In order to ensure a strong take-off, a three-year project – JLMP Priority Project (2018-2021) was developed with the overall objective to improve the governance of labour migration in order to achieve safe, orderly and regular migration in Africa as committed in relevant frameworks of the AU and RECs, as well as relevant international human rights and labour standards and other cooperation processes.
Labour migration in South Africa is not static and has changed considerably over decades depicting different migration trends and patterns. Generally, while African migration remains overwhelmingly intra-continental, driven by demographic, socio-economic, political, and environmental factors, development processes and social transformation have also increased the capabilities and aspirations of people to move and work across borders, a trend which is likely to continue in the future. It therefore requires that these trends be captured in a comprehensive and timely manner, monitored, and disseminated to understand better the dynamics of international labour mobility and its impact on both the countries of origin and destination on the continent including the development of evidence-based policy making. However, the paucity of disaggregated labour migration data continues to be a major obstacle in many African countries leading to challenges in developing evidence-based policies.
In 2017, the estimated total number of international migrants in South Africa was 4.04 million, with 2.30 million and 1.74 million males and females respectively . The working age international migrants in the country were 3.59 million, and an estimated 2.64 million were international migrant workers. The number of young migrant workers (aged 15–34 years) in South Africa in 2017 was 1.05 million with a total of 0.66 million males and 0.39 million females. The report also indicated that South Africa was the leading country of destination in the continent for migrants, accounting for 16.5 per cent of the total migrant population in Africa. Despite collating this vital information on migrants, some vital information on the critical indicators continues to be missing. These include disaggregation of migrants in terms of employment status, socio-economic profiles, education, occupation, and profession. It thus shows that the data on these critical indicators is not available in the existing primary sources (surveys, census, etc.) shared for the development of the 1st and 2nd editions of the labour migration statistics report or there is no comprehensive aggregation of these indicators. Despite this, South Africa provided information on stocks of migrants, including some labour migration relevant characteristics, but administrative data can be further used to capture flows and characteristics not available from survey data.
Given the data gaps identified in South Africa and the need to collect accurate, reliable, and timely labour migration data, there is a need to continue expanding the existing mechanisms of labour migration data collection and statistics generation by exploring the potential of additional data sources, such as administrative data or new data types (e.g., big data, private sector data) to provide complementary evidence through data triangulation and integration. Statistical data sources such as the census or household surveys – will remain the most reliable and internationally comparable sources of migration statistics. However, while providing insights for a broader demographic analysis and reporting, or economic indicator generation, migration policies need more nuanced and timely data to inform such public actions as elaboration of labour migration schemes targeting specific professions, skills levels; monitoring access of migrants to social protection mechanisms and other social support measures; contributions of migrant workers to the welfare systems to name just a few.
Considering this and the need to improve the usage of administrative data, the pilot assessment will be carried out through IOM, ILO, and AUC technical support and within the JLMP framework. The pilot assessment will be guided by the Government of South Africa, in particular Statistics South Africa, to identify various existing and potentially usable administrative data sources to produce migration statistics for further sharing and utilization. Building upon experience of other countries which are utilizing their administrative data sources for labour migration data generation, the assessment will map out existing relevant databases and registers which capture information about migrant workers including migrant workers in the informal economy and agriculture in South Africa and their employment experiences. Based on the mapping, the assessment will then suggest several recommendations in terms of which of these administrative data sources could be used, and how, to start generating additional evidence on labour mobility processes in South Africa, as well as propose a list of possible indicators.
The technical assistance is in line with Outcome one of the JLMP Priority Project. The list of national institutions which will be invited to cooperate on this assessment will preliminarily include the ministry of home affairs, ministry of interior, Ministry of trade and industry, ministry of agriculture, and other relevant ministries, National population unit, the national statistics office, chambers of commerce and handicraft and institutions mandated to issue residence permits, work permits and patents, population registers and border data collection systems (entries and exits) where available, to greatly enrich understanding of the characteristics of international migrants. Further, the assessment will look into additional data sources from institutions collecting migration-relevant data and various organizations including private sector enterprises, social security institutions, tax collection institutions, international organizations, civil society organizations, and employers’ and workers’ organizations.
The pilot assessment will also look at existing indicators and tools used to collect migration-related data used within each entity, including mapping out and developing clear linkages from multiple administrative data sources and new data types. Also, all the indicators collected will be aligned with their usage and linked correctly with the data producers to aid in the development of better statistical solutions that would produce reliable population counts on migrants.
Further, the assessment will identify the existing data sharing mechanisms and legal frameworks, existence of national coordination mechanisms and their functionality, labour migration data capacity gaps and needs including existence of legal, policy, organizational and technical frameworks to facilitate easy coordination and data sharing amongst all the agencies. Significant benefits will be gained by utilizing the existing and new information collected from the government, organizations and other institutions which have infrastructures of systems, people, and processes.
JLMP is therefore looking for a qualified individual consultant experienced in migration data systems [OB1] to undertake this assessment. The selected candidate will be contracted by IOM and will work under the overall technical supervision of the Chief Statistician/Demographer for Statistics South Africa, in coordination with the Ministry of Labour, and in collaboration with IOM country and regional offices in South Africa, with technical guidance from AUC and in close collaboration ILO as well as other relevant key stakeholders. Technical oversight will also be provided by IOM regional migration data specialists.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
The main objective of this baseline assessment is to assess and expand the use of administrative data sources and new data types. This is to be done to enhance the production of labour migration statistics disaggregated by basic demographic factors and other critical indicators aligned to international statistical standards, national policy needs, priority indicators on migration and development set by the national government in coordination with the ongoing regional migration data harmonization process in the SADC region. The objectives of the assessment are:
Component one: conducting an assessment and developing recommendations in South Africa
Ø Based on the generic methodology developed in consultations with international partners, to identify key administrative data sources and assess the quality of the information collected to produce labour migration statistics as well as identify data gaps and needs at national level.
Ø To identify and collect data from new data types such as satellite data, private sector data, mobile phone data and social media for producing labour migration statistics
Ø To identify labour migration indicators collected by various agencies and their contribution towards better understanding mobility, their usage, and existing data sharing frameworks including legal, policy, organizational and technical frameworks
Ø To develop a set of recommendations on clear linkages from multiple administrative data sources and new data types from various organizations, identify the indicators collected and their usage towards feeding into the AUC labour migration questionnaire and best practice guidelines on collecting administrative data.
Component two: general methodology development
Ø To develop a comprehensive methodology for conducting the assessment of existing administrative and other data sources as to their potential towards generating more timely and comprehensive policy evidence on labour mobility, as well as formulation of a specific set of recommendations on possible data enhancement measures, a list of indicators and other necessary pre-requisites in line with international standards and regional approaches.
Ø Based on the work in South Africa, to refine the comprehensive methodology applied for capturing reliable administrative and other data from various sources for understanding of labour migration patterns and trends, towards replicability in other countries in Africa and globally.
Ø To understand the discrepancies in underreporting of migration data from administrative source.
Ø To develop the approach of data integration (survey to survey imputation or data merge) for an improved reference dataset that is built out of several different sources (both administrative data sources and surveys data sources).
Ø To formulate recommendations for the insertion of standardized indicators across surveys and administrative data collection tools. Recommendations on the analysis and dissemination of such indicators as well as how to ensure that the gap between production/analysis and usage of such data is bridged at the national and regional level) should also be formulated.
Methodology:
• Undertake a desk review to identify existing administrative data sources and new data types of data with migration related data/indicators, their usage, and existing data sharing frameworks including legal, policy, organizational and technical frameworks.
• Based on the desk review, develop an inception report with a workplan depicting clear linkages from multiple administrative data sources and new data types from various organizations, identify the indicators collected and their usage, and existing data sharing frameworks including legal, policy, organizational and technical frameworks.
• Conduct interviews of key stakeholders to obtain explanation on gaps, explain the purpose of the JLMP on data management and request for recommendations to improve the quality of the secondary data sources related to labour migration.
• Organize focus groups or Delphi surveys of secondary sources and let them identify who they can improve their system.
• Present the inception report to all stakeholders in a virtual meeting and receive inputs and feedback, for integration in the revised report.
Deliverables and Detailed Timelines:
The consultant will deliver the following outputs:
Deliverables
Timeframe
1 First technical meeting with AUC, IOM, ILO, SADC, & STATS SA, and Ministry of Labour **
19 April 2021**
2 Submit inception report in preparation for the assignment two weeks upon signing contract**
3 May 2021
3 Presentation of inception report to all stakeholders including the ministry of home affairs, ministries of interior, labour, trade, agriculture, and other relevant ministries, National population unit, the national statistics office, chambers of commerce and handicraft private sector enterprises, social security institutions, tax collection institutions, international organizations, civil society organizations, and employers’ and workers’ organizations. The stakeholders need to agree on the process of identifying existing administrative data sources and new data types of data with migration related data/indicators
4 May 2021
4 Conduct interviews of key stakeholders to obtain explanation on gaps, explain the purpose of the JLMP on data management and request for recommendations to improve the quality of the secondary data sources related to labour migration;
Organize focus groups or Delphi surveys of secondary sources and let them identify who they can improve their system
5-19 May 2021
5 Develop a comprehensive methodology for conducting the assessment of existing administrative and other data sources. The methodology should highlight how to better capture and capitalize upon reliable administrative and other data from various sources for understanding of labour migration patterns and trends.
20 – 4 June 2021
6 Present the comprehensive methodology to stakeholders
7 June 2021
7 Formulate a set of recommendations for the insertion of standardized indicators across surveys and administrative data collection tools.
To understand the discrepancies in underreporting of migration data from administrative sources
8- 14 June 2021
8 Develop an approach of data integration to improve reference dataset that borrows strength from different sources with clear linkages from various organizations
15-22 June 2021
9 Present the data integration approach to improve reference dataset, recommendations for the insertion of standardized indicators across surveys and administrative data collection tools to stakeholders, and the discrepancies in underreporting of migration data from administrative data sources
23 June 2021
10 Develop an approach of data integration to improve reference dataset that borrows strength from different sources with a comprehensive methodology and framework for linking multiple administrative data sources and new data types
24-30 June 2021
11 Present the methodology for data integration and linkage of various administrative data sources to stakeholders
1 July 2021
12 Develop a set of recommendations for improving the use of migration data from administrative sources and new data types and prioritize capacity building on compilation and use of administrative data statistics within the region.
2- 15 July 2021
13 Present the draft report to stakeholders
16 July 2021
14 Develop visibility documents (i.e., a 1-pager, PowerPoint presentation, infographic, etc.) based on the revised report, for use in advocacy in the future.
Submit the final report incorporating the inputs from stakeholders.
23 July 2021
Payment Mode:
The consultant shall be paid the consultancy fee upon completion of the following milestones:
· 20% after approval of the inception report by the JLMP Team (deliverable 1, 2, 3)
· 20% of the total amount will be paid upon finalization and approval of a comprehensive methodology for conducting the assessment of existing administrative and other data sources (deliverable 4, 5, 6)
· 30% of the total amount will be paid upon finalization and approval of statistical approaches for data integration, understanding underreporting discrepancies and recommendations for the insertion of standardized indicators across surveys (deliverable 7, 8, 9, 10)
· 30% of the total amount will be paid upon finalization and approval of recommendations, visibility documents and submission of the final report to JLMP Team (deliverable 11,12, and 13)
The consultancy fee instalments will be paid as Lump Sum Amounts inclusive of expenses related to the consultancy. The contract price will be fixed regardless of changes in the cost components in the financial proposal submitted.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
· Advanced degree in demography, statistics, development economics, migration studies or any other relevant disciplines
Experience
Technical experience/competencies
§ Proven 10 – 15 years of experience in statistical research on migration and data assessment.
§ Proven knowledge of big data systems to generate migration data.
§ Experience working with governmental institutions.
§ Knowledge of statistical methods and migration data sources required.
§ Proven knowledge of migration dynamics and migration data matters in South Africa or the SADC region is considered an advantage.
§ Confident use of social research methods
§ Proven ability and experience in leading and facilitating workshops.
§ Abilities to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
§ Strong analytical, writing, editing and communication skills.
§ High level of computer literacy; proficient in MS Office applications.
§ Ability to manage time efficiently, effectively handle multiple tasks and competing priorities, as well as meet tight deadlines.
Languages
Required
§ English, fluent
Competencies
The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:
Values
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
- Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators *level 2**
- Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
- Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.