rfx_3931_ROAS – Call for External Collaborator – National External collaborator for Coordination and Implementation of the Social Security Strategy – Iraq

rfx_3931_ROAS – Call for External Collaborator – National External collaborator for Coordination and Implementation of the Social Security Strategy and In-House Capacity Building Strategy in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, ILO Office/Social Protection Reform in Iraq

I. Background and purpose
Efforts to strengthen the social security system within the Kurdistan Region require coordinated action, systematic follow-up, and the involvement of multiple institutional actors.
Significant progress has already been made in advancing the Formalization and Social Security Strategy in KRI. A Technical Working Group (TWG) has been established, and five technical meetings have been conducted on a quarterly basis. These coordination efforts and consultations have resulted in the development of a comprehensive strategy document that will guide the expansion of social security coverage in the private sector and, ultimately, support its progressive extension to workers in the informal economy.

The external collaborator will follow up with, and provide ongoing support to, the Technical Working Group at the local level. This includes assisting them in building the necessary mechanisms to advance the strategy, developing practical monitoring tools, and coordinating closely with leadership to ensure implementation is systematic, consistent, and aligned with strategic priorities.

In parallel, an In-House Training Strategy has been developed to enhance coverage, improve service delivery, strengthen institutional capacities, and support long-term system improvements within the social security administration. Effective implementation of both the Social Security Strategy and the In- House Training Strategy requires continuous coordination with government units, social partners, development partners, and other key stakeholders. This will be achieved through a hybrid model of advisory support, stakeholder engagement, follow-up with technical groups, and the development of practical progress-tracking and monitoring mechanisms.

For this purpose, the ILO seeks the services of an external collaborator in line with the detailed terms of reference that follow.

II. Scope of work
The external collaborator will support the implementation of the Social Security Strategy and the In-House Training Strategy through high-level analysis, coordination, technical assistance, and monitoring. All activities aim to ensure institutional alignment and the systematic rollout of coverage expansion in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The scope includes:

1. Strategic Alignment: Ensuring coherence between the Formalization Strategy and the Training Strategy, identifying overlaps and opportunities for harmonized implementation.
2. Stakeholder Facilitation: Acting as a technical bridge between the ILO, Government units (MoLSA and others), the Technical Working Group (TWG), social partners, and development partners.
3. Technical Advisory: Providing expert inputs and assistance on the sequencing of social security reforms, specifically for the expansion of coverage to the private sector.
4. Monitoring Frameworks: Overseeing the development and application of practical tools to track implementation progress and institutional readiness.
5. Capacity Sustainability: Strengthening the ability of local focal points to manage the strategies independently through a hybrid model of advisory support and coaching.

III. Detailed tasks
The external collaborator is required to perform the following tasks, which will lead to the deliverables outlined in Section IV. The consultant shall propose the level of effort (number of days) required to complete each of these tasks within their technical proposal.
1. Inception, Analysis, and Work Planning:
o Conduct a comprehensive desk review of the current KRI Social Security Strategy, Training Strategy, and existing TWG meeting minutes to assess coordination structures and institutional roles.
o Task 1.1: Identify gaps and bottlenecks requiring immediate support.
o Task 1.2: Develop a comprehensive work plan and a stakeholder engagement map identifying key focal points across stakeholder groups, including MoLSA, private sector representatives, and development partners.
2. Stakeholder Coordination and TWG Facilitation:
o Task 2.1: Facilitate a minimum of two (2) technical meetings per month with the TWG to coordinate workstreams; document action points and provide systematic follow-up.
o Task 2.2: Organize and lead at least one (1) high-level monthly coordination meeting (in-person or hybrid) with senior leadership at MoLSA to ensure implementation is aligned with strategic priorities.
o Task 2.3: Maintain ongoing synergy between social partners and the TWG to ensure the visibility of the “Action” and its results.
3. Technical Advisory and Implementation Support:
o Task 3.1: Draft three (3) technical advisory notes (approx. 3-5 pages each) focusing on: (a) sequencing of private sector coverage, (b) informal economy extension pathways, and (c) MIS integration requirements.
o Task 3.2: Provide weekly online “help-desk” coaching sessions for TWG members to address emerging challenges and provide guidance on policy landscape mapping.
4. Monitoring, MIS Support, and Reporting Systems:
o Task 4.1: Design and validate one (1) MIS Implementation Dashboard and four (4) specialized tracking templates (indicator matrices, progress logs, dashboards).
o Task 4.2: Provide quality assurance and supervision for MIS implementation, ensuring institutional workflows are respected and bottlenecks are escalated.
o Task 4.3: Conduct one (1) validation workshop with institutional partners to refine and integrate monitoring tools into routine government processes.
5. Capacity Building and Training Delivery:
o Task 5.1: Support the development of a Training Manual/Guide (English and Kurdish) for operationalizing the In-House Training Strategy.
o Task 5.2: Deliver at least four (4) technical training/coaching sessions (2 online, 2 in-person) for designated focal points on data analysis, progress tracking, and the use of KPIs.
6. Progress Tracking and Final Reporting:
o Task 6.1: Produce every two months analytical progress briefs for ILO leadership, documenting risks, challenges, and proposed corrective actions.
o Task 6.2: Draft a Final Consolidated Assignment Report capturing a full implementation analysis, achievements against indicators, lessons learned, and a 12-month sustainability roadmap.

IV. Expected deliverables

Deliverable Description Estimated Deadline*
1. Inception Package Final work plan, desk review summary, and validated stakeholder engagement map. [Tasks 1.1, 1.2] 28 Feb 2026
2. SS Strategy Progress Report Documentation of technical inputs for the Formalization and Social Security Strategy implementation. [Tasks 2.1, 2.3, 3.1] 15 Apr 2026
3. Training & TOC Report Final Training Manual and report on the delivery of the first two capacity-building sessions. [Tasks 5.1, 5.2] 15 May 2026
4. Coordination & Landscape Report Attendance reports, updated stakeholder map, and policy landscape mapping brief. [Tasks 2.2, 3.2] 15 July 2026
5. MIS & Monitoring Package Validated MIS Dashboard, tracking templates, and workshop completion report. [Tasks 4.1, 4.2, 4.3] 31 July 2026
6. Final Consolidated Report Comprehensive implementation analysis, lessons learned, and sustainability recommendations. [Tasks 6.1, 6.2] 15 Aug 2026
*Estimated based on a tentative start date of 15 February 2026. Subject to change based on actual start date of the contract.
Note: The selection of the consultant will be based on the most technically sound proposal, ensuring the proposed work plan and number of days are sufficient for the thorough performance of the assignment. Proposals with an unreasonable or insufficient number of days for the required tasks will be disqualified.

V. Reporting arrangements
The external collaborator will carry out the assignment under the overall supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor on Social Security, with technical leadership provided by the Technical Social Protection Officer, and in close coordination with the National Social Protection Programme Officer in Erbil, working closely with MoLSA and other key stakeholders, including workers’ and employers’ organizations. All deliverables and strategic advice must be cleared by the ILO prior to dissemination.
VI. Detailed qualifications, experience and skills required
• Minimum bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Social Sciences, Public Policy, International Relations, Economics, Project Management, M&E, or other related fields).
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in social protection, formalization, and labour market development, including work on policy design, implementation support, or programme management with government institutions, social partners, or development partners.
• Strong knowledge of the political economy, stakeholder landscape and institutional context in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
• Proven experience delivering similar assignments, including technical assistance, capacity building, monitoring and reporting, and analytical assessments. Experience in business process mapping or digital transformation support is an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to work with hybrid delivery models (online and in-person).
• Strong monitoring and evaluation skills, including development and use of tools, dashboards and KPIs, and experience in data analysis and preparation of clear, analytical reports.
• Proficiency in project management tools and MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to design practical training materials and effectively facilitate workshops and coaching sessions.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including with government institutions and social partners.
• Strong problem-solving, sound political economy analysis, and critical thinking skills.
• Fluency in Kurdish (required) and very good working knowledge of English; knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

VII. Indicators for evaluation of outputs
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following technical criteria. Selection is directed by the most technically sound proposal, ensuring the proposed level of effort is sufficient for a thorough assignment.

Criteria Description Weight Means of Verification (Examples)
1. Expertise and Experience Depth of experience in social
security reform, formalization, and policy design in the KRI context. 30% Detailed CV; Portfolio showing
similar assignments; Samples of analytical reports or policy briefs.
2. Technical Approach Quality of the proposed methodology for coordination, technical assistance, and MIS
oversight. 35% Written technical proposal; Description of tools and methods to be used; Demonstrated
understanding of TORs.
3. Proposed Work Plan Realism and logic of the work plan. Allocation of reasonable time per task/deliverable. 25% Detailed Gantt chart or Schedule; Table of work-days per Task.
4.
Communication & Language Proficiency in Kurdish and
English for high-quality reporting and training. 10% Language certificates; Writing
samples in English/Kurdish; Evidence of facilitation experience.

Note: Proposals should ideally contain sufficient details and supporting documentation based on the indicative means of verification above to facilitate the evaluation.
VIII. Payment terms
The ILO shall pay the external collaborator a total amount for the services described in these Terms of Reference. This contract follows a progress-payment structure based on the satisfactory completion of outputs. Payments are subject to the following conditions:
1. First Instalment: Upon the submission and formal acceptance by the ILO of Deliverable 1 (Inception Package), due by 28 February 2026. The payment is equivalent to the number of working days quoted to perform Deliverable #1
2. Second Instalment: Upon the submission and formal acceptance by the ILO of Deliverable 2 (SS Strategy Report), due by 15 April 2026. The payment is equivalent to the number of working days quoted to perform Deliverable #2.
3. Third Instalment: Upon the submission and formal acceptance by the ILO of Deliverable 3 (Training & TOC Report), due by 15 May 2026. The payment is equivalent to the number of working days quoted to perform Deliverable #3.
4. Fourth Instalment: Upon the submission and formal acceptance by the ILO of Deliverable 4 (Coordination Report), due by 15 July 2026. The payment is equivalent to the number of working days quoted to perform Deliverable #4.
5. Fifth Instalment: Upon the submission and formal acceptance by the ILO of Deliverable 5 (MIS & Monitoring Package), due by 31 July 2026. The payment is equivalent to the number of working days quoted to perform Deliverable #5.
6. Final Instalment: Upon the submission and formal acceptance by the ILO of Deliverable 6 (Final Assignment Report), due by 15 August 2026. The payment is equivalent to the number of working days quoted to perform Deliverable #6.
All payments will be released only upon the satisfactory completion of the respective outputs and the submission of a valid invoice cleared by the Chief Technical Advisor. The value of each instalment will be commensurate with the number of working days allocated in the approved work plan and subsequently verified for the respective deliverable. Further note that:
• Fees are commensurate with the external collaborator’s qualifications and experience as well as with the previous acceptable rates for similar assignments.
• The external collaborator’s financial proposal should include the daily fees with reference to the level of the complexity of the assignment indicated from a scale of A to E
• The contract will follow a progress-payment structure, fully output-based. Payments will be released upon the satisfactory completion and approval of each deliverable as outlined in the Terms of Reference.
• The daily fee shall be established within the fee range corresponding to the complexity of assignment and the external collaborator’s country of residence, as per the established fee range for such assignments by ILO policy. ILO Daily Fee Range Table.
• If the external collaboration contract is to be established in local currency, the amount will be
converted from USD to local currency using the United Nations Operational Rate of Exchange effective at the time of establishing the contract.
IX. Travel arrangements (if applicable)
– In case the consultant is based outside Erbil, the ILO will afford domestic flights from the governorate of residence to Erbil and back as per the project needs, on the basis of shortest and most economic flights
– In case the consultant is not based in Erbil then the ILO will offer Daily Subsistence Allowances for any overnight stay in the duty station subject to UN operation standards
– In case travels are required to other governorates i.e. Sulaymaniyah or Dohuk, the ILO will organise the movement from Erbil to the mentioned governorates as per the project need, while being on travel for the other mentioned governorates then the ILO will offer Daily Subsistence Allowances for any overnight stay in the duty station subjected to UN operation standards
– Movements within Erbil governorates are under the full responsibility of the consultant.