Study on the working conditions

Oxfam is a global movement of people who are fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice. Across regions, from the local to the global, we work with people to bring change that lasts.

OVERVIEW

Start date
First week of September 2025

How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit:

1)     Technical proposal (methodology, work plan)

2)     Financial proposal (detailed budget in USD)

3)     CV(s) of consultant(s) (max 3 pages)

4)     Two non-confidential examples of similar studies

Deadline
15 August 2025

Application to be submitted to:
procurement.laos@oxfam.org

Subject: Consultancy for Working Conditions and Social Protection Study

Assignment location:
Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Champasak Provinces

1.      PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT
The main purpose of this consultancy is to conduct an evidence-based study on the working conditions, occupational health and safety, and social protection needs of platform workers in Laos.  This research will encompass a diverse group of platform workers located in Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champasak provinces. The study will specifically target individuals involved in sectors such as food delivery platforms, agriculture, food stands, small restaurants, and goods delivery, among others.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MoLSW) and supported by Oxfam, the study will inform policy direction and reforms under the National Social Protection Strategy Vision 2030, on promoting comprehensive, inclusive and gender transformative social protection systems. It also aims to clarify employment status ambiguities and advocate for enhanced labor rights and safety measures.

The consultant will deliver all components with ethical research standards, ensuring confidentiality, inclusivity, and adherence to the August 2025 – February 2026 timeline.
2.      BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Oxfam’s program “Social Protection and Labour Rights for Women Workers in Agri-food Sector Program” (2022-2026), works with partners across Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as with regional networks, to increase their capacity to support policy makers to put in place more inclusive social protection and labour rights frameworks and instruments for agri-food sector workers.

The program aims to empower vulnerable workers in the highly informal agri-food sector across three ASEAN countries: Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Its goal is to address these workers’ rights, needs, and vulnerabilities by promoting the three pillars of the Decent Work framework: labor rights, social protection, and inclusive social dialogue.

In Laos, the urban transport and delivery sector is rapidly expanding, driven by mobile technology and platforms like online taxi, food delivery, and logistics. This is becoming an emerging concern which require immediate attention due to the challenges and issues that these workers face. These platforms employ thousands of motorcycle riders, taxis, and Tuk-tuk drivers, primarily in informal roles without contracts, stable incomes, or social protection. Workers face high occupational risks, particularly road accidents, with women and youth encountering additional challenges like safety concerns, and maternity protections.

The National Social Protection Strategy Vision 2030 and Goal 2025 aim to close these gaps through inclusive health insurance (NHI), social security (NSSF), and social welfare systems for all people in Lao PDR. However, with only 167,600 private sector workers and 35,332 workers enrolled in the NSSF voluntarily (as of 31 Dec 2024), platform workers remain largely unprotected. Economic pressures, including inflation and post-pandemic recovery, as well as uncertainty of policies, regulations and business operations in this sector, heighten vulnerabilities. Due to limited evidence on this topic, we main to enhance our understanding of the current situation and generate evidence to inform policies that safeguard these workers, aligning with the “Leaving No One Behind” principle.
3.      OBJECTIVES
The study aims to produce an evidence-based study that will inform Oxfam, MoLSW, trade unions and other national stakeholders on promoting the labour rights and social protection measures for platform workers.  Therefore, we are looking for a qualified consultant or a team of consultants to conduct this study. The consultant is expected to gather and analyse data, translate the data into meaningful information and use these insights to inform the development of actionable recommendations

4.      SCOPE OF WORK AND METHODOLOGY
The study will be conducted in the following locations:  Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champasak provinces
A target sample of : 400 respondents, including divers genders of motorcycle riders, taxi/Tuk-tuk drivers, platform company owner and staffs, entrepreneurs/ businessperson, food stand, restaurant workers, as well as youth, local authorities, ministries, communities, and civil society organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Document working conditions, living wages, challenges, risky behaviors, (e.g., non-compliance with traffic rules, over-use of phone while driving), income security, traffic, pollution hazard risk, and its governance.
2. Assess gender-specific vulnerabilities (e.g., gendered barriers to access platform work for drivers, pay gaps, harassment, safety, social attitudes) and youth-specific challenges.
3. Review social protection policies (NSSF, NHI, social welfare), OSH regulations, and platform policies to identify gaps and opportunities.
4. Develop evidence-based recommendations based on study finding, good practices from other countries for inclusive and gender-transformative social protection benefits ( ex, employment injury), and OSH systems, including access to social security through innovative contributions mechanism.
5. Conduct validation meetings with stakeholders (e.g., MoLSW, LSSO, trade unions, platform operators).

Methodological Approach:

The consultant will be required to elaborate a detailed study design and methodology as part of the inception report, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.

The consultant will use diverse data collection and analysis techniques for both quantitative and qualitative data to conduct the study, which should include, but not limited to:

• Literature Review: Analyze relevant policies and legislations on labor rights, social protection, employment, working conditions, OSH, road safety, transportation, and platform governance.
• Stakeholder Consultations: Engage MoLSW, LSSO, Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, Oxfam, platform operators, and civil society in person or via meetings.
• Mixed-Methods Data Collection:
  • Surveys: Structured surveys with a stratified random sample of 300-400 respondents, ensuring representation of women, youth, and subsectors, conducted in person where feasible.
  • Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): 30–40 face-to-face single interviews with government officials, platform managers, trade unions, community leaders, and workers (increased to compensate for removal of FGDs), conducted individually to ensure depth and confidentiality.
  • Participatory Action Research (PAR): Involve workers in face-to-face workshops to identify risks and solutions.
• Sampling: Use purposive sampling for qualitative data (KIIs, PAR workshops) and stratified random sampling for surveys, ensuring diversity across gender, age, and subsectors.
• Data Analysis: Apply statistical tools for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data, with gender-disaggregated findings.

Note on Interviews: All key informant interviews (KIIs) must be conducted face-to-face as single, individual interviews to ensure detailed, confidential responses. Interviews will take place in the study locations (Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Champasak) with travel arrangements included in the consultant’s financial proposal. The group interviews or focus group discussions will be conducted, taking into account individual and group interviews based on gender (sex), age, ethnicity, and other relevant demographic aspects.
5.      DELIVERABLES AND EXPECTED OUTPUTS
The study is anticipated to be conducted from August 2025 to February 2026 (45-60 working days). A tentative  schedule plan and deliverables are listed below:

Deliverables
Outputs
Timeline

Inception Report
Study design, methodology, sampling strategy, validated by LSSO/Oxfam
15 August 2025

Desk Review & Policy Analysis
Review of labor (including social protection, OSH), and road safety policies
15 September 2025

Design Data Collection Tools
Approved survey questionnaires, KII guides, enumerator training plan
15 October 2025

Field Data Collection & Analysis
Quantitative/qualitative datasets, KII transcripts, submitted to LSSO/Oxfam
20 November 2025

Draft Report
Preliminary findings and recommendations for stakeholder review
15 December 2025

Validation Workshop
Multi-stakeholder workshop (central/provincial), workshop report
23 January 2026

Final Report
Final report incorporating feedback, in English (Lao translation optional)
28 February 2026

6.      PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Remuneration is based on submission of final deliverables according to the schedule. No payment will be made in advance.

No.
Steps / deliverables
Dates
% payment

1
DELIVERABLE 1 – Inception report and desk review submitted to Oxfam and MoLSW
September 2025
30% total budget

2
DELIVERABLE 2 – The first draft report submitted to Oxfam and MoLSW
December 2025
30% total budget

3
DELIVARABLE 3 – Final report (English and Lao version) submitted to Oxfam and MoLSW.
February 2026
40% total budget

TOTAL
 
100%

7.      PROFILE REQUIREMENTS
Essential Criteria:

• Expertise in labor, social protection, OSH, or informal economy research, preferably in Laos or similar contexts.
• Proven ability to conduct mixed-methods studies and publish high-quality reports.
• Skills in participatory research, survey design, and gender-sensitive analysis.
• Demonstrating a high level of awareness regarding gender lens for equal participation in research
• Demonstrated experience conducting face-to-face single interviews with diverse stakeholders.
• Cultural competence for multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities.
• Fluency in English; Lao proficiency highly desirable.
• Ability to travel to Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champasak for face-to-face interviews and fieldwork.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience with platform-based economies or gig worker studies.
• Familiarity with digital survey tools (e.g., Kobo Toolbox, SurveyMonkey).
• Prior engagement with Lao government, international organizations, and private sectors (e.g., Ministries, private companies, ILO, Oxfam).

8.      APPLICATION PROCESS
Submission Deadline: 25 August 2025, 17:00 (GMT +7)

Submission Instructions: Email to procurement.laos@oxfam.org, subject: “Consultancy for study on the working conditions of platform workers and their needs for social protection development in Lao PDR.”

Clarifications : Contact sivixay.vongphachith@oxfam.org, sisomphone.thadavong@oxfam.org. khamphy.khammavong@oxfam.org
Administrative compliance (list of documents to be submitted)
Responses must be submitted and prepared in English and received by the deadline.

To be shortlisted for evaluation against award criteria, the following documents must be included in the application:

Item
Importance

1
Technical proposal / approach paper to conduct the assignment and achieve objectives including methodology, proposed work plan and timelines (max 10 pag)
Mandatory

2
Financial offer (price quotation) including budget and pricing

•        All prices must appear in USD or Lao Kip, with to pay 5% income tax, this tax Oxfam will pay directly to the tax authority)

•        The total budget, which must include a detailed breakdown of costs by deliverables.

•        The total budget proposed by the Consultant must include all costs that will be invoiced to Oxfam in the financial offer[1]:

a)     all technical services and activities e.g. research, enumerator training, report writing, analysis and interpretation

b)     travel related costs (including flights, taxi, car, accommodation, and food. etc).

·       Other associated cost related validation meeting (venue and meeting package), and the costs related to the local government partners who will accompany during data correction in four provinces will cover by Oxfam
Mandatory

3
Curriculum Vitae(s) (CV) of the proposed consultant(s), proving relevant experience and/or qualifications. If multiple people are involved, an outline of roles/ responsibilities also needs to be included. CV should not more than 3 pages
Mandatory

4
Evidence of two relevant of previous work (for the works that are not confidential only)
Mandatory

5
Proof of registration: The bidders also must include a copy of their registration; this is applicable for enterprise.
Mandatory

9.      OTHER CONDITIONS
Issuance of this Terms of Reference does not constitute an award commitment on the part of Oxfam, nor does it commit Oxfam to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a bid.

The attached Annexes are an integral part of this Request for Proposals.

Oxfam may contact bidders to confirm contacts, addresses, bid amount and to confirm that the bid was submitted for this solicitation.
Quotation validity

• If the bidder is awarded the contract, all information provided in the quotation and negotiation process is contractually binding.

False statements
Bidders must provide full, accurate and complete information as required by this solicitation and Annexes. False statements in bids constitutes grounds for immediate termination of any agreement with the supplier. OXFAM takes fraud, misstatements, falsification, manipulation, alteration of facts and/or documents very seriously, has a zero-tolerance policy to such behaviours, and may choose to take legal action in a case of misrepresented disclosures by Contractors.
Conflict of interest
Bidders must provide disclosure of any past, present or future relationships with any parties associated with the issuance, review or management of this solicitation and anticipated award.  Failure to provide full and open disclosure may result in Oxfam having to re-evaluate the selection of a potential bidder.
Right to Select/ Reject
Oxfam reserves the right to select and negotiate with those firms it determines, in its sole discretion, to be qualified for competitive proposals and to terminate negotiations without incurring any liability.  Oxfam also reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received without explanation.
Reserved rights
All applications and quotes become the property of Oxfam, and Oxfam reserves the right in its sole discretion to:

• To disqualify any offer based on applicant’s failure to follow solicitation instructions
• To waive any deviations by the applicant from the requirements of this terms of reference that, in Oxfam’s opinion, are considered immaterial defects requiring rejection or disqualification; or where such a waiver will promote increased competition
• Extend the time for submission of responses after notification to all applicants
• Terminate or modify the process at any time and re-issue the request for quotation to whomever Oxfam deems appropriate
• Issue an award based on the initial evaluation of offers without discussion
• Award only part of the activities in the solicitation or issue multiple awards based on solicitation activities

10.  CODE OF CONDUCT
Oxfam is committed to integrity in its operations and supply chains and ensuring high ethical standards. Complying with all laws and regulations and ensuring fair competition are fundamental to this commitment. We actively promote these principles and standards and expect all Oxfam suppliers to demonstrate commitment towards them.

All consultants/applicant are required to agree and adhere to the Oxfam Supplier Code of Conduct, whereas individuals (including consultants) must sign the Oxfam Non Staff Code of Conduct[2]. These Codes of Conduct set out the specific standards and principles in the areas of human and labour rights, environmental impact and anti-corruption that suppliers must follow.
11.  REPORTING OF FRAUD & UNETHICAL BEHAVIOUR
Oxfam’s reporting and whistleblowing mechanisms are available for Suppliers as well Oxfam employees, to ensure that Oxfam continues to operate under the highest ethical standards and principles.

You can use these reporting channels confidentially, anonymously, and in your own language to report any concerns involving fraud, corruption, waste, abuse or safeguarding concerns.

Online webform
Oxfam Misconduct Reporting Webform (including possibility for anonymous reporting): https://oxfam.clue-webforms.co.uk/webform/misconduct/

Email
integrity@oxfamnovib.nl

Phone
Global phone number: +44 1249 661808  Check https://speakup.oxfamnovib.nl for local numbers (you can request interpretation)

[1] The following costs will be covered and managed separately by the project such as local translations costs, logistical arrangements for training, and local travel costs for Oxfam and MoLSW staffs who will accompany during data collection, training, and validation meeting.

[2] Non-Staff Code of Conduct applies for any self-employed individuals or contracted employees of suppliers who are working on Oxfam sites, or who have access to Oxfam materials, or who may represent Oxfam in any manner but are not part of Oxfam’s legal entity)