I. Background and purpose
The ‘PROSPECTS’ Partnership for improving Prospects for host communities and forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), was launched by the Government of the Netherlands in 2019 in response to forced displacement crises, bringing together the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank. The partnership spans eight countries affected by forced displacement, namely Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Sudan, and Uganda.
It employs a holistic approach whereby each partner focuses on their area of expertise to collaboratively enhance access to education, protection schemes and decent jobs for both forcibly displaced persons and host communities. As of 2024, the partnership entered its second phase that aims to build on the results and draw on the lessons learned from the first phase and maximize impact.
In Iraq, the PROSPECTS partnership aims to support national efforts to strengthen systems and develop/implement policies that promote inclusion and socio-economic development of forcibly displaced and host communities, whilst working closely with local authorities, business/private sector, and communities to identify, maximize, and realize opportunities on the ground. With a geographic focus on the governorates of Duhok and Ninawa, the partnership focuses on three pillars, namely: education and learning; economic inclusion and protection; and critical infrastructure pillars.
II. Scope of work
This study will seek to fill the knowledge gap by focusing on the challenges and opportunities faced by delivery drivers working on digital platforms in the Kurdistan Region, with particular attention to forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). It will explore issues such as income stability, working hours, safety risks, access to social protection, and legal rights, while also examining how these workers especially those from displaced and marginalized backgrounds perceive their roles in the broader economic ecosystem. The findings of this study will provide critical insights into how the KRG, in collaboration with social partners, can develop inclusive policies and strategies to improve the working conditions and welfare of all platform workers, including FDPs. Furthermore, it will help inform national and regional discussions on regulating platform work and integrating gig economy workers into the formal economy, ensuring their fair treatment and contributing to a more inclusive labor market.
In this context, the ILO will recruit a consultant to conduct a comprehensive study on the working conditions, rights, and economic impact of delivery drivers working on digital platforms in the Kurdistan Region, with a specific focus on the experiences of forcibly displaced persons. The findings will inform policy development, support regulation of platform work, and guide interventions with ILO’s social constituents to ensure fair treatment and meaningful inclusion of gig economy workers particularly refugees and IDPs within the formal labor market.
III. Detailed tasks
Main Tasks & Phases of the Survey
The process of data collection and report delivery will follow the phases outlined below, each designed to provide comprehensive insights into the working conditions, challenges, and opportunities of delivery workers in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), with a focus on those engaged through digital platforms and traditional forms of employment.
Phase 1: Planning and Methodology Preparation
• Prepare a detailed activity action plan with timelines and responsible actors.
• Conduct an in-depth review of secondary sources, including ILO, UNHCR, academic, and national reports related to platform work, informal labor, and the delivery economy in KRI.
• Develop a research methodology incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Design survey tools and questionnaires tailored to the experiences of delivery workers.
• Draft interview guides with focused questions for different stakeholder groups (workers, platforms, government, civil society).
• Map digital labour platforms (DLPs) operating in KRI to identify the key platforms used by delivery workers (e.g., Talabat, Lezzoo, Toters, Erbil Delivery).
• Identify relevant stakeholders, including worker groups, platform representatives, government bodies, and civil society actors.
• Establish initial contact with participants and develop the final respondent list, approved by the ILO.
For quantitative surveys and collection methods:
i. Representatives of workers engaged in platform-based delivery work:
• Delivery workers using digital apps for food, parcel, or grocery services (Minimum 180 respondents) across 3 governorates.
ii. Representatives of workers engaged in non-platform-based delivery work:
• Self-employed delivery workers not using apps, offering services via phone or personal networks (Minimum 40 respondents) across 3 governorates.
• Delivery workers employed directly by restaurants, pharmacies, shops, or logistics companies (Minimum 40 respondents) across 3 governorates.
For qualitative interviews and verification:
i. Delivery workers (mixed employment models):
• Platform-based delivery workers offering location-based services (Minimum 10 interviews) across 3 governorates.
• Non-app-based/self-employed or traditionally employed delivery workers (Minimum 10 interviews) across 3 governorates.
ii. Stakeholders:
• Platform developers and digital service innovators operating in KRI (Minimum 5)
• b. Relevant government officials (e.g., Labour, Transport, Digital Economy, Municipalities) (Minimum 5)
• Representatives of international implementing agencies, worker associations, research institutes, and think tanks (Minimum 5)
Phase 2: Data Collection and Production of Findings
• Schedule and coordinate interviews, focus groups, and survey implementation in selected cities (e.g., Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja).
• Distribute and manage quantitative survey tools to ensure diverse and representative participation.
• Conduct qualitative interviews and/or focus groups, documenting responses and collecting supplementary narratives.
• Transcribe and organize the qualitative data collected from focus groups and interviews.
Phase 3: Data Analysis & Validation
• Clean, organize, and process collected data to extract meaningful insights.
• Apply statistical and qualitative analysis to identify key patterns, disparities, and emerging trends.
• Benchmark findings against regional and global evidence on platform work and informal delivery economies.
• Validate preliminary findings through stakeholder consultations and adjust analysis based on feedback and gaps identified.
Phase 4: Report Generation and Recommendations for Action
• Prepare a comprehensive report on the structure, dynamics, and challenges of the delivery work sector in Kurdistan, with emphasis on:
1. The composition and working conditions of platform-based vs. traditional/self- employed delivery workers.
2. Access to income security, social protection, grievance mechanisms, and occupational safety.
3. Key motivators and deterrents for joining platform vs. non-platform work.
4. The regulatory, institutional, and technological context shaping delivery work in the KRI, including how current labour laws apply to non-Iraqi workers particularly refugees and whether they face formal exclusions or practical barriers to decent work and legal protection.
5. Gender, youth, and refugee-specific barriers and opportunities.
• Provide actionable, evidence-based policy recommendations and initiatives for:
o Improving labor protections and working conditions for delivery workers
o Integrating informal workers into formal frameworks
o Leveraging digital platforms to promote decent work
o Enhancing coordination among government, platforms, and worker groups
IV. Expected deliverables
# Deliverables Deliverable Due Date Weight
1 Planning and methodology preparation This research project includes a structured action plan covering a review of secondary literature on delivery work and the platform economy in Kurdistan, development of the methodology section, finalization of survey and interview tools in collaboration with the Worker Union, approval of respondent lists by the ILO, and a brief on labor market dynamics, digital access, and digital labor platforms (DLPs), alongside preliminary consultations with the KRI Government and Worker Union to ensure alignment and support. Two weeks after the contract signature
(10 Working Days) 25%
2 Data collection and the production of findings The research phase included the successful distribution of surveys to both platform- based and non-app delivery workers, completion of interviews and focus groups with workers and stakeholders, and active support from the Worker Union in reaching informal workers. All qualitative data to be transcribed, and initial findings include a brief on the size and segmentation of the delivery workforce in KRI, along with a summary of workers’ reported benefits, motivations, and challenges. Four weeks after the contract signature
(10 Working Days) 25%
3 Data analysis & validation Analytical note exploring policy gaps, risks, and opportunities for decent work promotion through improved regulation and support for digital and informal delivery models. Conduct focused group discussions, with active participation from the Worker Union and KRI Government. Six weeks after the contract signature
(10 Working Days) 25%
4 Report generation and recommendations for action Draft final report, then to be revised based on ILO, KRG, and social partners feedback and comments. Eight weeks after the contract signature
(10 Working Days) 25%
V. Reporting arrangements
Under the overall supervision of the National Project Coordinator of PROSPECTS, and the PROSPECTS Iraq Project Manager, and in close coordination with the ILO team in Iraq.
VI. Detailed qualifications, experience and skills required
The consultant should hold a degree in business administration, economics, organizational development, or a related field. They must have at least five years of proven experience in conducting assessments, surveys, and evaluations. Strong analytical skills, report writing, and stakeholder engagement abilities are essential. Excellent knowledge of the digital economy in Iraq, particularly in the northern region, is required; familiarity with platform sectors is considered an asset. Fluency in Kurdish and Arabic, along with a good command of English, is also necessary. The consultant will be evaluated based on the criteria outlined below:
Criteria Weight Description
Consultant’s qualification
and competences
10% Relevant education background and competences.
Professional experience relevant to the TOR
20%
A solid professional experience
Compliance with the TOR
30% The proposal should demonstrate a solid compliance with the TOR showing the methodology to be used to conduct the assignment and estimated schedule to achieve all deliverables described in this TOR.
Previous experience with international organizations in conducting similar
missions.
20%
Previous experience for developing similar assignments.
Providing evidence of developing high-quality strategic documents
15% Provide samples of previous work showing excellence in writing high-level strategic documents.
Familiarity with local context in Iraq and KRI
5% Good knowledge of the labour market context in Kurdistan region of Iraq, its issues and opportunities and of the role played by the public and private sector.
VII. Indicators for evaluation of outputs
The evaluation of the consultant’s outputs will be based on the following
indicators:
1. Timeliness of Deliverables
• All outputs are delivered in accordance with the agreed timeline and deadlines specified in the contract.
• Prompt submission of drafts, survey tools, and final reports within each research phase.
2. Achievement of Objectives and Quality of Analysis
• The research methodology is well-structured, inclusive, and aligned with ILO standards.
• The data collection process (quantitative and qualitative) covers the targeted number of respondents and stakeholder groups across the Kurdistan governorates.
• The analysis clearly identifies key challenges, gaps, and opportunities in platform and non- platform delivery work, with a particular focus on forcibly displaced persons, gender, and youth.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Inclusivity
• Two workshops (methodology validation and findings validation) are successfully conducted with strong representation from government, worker organizations, digital platforms, and civil society.
• Stakeholders’ feedback is adequately integrated into the final report.
4. Clarity and Relevance of Outputs
• The final report is comprehensive, well-structured, and presents actionable, evidence-based policy recommendations.
• The content is aligned with national priorities and supports the development of inclusive, rights-based policy responses.
5. Professional Standards
• All deliverables are submitted in a high-quality, professional format and language.
• The consultant demonstrates responsiveness to feedback and collaboration throughout the assignment.
VIII. Payment terms
# Payment Deliverables Estimated
Timeframe Weight
Payment 1
Upon successful delivery of Deliverables 1 and 2 including proper planning and methodology preparation for the survey as well as Data collection and the production of findings for the satisfaction of the ILO.
Four Weeks after signing the contract
Equivalent 20 Working Days
50%
Payment 2 Upon successful delivery of Deliverables 3 and 4 including Data analysis & validation Report generation and recommendations for action and a comprehensive report for the satisfaction of the ILO.
Eight Weeks after signing the contract
Equivalent 20 Working Days
50%
Travel arrangements (if applicable)
• All movements within the governorate of the residence of the External collaborator are under the responsibility of the External collaborator.
• In case traveling between KRI governorates i.e Erbil to Sulaymaniyah and Dohuk will be requested by the ILO, travel shall be arranged by the ILO, and the consultant shall be eligible for daily substantial allowances compensation subjected to UN rules and regulations
• This call for consultancy is opened ONLY for NATIONAL Iraqis based in the KRI.
▶ Additional information on the ToR (for internal use)
Title of advertisement:
(*to appear on UNGM) :
Summary of work to be performed:
(*for inclusion in the “Description” field on UNGM)
Complexity of assignment (as per IGDS 695):
☐ A Projects or technical tasks of a narrow scope and low complexity
☒
B Projects or technical tasks of moderate complexity with either broad scope/limited depth or restricted scope/considerable depth
☐ C Projects or technical tasks of broad scope and considerable depth
☐ D Projects or technical tasks of broad scope, high complexity and impact
☐
E Projects or technical tasks of exceptionally complex programmatic scope, unusual complexity and/or sensitive nature
Required experience and qualifications (as per IGDS 695):
☐ 1 Limited technical skills and less than 3 years of relevant experience
☐ 2 Limited technical skills and more than 3 years of relevant experience
☒ 3 Specialized degree or training in the relevant field and more than 5 years of relevant experience
☐ 4 Specialized or technical knowledge and skills and more than 10 years of extensive
relevant professional experience
Highly specialized skills and expertise with more than 15 years of extensive relevant experience
UNGM Link: https://www.ungm.org/Public/Notice/271865
How to apply
Dear Applicant if you want to apply for this consultancy, please follow the below link for online application to apply
Link: https://www.ungm.org/Public/Notice/271865