The Scalabrini Institute for Human Mobility in Africa (SIHMA) New Job Position – Share & Apply

The Scalabrini Institute for Human Mobility in Africa (SIHMA) is a research institute and joins an existing network of seven established research centres around the globe, located in Manila, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Paris, Rome and New York. These centres, part of the Network of the Scalabrinian Centres for Migration Studies, are supported by the Missionaries of St. Charles – Scalabrinians a Congregation of the Catholic Church devoted to the care of migrants, refugees and seafarers.

The Scalabrini Institute for Human Mobility in Africa (SIHMA) is seeking to recruit a consultant to conduct a research on employment and migrants’ working conditions. The general scope of this assignment is empirically to examine the labour-related experiences of migrants and refugees in Cape Town, including the drivers of their decision to migrate and other experiences in their countries of origin, transit, and final destination.

Job Title: Call for Proposals: Consultant on Migration and Labour
Job Location: Cape Town

Background

Six paragraphs of the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ entitled “the need to protect employment” affirm that “decent work” is a fundamental condition to promote human dignity, personal development and social inclusion. The reflection on the future of work and the search for solutions to foster sustainable development, should take into account the challenges faced by a multitude of migrants and refugees who are forced to leave their countries of origin.

According to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the third quarter of 2012, one in 25 of the country’s working-age population, was foreign-born. At the time, this represented a total of 1.2 million people. Research undertaken in the field reveals that international migrants have more chances to be employed than those born in South Africa. This is in contrast with patterns and trends experienced in most developed countries where labor force participation rates for locally-born people are higher than those for foreign-born. However, international migrants have also a higher probability to be employed in the informal sector or in specific economic sectors (e.g. construction, agriculture, hospitality) in precarious and dangerous working conditions. Furthermore, about three quarters of all foreign born living in South Africa are from SADC countries, indicating that circular migration is an important characteristic of migratory movements in the Southern African region.

Scope and Objectives

The project specifically aims at providing an overview of the legal protection afforded to migrant workers in South Africa and their working conditions (e.g. decent work; family unity; respect of workers’ rights). This will highlight labor rights violations and other mistreatment of migrant workers. Additionally, the study puts emphasis on generating ideas and guidance to achieve social progress and decent work for all.

Research questions

The following is the initial list of questions the consultant is expected to respond to. However, he/she is expected to develop additional questions.

• What factors lead migrant workers to seek permanent residence?
• What are the factors influencing their intention to return?
• What are migrants’ aspirations and motivations for leaving?
• What factors may influence the choice of migration destination?
• What are migrants’ conditions of work?
• What legal protection is afforded to migrant workers?

Desired experience and qualifications

SIHMA is looking for a consultant with strong skills and experience with qualitative research methodologies and data analysis collection. The consultant must have sound professional experience, qualifications and skills matching the standards required by this assignment particularly in the field of international migration and labour.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a combination of the following skills, experience and qualifications:

• PhD or Master’s degree in social sciences or development related field
• At least five years of relevant professional experience on migration
• Demonstrated skills and experience in qualitative field research and related report writing
• Excellent analytical skills
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to address difficult topics with vulnerable populations in the context of conducting qualitative research with vulnerable groups
• Awareness of the political and social context around migration and labour in Southern Africa and especially South Africa will be an advantage
• Excellent knowledge of English.

Methodology

The consultant is expected to use a qualitative methodology to guide the research process. In general, he/she utilises both primary (in-depth interviews and focus group discussions) and secondary (literature review) methods. A total of 25 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussions are expected to be conducted.

Outputs/Deliverables

The deliverables will include:

• A literature review, not exceeding 10 pages, concerning employment and working conditions of migrant workers in South Africa.
• A research framework with detailed information about methodology and approach to the task, as well as data collection instruments, sampling approach and data management process.
• Submission and presentation of a draft report
• Submission of final report should not exceed 85 pages excluding relevant annexes.

Application procedure

Proposals should include the following:

• A proposal outlining the research process including sufficient details on the methods and approach to the assignment.
• A budget with sufficient details including unit costs and daily rates.
• A Curriculum Vitae.
• A sample of similar research report.

Interested researchers and experts should submit their proposals to: [email protected] no later than 15 September, 2018.

Only short listed applicants will be contacted.

Application Deadline: 14 September, 2018