Terms of Reference (ToR) Labour Market Assessment and Livelihood Service Mapping in Welaita Sodo Zone, South Ethiopia

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Labour Market Assessment and Livelihood Service Mapping in Welaita Sodo Zone, South Ethiopia

East Africa Migration Route 2nd Phase Project

Save the children

1. Background and Context

Countries in East and the Horn of Africa remain characterized by often harsh living conditions and complex risk scenarios, which contribute to some of the world’s highest rates of child and youth migration and displacement, both internally as well as outward from the region to Europe and the Middle East. Child and youth migrants and refugees along the East African routes face significant risks. They are very vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation or abuse by smugglers, as well as being unlawfully detained, and foregoing basic needs such as food, safety, and shelter. Severe trauma and psychosocial distress often characterize their mobility experience, especially for girls, who seldom escape some degree of gender-based violence during their journeys. Returning to communities of origin is often challenging, and stigmatization of child and youth returnees as well as lack of opportunities for income-generation, can make reintegration very difficult, leading to cyclical movements that often become riskier.

The EAMR Project Implementation Phase 2 has been launched on the 1st of February 2025, which focused on protection and self-reliance of children and youth in vulnerable displacement situations in three countries: Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. This opportunity constitutes a key deliverable: labor and enterprise market assessment. Addressing the root causes of unsafe migration for children is one of the intended objectives of the project. Potential livelihood service providers are considered key actors in reaching the needs of children and youth susceptible to migration in the new location (Wolayta). The first project implementation phases of the project, which covers from 1 April 2021 to 31 January 2025, includes a labour and enterprise market assessment conducted at Addis Ababa.

EAMR Project Implementation Phase 2 targeted vulnerable children, defined as under 18 years of age, and youth, defined as 15-24 years of age, on the move. Giving Specific attention to migrant children and youth who are often the most vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. That include hard to reach migrant children and youth (including those potentially to engage in risky onward/ cross boarder irregular migration), unaccompanied, unregistered, migrant children and youth living and/or involved in street work, trafficked children and youth; refugee children and youth who are at high risk of or engaged in risking onward migration (crossing boarders). Save the Children use the term ‘children and youth on the move’ which is defined as “children or youth moving for a variety of reasons, voluntarily or involuntarily, within or between countries, with or without their parents or other primary caregivers, and whose movement, while it may open up opportunities, might also place them at risk (or at an increased risk) of economic or sexual exploitation, abuse, neglect and violence”.

Objectives and Scope of the Assessment

This assessment aims to deliver a comprehensive analysis of the local labor market in Welaita Sodo, with a focus on identifying sustainable community-based income-generating initiatives and potential livelihood service sectors and providers. It is designed to inform targeted interventions that support caregivers and parents of migrant and returnee children and youth, fostering economic opportunities that mitigate the risks of irregular migration, remigration, and labor exploitation.

The primary objective is to conduct a thorough labor market assessment coupled with detailed mapping of livelihood sectors and services. This will enable the design of evidence-based strategies to enhance youth employment, improve income levels for families of returnee children, and promote decent work conditions. Ultimately, the assessment seeks to underpin interventions that contribute to resilient livelihoods and socio-economic stability in the region.

Please refer to the the the following full TOR detail: https://infomindsolutions-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/rabi_muluken_ethiojobs_net/EVc-5QfoE1ZNoh-gHXNg5FQB6Z4ufePra0WdQ3EU73bBOw?e=OFyyJg

Qualifications of the Consultant

• To successfully undertake the comprehensive labor market study, the consultancy team should possess a multidisciplinary skillset covering labor economics, skills development, migration, private sector engagement, institutional analysis, and data systems. The consultants are expected to bring strong analytical capabilities, practical experience, and familiarity with the socio-economic context of youth and migrant employment.

Academic Qualifications of the Consultancy Team:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant social science field of study, preferably Economics (Labour Economics), rural development, agricultural economics, entrepreneurship, Development Studies/Business Management, sociology, and social work
• Minimum 5 years in labor market research, employment policy analysis, or workforce development programs.
• Proven experience in labour market assessments, livelihoods, and value chain analysis in Ethiopia or similar contexts
• Strong understanding of child protection, youth employment, and community livelihood development
• Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate participatory assessments
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills