage in coordinated actions and policy advocacy at national and regional levels.
