Information Technology Consultant

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Information Technology consultant to support the development and piloting
of a blockchain solution to address worker rights challenges

Time frame: November 2018 – April 2021 (30 months)
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

I. GENERAL BACKGROUND

In recent years, a rapidly growing middle-class has skyrocketed a demand for domestic workers in urban areas of Vietnam. Studies have shown that domestic workers in Vietnam are almost exclusively women with a low level of education (98 percent). While domestic workers receive above average pay compared to other unskilled workers, they are highly vulnerable to exploitation and verbal, physical and sexual abuse. Contributory factors include the highly gendered nature of domestic work and the prevalence of arrangements where domestic workers live with their employers. There is growing interest within the international development community to use technology innovations to protect workers and to scale the impact of their worker programs. One of the most widely discussed tools is blockchain. For domestic workers, blockchain technology may help promote adherence to labor standards, increase transparency and accountability, provide instant verification of records, minimize human error in document checks, and reduce the risk of delayed or reduced payments. However, blockchain’s utility in solving social challenges is largely unproven, and pilot initiatives are needed to provide proof-of-concept of the practical uses of the technology. Vietnam provides the ideal environment for a pilot project to adopt a blockchain solution to address worker rights challenges due to its high rates of ICT usage and strong support and interest in blockchain technology by the government.

With funding from the U.S Department of State’s Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), for a period 2018-2021, the Asia Foundation 1 /Vietnam office (TAF/VN) is partnering with two local implementing partners - the Infinity Blockchain Labs (IBL) and HMC House Cleaning Services Development JSC (JupViec) – to implement the project “Blockchain solution to address worker rights challenges”. The project goal is to develop and pilot the use of a blockchain solution to address worker rights challenges. Two specific objectives supporting the accomplishment of this goal include:

1. Reduce labor rights violations against domestic workers through a blockchain-based platform and smart contracting technology;
2. Support an enabling environment for blockchain technology for social good in Vietnam.

Specifically, the project will develop a blockchain-based platform and integrate it into JupViec’s current system, which connects 3,000 domestic workers to potential employers through a mobile app and web portal (www.jupviec.vn). The project will primarily benefit female domestic workers, especially those working on an hourly basis for household employers in large cities such as Hanoi, HCMC, Hai Phong, and Da Nang. Using a training-of-trainers approach, TAF/VN and JupViec will also design and deliver capacity building and awareness-raising workshops on labor rights to JupViec’s staff and domestic workers. Finally, TAF/VN will create space for productive dialogue on the use of blockchain technology in Vietnam and disseminate lessons learned from the project, organizing opportunities for IBL and other innovators in the blockchain space to meet with policymakers and key stakeholders.

II. SCOPE OF WORK

TAF/VN is looking to hire a local IT specialist working on part-time basis for a period over 30 months to support TAF/VN and the project team to conduct work required to develop and finalize the blockchain solution.

The IT consultant is expected to assist TAF/VN and local partners to implement the following specific tasks:

• Provide technical backstopping for the project partners on the development, piloting, and rolling-out and scaling up of the blockchain solution;

• Assist the Asia Foundation’s staff to manage the IT component of project. This include, among others, the following tasks:
  
  • Provide technical and legal advices to the Asia Foundation’s program staff in coordination and lead the project’s partners during the development and roll-out of the blockchain solution;
  • Provide supportive monitoring to the project partners during development, pilot test and roll out of the blockchain solution in accordance with the project’s expected deliverables;
  • Regularly update The Asia Foundation on the progress of the project’s implementation as well as provide consultant inputs in dealing with risks management issues and problems related to technology and incurred during the project’s implementation.

Expected Outputs/Deliverables:

• Partners’ meetings and discussions are technically facilitated and receive technically sound inputs (in verbal or/and writing) from the IT specialist;
• Ad-hoc or quarterly technical reports on the progress of and technical recommendations towards achievements of the project’s objectives in development of the blockchain solution submitted to The Asia Foundation as requested;
• Final consultancy report submitted by the end of the consultancy period.

III. TENTATIVE TIMEFRAME

The consultancy mission is expected to be conducted from beginning of November 2018 and to be completed by end of April 2021. The total time allocated for the assignment is up to 120 days. The assignment will require necessary travels for various partner meetings within Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

IV. SCHEDULE OF PAYMENT

Payment will be realized based on the days worked. The consultancy fee is negotiable and based on The Asia Foundation’s policies and the qualifications of the Consultant. Payments will be made in installments based upon satisfactory completion of the agreed deliverables.

V. QUALIFICATION OF THE CONSULTANT/TEAM OF CONSULTANTS

The consultant should have the following qualifications to effectively carry out the proposed tasks:

• University degree on IT with specialization on program development;
• At least 10 years of proven experience working in IT sector;
• Knowledgeable and experience in blockchain technology would be a must;
• Previous experience in managing projects on new technology applications and solutions would be an advantage, preferably having some knowledge and experience
• in working on labor rights;
• Good communication and writing in English;
• Ability to be flexible with time and work schedule.

VI. APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested consultants should submit the application package in English:

• The latest CV indicating relevant experience and academic background and the proposed daily rate
• List of similar consultancies and job experiences undertaken, outlining brief description of consultancy, deliverables, employer name, daily rate, etc.

Please submit via email to:

Ms. Tran Giang Linh, Program Officer
The Asia Foundation
#10-03, Prime Center
53 Quang Trung, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi
Email: [email protected]

Closing time for applications is 5.00 PM (Hanoi time, GMT+7) on October 25, 2018.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.