Call for External Collaborator – Local Social Security and Formalization Coordination Consultant for Tripartite Group in Muthanna
Background and Purpose:
In March 2023, Iraq ratified International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 102 on Minimum Standards of Social Security. Following this, in November 2023, the Government enacted Law No. 18 of 2023 on Retirement and Social Security for Workers. This new law replaces the former Retirement and Social Security Law No. 39 of 1971 and aims to provide comprehensive coverage for all workers, including those in the informal economy, the self-employed, and contributing family workers. These legislative developments mark a significant step towards increasing the formalization efforts in the country. Indeed, the expansion of social security in itself will shed light on hidden labour relations and enable efforts to ensure better protection.
Muthanna governorate, representing another facet of Iraq’s diverse socio-economic landscape, with Iraq’s highest poverty rate at 52%, second highest unemployment rate at 27.3%, and a labour force participation rate of 40.1%. Understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by Muthanna’s labour force is crucial. Engaging in tripartite discussions allows for a comprehensive approach to nationwide social security expansion, ensuring that no region is left behind in implementing Social Security Law No. 18 of 2023.
In that line, the ILO is committed to providing technical support for reforming and developing Iraq’s social security system and enforcing relevant regulations, including the new law. This initiative is in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, workers’ and employers’ organizations, the Labour Committee and Civil Society Institutions within the Iraqi Parliament, with funding generously provided by the European Union in partnership with UNICEF and World Food Program.
As part of the project, in May 2024, the ILO conducted a one-day tripartite workshop in Muthanna Governorate, which included local government representatives, the Labour Committee in the Parliament, the Social Security Office in Muthanna, workers’ and employers’ organizations. The workshop aimed to facilitate social dialogue on the national implementation of the new social security law and highlighted proposed activities for 2023-2027. Discussions focused on implementation mechanisms, the commitments of local and national parties, challenges, strategies, and priorities for expanding coverage under the new law in Muthanna. The workshop concluded with an agreement to continue joint efforts between the Department of Pension and Social Security in Muthanna, wo and employers’ organizations to ensure the optimal application of the law. Under the EU- for Iraq: Leveraging Effective Response Consultant in Muthanna to coordinate the work of the tripartite consultation group in the governorate.
The primary objective of the Local Social Security and Formalization Consultant is to facilitate the effective coordination and collaboration of the tripartite plus constituents in Muthanna Governorate, ensuring social dialogue among all stakeholders to successful facilitate and follow up on the expansion of social security coverage under the new Retirement and Social Security Law No. 18 of 2023, effective social security participation and progressive transition from the informal to the formal economy among workers and economic units.
This role focuses on strengthening coordination and information exchange between the Social Security Department, trade unions, employers’ organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. Key responsibilities include organizing meetings, workshops, and coordination events; identifying and addressing challenges in tripartite-plus discussions; overseeing the implementation of the new Law; facilitating the exchange, interpretation, and preliminary analysis of information and data; and monitoring progress to assess impact and support the extension of social security coverage to all workers in the governorate and progressive transition to formality.
The selected consultant will undertake the following activities:
1. Support in Tripartite coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:
Facilitate and convene regular in-person tripartite or tripartite-plus meetings in Muthanna to support counterparts in developing a comprehensive framework for extending social security coverage and support formalization efforts in both governorates. This includes
leading discussions among the Social Security Department, trade unions, and employers’
considered.
Coordinate closely with ILO tripartite constituents
as well as other relevant stakeholders in Muthanna to strengthen collaboration throughout the consultancy period. This coordination will contribute to the successful extension of social security coverage to workers in both the formal and informal economies, promoting more inclusive and comprehensive social protection.
Support the establishment of sectoral or geographical sub-groups within the tripartite
framework, in collaboration with local counterparts, to further tailor the extension of social security coverage.
Liaise with the National Social Protection Programme Officer, ensuring alignment with
project objectives and work plans.
Support in establishing and maintaining partnerships with government entities, private sector actors, financial institutions, and local communities.
2. Field Implementation & Monitoring:
Conduct periodic analyses of the socio-economic landscape in Muthanna and/or priority
with a potential for the extension of social security coverage, generation of decent (formal) jobs and/or progressive formalization of workers and economic units. This will be done in collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organizations, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to inform outreach and social security coverage strategies.
Support the implementation of the awareness-raising activities on the Social Security Law
in Muthanna, as part of a national campaign led by the ILO in partnership with the Ministry of NGO.
Facilitate the development and negotiations the tripartite group roadmap on the extension of social security coverage and formalization oversight. The consultant will support tripartite constituents along the development and negotiation of roadmap for the Muthanna tripartite group on social security and formalization group. The roadmap will
include a context analysis, a detailed workplan, a coordination strategy, and a schedule of periodic meetings to monitor progress. It will also define key activities, indicators, and strategic objectives to guide and align the group’s efforts.
, when relevant, tracking progress against work plans, identifying operational bottlenecks, and providing strategic recommendations.
Conducting data collection for different types of activities.
3. Operational & Logistical Support:
Managing schedules and timelines for project activities, ensuring efficient resource allocation and adherence to deadlines.
Coordinating logistical arrangements for field missions and stakeholder engagements in Muthanna.
Follow up with event management providers under supervision of the ILO team.
The consultant will submit five (5) bi-monthly deliverables. Each deliverable must be submitted in English (and Arabic where relevant) and include evidence such as attendance lists, minutes, photos, and other supporting documentation to the satisfaction of ILO. Payments will be released after approval of each deliverable.
Deliverable Period
Deliverable 1: Tripartite Group Activation in Muthanna & Action Plan:
Convene and document regular tripartite or tripartite-plus meetings in Muthanna (minutes, attendance, photos).
Support expansion of tripartite groups and outreach in Muthanna.
Draft and submit a framework and detailed draft workplan for the tripartite groups including objectives, roles, activities, indicators, documentation mechanisms and priority sectors/areas. 10 Jan 29 Feb 2026
Deliverable 2: Awareness & Outreach Implementation
Support the awareness campaigns (field, media, universities, civil society) on the Social Security Law and its benefits.
Provide tailored guidance to tripartite partners and collaborators on campaign roll-out.
Begin mapping and coordination with potential CSO partners for future campaigns (including proposed target areas and modalities).
– Submit progress brief including updated sectoral outreach coverage. 1 Mar 30 Apr 2026
Deliverable 3: Sectoral Analysis & Partnership Strategy
Conduct and submit updated analysis of priority sectors in Muthanna, issuing short reports/working papers justifying selection.
associations, student unions, youth/professional groups) to reach vulnerable groups.
Provide a mid-term progress note on expansion of social security enrolment and awareness. 1 May 30 Jun 2026
Deliverable 4: Monitoring, Evaluation & Data Systems
Develop and update a database with monitoring indicators (number of registrants, awareness levels, sectors covered, un-covered groups).
Produce an interim evaluation report measuring progress in extending social security coverage and provide practical recommendations for next steps.
Document lessons learned, challenges and coordination levels among parties.
1 Jul 31 Aug 2026
Deliverable 5: Final Report & Roadmap for Next Steps
Consolidated final report covering all activities (meetings, campaigns, sectoral analysis, partnerships).
Lessons learned, challenges and actionable recommendations at governorate level.
Updated roadmap and proposals for sustaining/expanding tripartite engagement.
1 Sep 30 Sep 2026
The assignment will run from 10 Jan 2026 to 30 September 2026, covering a total of up to 90 working days, with an average of 10 working days per month.
The consultant will conduct the assignment under the overall supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor on Social Security and in close coordination with the National Social Protection Progamme Officer based in Baghdad.
The consultant should meet the following qualifications and possess the necessary expertise:
A first-
a related field.
Proven experience in project organization and management, with strong competencies in planning, coordination, and follow-up particularly in facilitating multi-stakeholder committees or working groups related to social protection or labour initiatives.
Excellent facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to lead inclusive dialogue and build consensus toward concrete outcomes.
Demonstrated experience working with key national and local stakeholders, including the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA), local government bodies, trade unions,
system and recent reforms, particularly the Retirement and Social Security Law No. 18 of 2023.
Good understanding of Muthanna
including key sectors, workforce characteristics, informality, and levels of social security
and social security institutions is an asset.
Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to deliver clear, concise, and well- structured reports and documentation.
Fluency (excellent written and verbal communication skills) in Arabic (mandatory) and English (desirable).
Experience from the local context is needed, and existence on the ground is highly preferred.
Timely submission of deliverables according to the schedule.
Quality and completeness of documentation (minutes, attendance, reports). Evidence of progress in tripartite coordination, awareness campaigns, sectoral analysis, and data systems.
Clear, actionable recommendations for sustaining and expanding social security coverage.
1. Progress payments
2. Payment schedule and timeframe shall be based on the number of days
corresponding to each one of the deliverables quoted/ planned by each applicant.
3. The daily fee shall be established within the fee range corresponding to
the complexity of assignment and the
residence, please refer to the table available on the announcement.
4. If needed contract can be developed in local currency (IQD) considering the UN operations exchange rate.
The assignment will run from 10 January 2026 to 30 September 2026 (up to 90 working days, in average up to max 10 days/month). Progress Payments will be released according to the schedule below, subject to the satisfaction of ILO. as per the requirement and the payment plan determined by the ILO, and the submission of corresponding monthly reports confirming the working time.
Payment Percentage Deliverables Paid on
First Payment 20% Deliverable 1 (10 Jan 29
Feb 2026):
Tripartite Group Activation in Within 30 days after the clearance of the deliverables received
by ILO team (by no
Muthanna & Action Plan:
Convene and document regular tripartite or tripartite- plus meetings in Muthanna (minutes, attendance, photos).
Support expansion of tripartite groups and outreach in Muthanna.
Draft and submit a framework and detailed draft workplan for the tripartite groups including objectives, roles, activities, indicators, documentation mechanisms and priority sectors/areas. later than 31st of March 2026)
Second Payment 20% Deliverable 2 (1 Mar 30
Apr 2026):
Awareness & Outreach Implementation
Support the awareness campaigns (field, media, universities, civil society) on the Social Security Law and its benefits.
Provide tailored guidance to tripartite partners and collaborators on campaign roll-out.
Begin mapping and coordination with potential CSO partners for future campaigns (including
proposed target Within 30 days after the clearance of the deliverables received by ILO team (by no later than 31st of May 2026)
areas and modalities).
– Submit progress brief including
updated sectoral
outreach coverage.
Third Payment 20% Deliverable 3 (1 May 30
Jun 2026):
Sectoral Analysis & Partnership Strategy
Conduct and submit updated analysis of priority sectors in Muthanna, issuing short reports/working papers justifying selection.
Develop and apply strategies to activate community partnerships
associations, student unions, youth/professional groups) to reach vulnerable groups.
Provide a mid-term progress note on expansion of social security enrolment
and awareness. Within 30 days after the clearance of the deliverables received by ILO team (by no later than 31st of July 2026)
Fourth Payment 20% Deliverable 4 (1 Jul 31
Aug 2026):
Deliverable 4: Monitoring, Evaluation & Data Systems
Develop and update a database with monitoring indicators (number of registrants, awareness levels, sectors covered, un- covered groups). Within 30 days after the clearance of the deliverables received by ILO team (by no later than 30th of September 2026)
Produce an interim evaluation report measuring progress in extending social security coverage and provide practical recommendations for next steps.
Document lessons learned, challenges and coordination
levels among parties.
Final Payment 20% Deliverable 5 (1 Sep 30 Sep 2026): Final Report & Roadmap for Next Steps
Consolidated final report covering all activities (meetings, campaigns, sectoral analysis, partnerships).
Lessons learned, challenges and actionable recommendations at governorate level.
Updated roadmap and proposals for sustaining/expanding tripartite
engagement. Within 30 days after the clearance of the deliverables received by ILO team (by no later than 30th of October 2026)
– All transportation within Muthanna governorate is under the responsibility of the consultant and will not be compensated by ILO.
If travel outside Muthanna governorate is required, transportation costs and Daily Substantial Allowances will be compensated by the ILO subjected to UN rules and regulations.
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