Consultancy: Developing a case study on building sustainable tourism destinations with child protection at the core in Phang Nga, Thailand

To develop a case study on building sustainable tourism destinations

with child protection at the core in Phang Nga, Thailand

August- October 2024 (approx. 15 working days)

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

ECPAT International is a global network of organisations working together for the elimination of the sexual exploitation of children (SEC) in all its manifestations i.e., exploitation of children in prostitution, online child sexual exploitation, sale and trafficking of children for sexual purposes, sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism and some forms of child, early and forced marriage. The ECPAT Network currently consists of 126 members working at national and local levels in 105 countries.

The ECPAT International Secretariat coordinates the global work of the organisation and is based in Bangkok, Thailand. The Secretariat designs and implements global and regional level programmes, and undertakes programming, advocacy and research and facilitates a range of network initiatives.

BACKGROUND

In Phang Nga, Thailand, the “Together to End Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel & Tourism in Phang-Nga” project helped to strengthen the capacity of travel and tourism businesses, establish a child protection network to prevent and respond to the sexual exploitation of children and empower children and youth to defend themselves against sexual exploitation, report cases, and access services. Implemented in partnership with ECPAT Foundation Thailand, Phang-Nga Children’s Home, and DISAC Surathani, this vital collaboration engaged with the local community and children from vulnerable groups, including out-of-school children, migrant and undocumented children. Simultaneously, the project worked also to socially and economically empower disadvantaged youth through the TUI Academy (established by TUI Care Foundation, Plan International and Defence for Children ECPAT in collaboration with ROBINSON Khao Lak), which offers youth job opportunities in the tourism industry.

OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

ECPAT International is seeking to contract an experienced consultant to develop a case study documenting the outcomes of the implemented project, and promising practices to build a compelling document to upscale the model of building sustainable tourism destinations with child protection at the core beyond Phang Nga region, in Thailand and globally.

KEY TASKS

1. Analyse the project documentation and the context in which it was implemented in Thailand.

2. Conduct interviews in Thai and English with key stakeholders in Thailand and The Netherlands.

3. Collect and document the models and practices in a case study that will be finalized for publication for advocacy purposes to upscale the model in other regions in Thailand, and globally.

KEY DEKIVERABLE

The key deliverable is a case study documenting the implemented project and promising practices in Thai context, in a compelling document (up to approx. 20 pages) to upscale this model approach of building sustainable tourism destinations with child protection at the core, beyond Phang Nga region, in Thailand and globally.

TIMEFRAME

This work would take place between August – October 2024, with an estimated approx. 15 working days.

CONSULTANT PROFILE

The consultant or (groups of consultants) should have:

• Demonstrated research and analytical skills
• Understanding of children’s rights and the sexual exploitation of children
• Knowledge of child protection and travel and tourism context in Thailand
• Ability to work autonomously and deliver high-quality papers
• Excellent English and Thai (writing and speaking)

EMENT AND REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

The consultant will report to the Head of the Programme on Child Protection in Travel and Tourism, who works in cooperation with the Director of Research, Learning, and Communication.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This is a home-based position using personal equipment. The consultant should be available for online calls across different time zones, particularly with Thailand where the ECPAT International Secretariat is based.
• The Consultant is expected to act at all times in a manner consistent with the values of ECPAT International and in compliance with the organisation’s policies and procedures including Safeguarding Policies and the Code of Conduct.
• In case of travel, ECPAT International’s travel policy and procedures will apply and be compensated in addition to the daily fee.

OUR COMMITMENTS

As ECPAT’s International Secretariat we recognise that our strength lies in the diversity of the people who make up our global network, staff, volunteers and consultants. We are committed to being an inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds and cultures can strive and be themselves. This means we will challenge ourselves to do better and to continue learning, to create and maintain a working environment steeped in respect, tolerance, safety, and where all parties are valued equally.