Call for Interest – International Research Advisor

 Background:

The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was established by the ASEAN Leaders at the 21^st ASEAN Summit in 2012. The ASEAN Leaders envisioned ARMAC to serve as a centre of excellence to encourage the efforts to address the problems of explosive remnants of war (ERW) for interested ASEAN Member States (AMS) with the following mandate and functions:

• Enhance awareness programs on the dangers of ERW among affected communities;
• Facilitate appropriate medical and rehabilitation assistance for victims of ERW, upon request from the affected ASEAN Member States; and
• Assist interested ASEAN Member States in research and knowledge sharing on the effects of ERW and efforts to address them, including through writing proposals for technical assistance projects and funding, at their specific and individual request.

In January 2021, ARMAC has received the funding support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), to implement the project “Enhance Victim Assistance Programmes in the ASEAN Member States”. One out of five objectives is to conduct research regarding ‘Community Perspectives of Humanitarian Mine Action in Lao PDR and Viet Nam’.

In achieving the aforementioned objective, ARMAC is looking to hire a qualified international research advisor to provide advisory support to research team in Lao PDR and Viet Nam to execute the activity. Hence, ARMAC invites an interested and qualified research advisor to join ARMAC and lead the implementation of the researches to be conducted in Lao PDR and Viet Nam.

Key Deliverables and Timeframe

The main output of the advisor is to produce the Research Study/Report in English covering the both countries, Lao PDR and Viet Nam.  The raw data (in Excel file or relevant format) should be consolidated and submitted.

The final paper of the research study is expected to cover Executive Summary, Introduction, Methodology, Research Findings/Lessons Learnt/Good Practice, Conclusion, Recommendations and relevant Annexes.

Consultancy to commence early November 2022 until the end of March 2023.  The research key tasks and timeframe are as follows:

Working Modality

Due to travel restriction under the pandemic, research advisor may work remotely. Any meetings and/or correspondences may be held virtually. If travel is not restricted, the advisor may arrange/conduct face-to-face meeting, interview or/and field visits at their own costs.

Management Arrangements

The principal responsibility for managing this research study resides with the ARMAC Permanent Secretariat. The international research advisor will deliver the outputs within the timeframe as specified under Key Deliverbles and Timeframe above.

The Permanent Secretariat will be responsible for liaising with the relevant stakeholders as necessary to provide all relevant documents and facilitate to set up stakeholder meetings/interviews/field visits.

How to apply:

Please send following required documents:

• Cover letter indicating the application;
• A Financial Offer specifying the costs (daily rate) that will be incurred throughout the consultancy;
• A copy of most updated CV (curriculum vitae); and
• Copy of passport with a recent photograph
• Sample of written works and/or journal from a previous research study is required, especially paper works related to Mine Action sector.

The application can be submitted to email address: recruitment@aseanmineaction.org with subject “International Research Advisor” by 16 October 2022, 23:00 (GMT +7).

Note:

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Applicants are invited to apply as early as possible. The applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. More information about ARMAC, visit www.aseanmineaction.org

Call for Video Documentary: The Voices of Victims and Context of Explosive Ordnance (EO) Impact in Each Affected ASEAN Member State

      I.         Background

The ASEAN[1] Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) is calling for a video documentary producer related to ‘the Voices of Victims and Context of Explosive Ordnance (EO) Impact in Each Affected ASEAN Member State’

ARMAC was established by the ten ASEAN member states (AMS) to serve as a center of excellence to encourage efforts to address explosive ordnance (EO)[2] for interested ASEAN Member States (AMS) and to facilitate cooperation between interested AMS and relevant institutions.

In early 2021, ARMAC received the funding support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), to implement the project “Enhance Victim Assistance Programs in the ASEAN Member States” or known as ‘Victim Assistance (VA) Project’. The Project was established as a means to enhance supports provided to the explosive ordnance (EO) victims by assisting the AMS address the needs and a critical gap of assistance for the mentioned population.

As a result of major armed conflicts, Southeast Asia is well-known to be a region with heavy contamination of EO.  People and communities living in the affected and nearby areas are at risk of EO explosion at any time. The explosions have continued to kill innocent lives and caused severe injuries, often, lead to certain form of disabilities. In response to such consequences, EO victims require a long-term and multi-sector approaches as the provision of assistance including medical care, socio-economic inclusions, rehabilitation and psychosocial support.

Through the observation, aforementioned approach has certainly been effective in helping the victims to gradually improve the lives of the victims in both physical and mental health aspect.  By obtaining supports, EO victims have gained back their competency, dignity, confidence and self-esteem that can better their participation to not only improve their socio-economic status but also contribute further to their communities’ activities.  This effective approach has been implemented widely in each EO affected country and not many cases have been revealed through video platform. Often, good cases have been revealed in written form, which make it limited to reach out to wider audience.  Therefore, in order to expand the audience, ARMAC and related stakeholders aim to produce the documentary video on voices of EO victims to show cases of victim assistance good practices.  This will not only echo various effective practices being done by various stakeholders but also echo the voices of victims at different levels.

    II.         Aims

The documentary video production aims to:

1. document the Voices of Victims from the five EO heavily effected countries in the ASEAN Region and;
2. to incorporate all the highlight of events from Nationals and Regional Consultative Meetings, especially where the discussion among related stakeholders on roles, responsibilities, and communication mechanism on the structuring of the Victim Assistance Network took place (Consultation meetings videos will be available and supplied by ARMAC team).

For this assignment, the video shootings should cover:

1. interview victims of EO (direct and in-direct victims) in the four EO affected countries including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam;
2. interview related national government and non-government stakeholders where possible (ARMAC team will facilitate the process for an approval to conduct the interview with related authorities).

As the voice of victim video in Myanmar is produced and available, the production team working on this assignment will incorporate this into the regional video.

The video should reveal best practices of supports/services to the victims and gaps of the available mechanism/tools/services based on the national context and/or expertise in each EO affected countries accommodated by the government and non-government sectors.  This will include the availability of the legislations, guidelines, policies, psychosocial support and physical rehabilitation services provided to the victims and the ways such tools/services have been disseminated and/or reached out/delivered to target victims.

The voice of victim documentary video will be used during all the Regional Workshops and related events hosted by ARMAC to show case of the current situation of VA for EO victims and its network.

  III.         Requirements

1. Produce short feature should be made on the following themes for each EO affected country during the film.

3. Identify the victims and related stakeholders to conduct interviews on related topics for video shooting
   • Identify 2 survivors and 1-2 in-direct victims and conduct interview – each person is to share experiences of life pre and post EO impact and how they obtain assistance to cope with challenges.
   • Identify National Mine Action Authorities/Centers and related government stakeholders, then conduct interview — discuss and link between the practices and related national and international legislations, policies, standards. guidelines/guidance and treaties in relation to EO victims and the victim assistance services;
   • Identify 2-3 core-partners in each country and conduct interviews to discuss specific supports provided to the victims and national authorities.
4. Ensure high quality of production and filming are delivered;
5. Develop interview script/footage/scenario/story line in each country as well as the regional one;
6. Provide quality video subtitles in English language;
7. Copyright of all footage filmed;
8. Able to capture the victims at their residence/communities outside the capital of each country;
9. Obtain permission from persons for filming;
10. Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to identified target group and access to the areas/communities for filming;
11. Consolidate and incorporate the video of national consultative meetings in the five countries the documentary video (ARMAC will supply related videos);
12. First edition of the video in each country;
13. Second/final production in each country;
14. First edition of the all five countries video documentary is produced and sent to ARMAC for review;
15. Second/final edition of the all five countries video is produced based on any feedback from ARMAC.

 IV.         Application Process

Interested applicants should submit their proposals with appropriate budget requirements (please use the budget proposal template, Annex 1) in English to info@aseanmineaction.org with the following information:

• Indicate comprehensive information on type and number of cameras/equipment to be used for filming;
• Indicate steps/process and timeframe of the production;
• Indicate the quality of sound and picture of the broadcasting;

• Provide a proposed budget including a daily rate for work, travel expenses, number of crews, accommodation, translation and transcribing, and related material as necessary
• Provide Resume/CV for all team leaders and members to be involved;
• Sample of short-long videos, video/documentary being produced and related TV programs are required, especially any productions related to Mine Action and/or Victim Assistance;
• Working and/or having experience in Mine Action especially related to victim assistance in the five focal countries is an advantage; and applicants are encouraged to propose specific locations for filming and provide target groups information with their background information (if any).

   V.         Workplan and Timeframe

The workplan and timeframe of this production is about three months. The execution of this project activity is expected to start as soon as possible and finish in March 2022.

 VI.         Application Deadline

A detailed explanation of the workplan and the proposal should be submitted to email address: info@aseanmineaction.org by 16 October 2022, 23:00 (GMT +7).

Note:

Incomplete application will NOT be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Applicants are invited to apply as early as possible. The applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. More information about ARMAC, visit www.aseanmineaction.org

Please Insert Your Company Letter head/supplier address and contact number

 ANNEX 1

Budget proposal

 To: ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center

Address: #29, Street 115, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Tel: (+855) 23 221354, (+855) 23 221364, Email: info@aseanmineaction.org

Dated this…………day of……….[year]

…………………………………                                     ………………………….

Name & Signature                                                          [In the capacity of]

Duly authorized to sign the Bid for and on behalf of………………………………

Note:

1. The proposal including budget should to be signed and stamped;
2. When submitting the proposal, please make sure to also send us the company/organization legal document (registration certificate of a valid patent and VAT).

[1] Association of the Southeast Asian Nations – a regional organization comprised of 10 Member States i.e. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

[2] In this document, Explosive Ordnance (EO) will be used to refer to all types of Landmines, explosive remnants of war (mine/ERW) and other sub- munitions.  For more detail, see also ‘the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) 04.10’ (Second Edition, amendment 10, February 2019): https://www.mineactionstandards.org/fileadmin/MAS/documents/standards/Glossary_of_mine_action_terms_and_abbreviations_Ed.2_Am.10.pdf

On 13 and 14 September, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of China organized the Second Technical Working Group Meeting for the Project, “Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Resource Mobilization Capacity in Mine/ERW in ASEAN”. The Meeting showcased examples of projects demonstrating cross-sectoral collaboration, regional cooperation, as well as innovative financing models which could be adopted for the mine action sector. The last day of the meeting was spent to developing draft proposals for submission to the High-Level Regional Meeting. A total of 35 participants attended the meeting.

On 8 September 2022, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) convened its 19th Steering Committee (SC) Meeting, under the Cambodian Chairmanship. The Meeting presented key accomplishments in the first and second quarters of the year, and discussed outstanding issues namely, the findings and recommendations of the Mid-Term Review conducted by an independent evaluator and the outcome of the stakeholders’ workshops in the affected member states, financial sustainability of ARMAC, financial and in-kind contributions to-date, and project steering committee mechanism in line with ASEAN Project Management Manual.

H.E. Mr. Ung Rachana, ARMAC Chair and Undersecretary of State of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, led the meeting. The meeting was attended by over 26 representatives from the 10 ASEAN Member States in person and virtually.

Call for Research Proposals: Community Perspectives of Humanitarian Mine Action in Lao PDR and Viet Nam’

Background

The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) is calling for research proposals related to ‘Community Perspectives of Humanitarian Mine Action in Lao PDR and Viet Nam’.

Since there is a serious lack of support for the explosive ordnance (EO) victims being identified, ASEAN member states (AMS), together with ARMAC have stepped in with a project entitled; “Enhance Victim Assistance Program or Victim Assistance project; funded by ASEAN-Korean Cooperation Fund (AKCF) to provide support to the EO victims.  This project has five indicative objectives, one of which is to undertake research on the aforementioned topic.

It is almost three decades since Humanitarian Mine Action began in Southeast Asia. While operations in the early years focused on EO removing to reduce injuries and fatalities, the contribution of mine action to social and economic development become increasingly important. The United Nations International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) define mine action as “Activities which aim to reduce the social, economic and environmental impact of mines, and EO including unexploded sub-munitions. Mine action is not just about demining; it is also about people and societies, and how they are affected by EO contamination. The objective of mine action is to reduce the risk from EO to a level where people can live safely; in which economic, social and health development can occur free from the constraints imposed by EO contamination, and in which the victims’ different needs can be addressed.”

Mine action operators have incorporated approaches to better involve affected communities in mine action interventions to tap into local knowledge, to ensure that clearance, risk education and victim assistance reflect the priorities and needs of the impacted populations. However, EO affected populations comprise a variety of people of different ages, gender, ethnicity, literacy levels, and economic status. They also include people with disabilities. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have emphasized the importance of “leaving no-one behind”, and the mine action sector has increasingly sought to ensure that their field operation work (clearance and risk education) and victim assistance services are inclusive. However, currently there is a limited evidence-base to demonstrate how well different people in contaminated communities have been able to contribute to and shape the nature of mine action interventions and whether their different needs have been satisfactorily met. The range of approaches applied by the mine action sector in Southeast Asia to include and address the needs of diverse communities has also not been systematically documented. Having a clearer understanding of the approaches implemented to enhance inclusion, combined with the perspectives of the impacted people on their ability to participate and influence, can provide valuable lessons to inform future approaches and greater inclusion.

Research goal, question, target groups and timeline

Goal:   The central goal of the research is to investigate the roles of the communities involved in the process of the prioritization of land clearance, explosive ordnance risk education, victim assistance and residual management. In addition, the study is to explore the needs and rights of EO affected communities, especially EO survivors and their dependents can be best addressed by mine action interventions.

Research Question: What has been the level of involvement of the EO affected communities in Humanitarian Mine Action activities (victim assistance services, explosive ordnance risk education, land clearance and residual risk management) in Lao PDR and Viet Nam?

Target Groups and Location: Explosive Ordnance (EO) affected communities and relevant stakeholders in Lao PDR and Viet Nam

• 6 rural EO affected communities in two provinces in each country — 3 communities per province per country (different geographical areas are highly recommended);
• Representatives from related government and non-government stakeholders in each country (ministries/mine action authorities/operators/service providers, INGOs/NGOs/UN Agencies/academic institutions);

Period:  6 months

Who can apply, and what type of proposals may be presented:

This call for proposal of the case study in each country is opened to any research individuals and institutions.  Data and evidence based are essential for the research.

The institution/research team in each country will be responsible for managing and implementing the research study in the field and for ensuring that the research is conducted to the best possible standards.

International research advisor will be assigned to support and consolidate the research in both Lao PDR and Viet Nam.  The successful applicant working in each country is expecting to collaborate closely among each other and together with the international research advisor to ensure the research process and design in both countries are aligned.

The study will be used:

• as a reference for an assessment on how each activity of mine action is being prioritized;
• as a reference for an assessment of the needs of the EO victims and the project’s upcoming program/s;
• to disseminate to relevant stakeholders including communities, service providers, mine action related organizations/institutions; and
• to share in ARMAC’s digital media for those who are interested in its findings.

Key Deliverables

• Raw data and related notes being produced during the study;
• Research study written in English language (in Word and PDF file formats).

Application Process and Deadline

The research proposal should be submitted to email address: info@aseanmineaction.org by 16 October 2022, 23:00 (GMT +7).  Applicants are required to submit a proposal in English following the template provided in Annex I and II.

Workplan and Timeframe

The workplan and timeframe of this research is until 31 March 2023. The execution of this research project is expected to start as soon as possible.

Note:

Incomplete application will NOT be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Applicants are invited to apply as early as possible. The applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. More information about ARMAC, visit www.aseanmineaction.org.

[1] Association of the Southeast Asian Nations – a regional organization comprised of 10 Member States i.e. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

[2] ARMAC was established by the ten ASEAN member states (AMS) to serve as a centre of excellence to encourage efforts to address explosive ordnance (EO)/landmines and explosive remnants of war (mine/ERW) for interested ASEAN Member States (AMS) and to facilitate cooperation between interested AMS and relevant institutions. More information about ARMAC: https://aseanmineaction.org/.

[3] In this document, Explosive Ordnance (EO) will be used to refer to Landmines and explosive remnants of war (mine/ERW) and other submunitions. See also mine action glossary: ‘the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) 04.10’ (2^nd edition, amendment 10, February 2019). https://www.mineactionstandards.org/fileadmin/MAS/documents/standards/Glossary_of_mine_action_terms_and_abbreviations_Ed.2_Am.10.pdf

[4] UNMAS, International Mine Action Standards, IMAS 4.10, “Glossary of mine action terms, definitions and abbreviations,” 1 January 2003.

Call for Research Proposal

 Research topic: ‘Explosive Ordnance (EO) Victim Assistance Inclusive Services in Cambodia’

Background

The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) was established by the ASEAN leaders during the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh in 2012. The Permanent Secretariat (PS) of ARMAC is based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. ARMAC which is guided by the ASEAN Charter and ASEAN Political Security Blueprint 2025, aims to serve as a Center of Excellence in mine action/Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) with the following mandate and functions:

1. Enhance awareness programs on the dangers of ERW among affected communities;
2. Facilitate appropriate medical and rehabilitation assistance for victims of ERW, upon request from the affected ASEAN Member States; and
3. Assist interested ASEAN Member States in research and knowledge sharing on the effects of ERW and efforts to address them, including through writing proposals for technical assistance projects and funding, at their specific and individual

ARMAC has received the funding support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), to implement the project “Enhance Victim Assistance Programmes in the ASEAN Member States”. One out of five objectives is to conduct academic research in Cambodia on the aforementioned topic.  Therefore, ARMAC is inviting interested applicants of any nationals/research institution to submit the Research Proposal:

Research Question: What has been the understanding of victim assistance inclusive services? and

How should this concept be standardized and implemented in the aspect of physical rehabilitation, socio-economic inclusion and psychosocial support in Cambodia?

Target Group and Location: Explosive Ordnance-EO/Explosive Remnants of War-ERW affected victims/communities and relevant stakeholder in Cambodia

• At least three EO affected communities in Banteay Meanchey, Battambang and Pailin;
• Representatives from related government and non-government stakeholders (ministries/mine action authorities/UN agencies/INGOs/NGOs/service providers/academic institutions).

Period:  October 2022 to January 2023.

Goal: The central goal of the research is to explore the concept of ‘victim assistance inclusive services’ and assess situation of VA inclusion at community level in order to highlight good practices. It is also expected to demonstrate how the concept addresses the needs and identify services gaps of EO affected victims/communities, especially EO survivors and their dependents as well as provide intervention recommendations.

Who can apply, and what type of proposals may be presented:

This invitation is opened to all AMS and non-AMS researcher/s or research institutions. The research is expecting to be an academic research that data and evidence based are needed. This is to ensure that mine action approaches have considered bring on board the diverse groups within EO affected communities especially EO survivors and their dependents.  The study will be used:

• as a reference for an assessment on how each activity of mine action is being prioritized;
• as a reference for an assessment of the needs of the EO victims and the project’s upcoming program/s;
• to disseminate to relevant stakeholders including communities, service providers, mine action related organizations/institutions; and
• to share in ARMAC’s digital media for those who are interested in its findings.

Key Deliverables

The institution/research team will be responsible to produce the following deliverables:

• Submit raw data (in Excel file format);
• Research study English language (in Words file format).

Available Budget

The appropriateness of budget requirements for the study in both countries should be proposed. Applicants should take into consideration this amount when planning their budget. The budget shall cover the cost which includes:

1. Preparation process including administration and logistics arrangement (domestic and international);
2. Salaries and consultancy fees;
3. Conducting field visits/studies at the target community;
4. Traveling cost for international and national researchers and team members to/from focal countries and the selected communities for the field research/interview;
5. Associated interpretation, translation and transcribing of the interview/field work, analysis and reports;
6. Data analysis, compilation of the research report & publication in English.

Application Process

The research proposal should be submitted to info@aseanmineaction.org and cc chanthana@aseanmineaction.org.  Applicants are required to submit a proposal in English containing the following information:

• A cover page with title, authors, addresses, emails and phone numbers;
• A short abstract of no more than one page demonstrating an understanding of the research aims and objectives;

• A statement of research objectives.
• Proposed methodology a clear and detailed description of the research method and the expected form of the results, together with a discussion of the practical recommendations;

• A list of potential field study sites (province, district) and rationale for selection;
• An itemised budget including a daily rate for work, travel expenses, accommodation, translation and transcribing, material if needed;
• A Resume/CV for all researchers to be involved;
• Sample of written works and/or journal from a previous research study is required, especially paper works related to Mine Action and Victim Assistance.

Evaluation Criteria

Research proposals will be assessed against the following evaluation criteria.

Workplan and Timeframe

The workplan and timeframe of this research is up to four months maximum. The execution of this research project is expected to start in October and finish in January 2023. It is not envisaged that the research will be full time during these four months.

Application Deadline

A proposal in accordance with the requirements above should be submitted to ARMAC by 30 September 2022. The selection process is expected to complete by October 2022.

Contact

ARMAC Permanent Secretariat:

#29, Street 115, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara

Phnom Penh, 120307, Cambodia

Tel.: +855 23 221 354 / 23 221 364 | Email: info@aseanmineaction.org

Officers in-Charge of the project:

Ms. Chanthana Sengthong (chanthana@aseanmineaction.org)

Research Proposal Template

I. Project Title

II. Name of the Researcher(s) (Include institutional affiliation and contact information.)

III. Project Timeline (Include projected stating and completion date.)

IV. General and Specific Objectives and Goal

1. Provide supporting rationale for the general and specific objectives of the study.
2. State the research question(s) being asked or the hypothesis(es) being tested.

V. Areas of Inquiry

1. Describe the focus group and areas;
2. Develop the study questions

VI. Scope of the Study

1. Indicate the number of the target groups and areas and describe the selection criteria

VII. Methodology and Approach

1. Interviewees/participants (Describe sampling procedures, sample size, participant characteristics, and how interviewees/participants will be selected for the interview)
2. Data Collection Procedures (Describe where and how data will be collected including what interviewees will be expected to do)
3. Data Analysis Procedures (Provide explanation of statistical design)
4. Data Handling Procedures (Describe how confidentiality will be maintained, where data will be stored, who will have access to it, and how it will be secured.)

VIII. Expected outcomes/results

Indicate and describe expected results of this study.

IX. Assumptions, Risks and Benefits

1. Identify all potential assumptions and risks that can discomfort communities/participants and describe how participants are protected from possible risks and assumptions such as sensitivity, embarrassment or invasion of privacy.
2. Provide an explanation of all expected or potential benefits to related stakeholders (communities especially EO victims, government and non-government bodies).

X. Team Composition

1. Provide a total number of all team members including key personnel and members;
2. Provide roles and responsibilities of each personnel;

XI. Budget

The appropriateness of budget requirements for the study in both countries should be proposed. Four main categories are recommended:

1. Personnel (team leader/s or researcher/s,
2. Travel/Accommodation (international/domestic airfare, ground travel, per-diem…)
3. Administration (field trip equipment, stationary, photocopy, refreshment of research team and/or interviewees and etc.
4. Miscellaneous

XII. Time to completion and chronogram, stating deadlines for both a mid-term and a final report (max two pages each).

XIII. Attached Appendices

1. Informed Consent Documents
2. Survey Instruments* and/or Interview (Focus Group) Questions
3. Curriculum Vitae of Primary Researcher(s) (and abbreviated vitas of other researchers)
4. Sample of written works and/or journal from a previous research study is required, especially paper works related to Mine Action and Victim Assistance.

*If using any instruments or scales, you must demonstrate that you have permission to use the instrument.

For each instrument or scale listed, provide a copy of your permission to use the instrument or indicate if the instrument is in the public domain. If you purchased the instrument or scale, provide proof of purchase.

Call for Video Documentary: The Voices of Victims and Context of Explosive Ordnance (EO) Impact in Each Affected ASEAN Member State

       I.         Background

The ASEAN[1] Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) is calling for a video documentary producer related to ‘the Voices of Victims and Context of Explosive Ordnance (EO) Impact in Each Affected ASEAN Member State’

ARMAC was established by the ten ASEAN member states (AMS) to serve as a center of excellence to encourage efforts to address explosive ordnance (EO)[2] for interested ASEAN Member States (AMS) and to facilitate cooperation between interested AMS and relevant institutions.

In early 2021, ARMAC received the funding support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), to implement the project “Enhance Victim Assistance Programs in the ASEAN Member States” or known as ‘Victim Assistance (VA) Project’. The Project was established as a means to enhance supports provided to the explosive ordnance (EO) victims by assisting the AMS address the needs and a critical gap of assistance for the mentioned population.

As a result of major armed conflicts, Southeast Asia is well-known to be a region with heavy contamination of EO.  People and communities living in the affected and nearby areas are at risk of EO explosion at any time. The explosions have continued to kill innocent lives and caused severe injuries, often, lead to certain form of disabilities. In response to such consequences, EO victims require a long-term and multi-sector approaches as the provision of assistance including medical care, socio-economic inclusions, rehabilitation and psychosocial support.

Through the observation, aforementioned approach has certainly been effective in helping the victims to gradually improve the lives of the victims in both physical and mental health aspect.  By obtaining supports, EO victims have gained back their competency, dignity, confidence and self-esteem that can better their participation to not only improve their socio-economic status but also contribute further to their communities’ activities.  This effective approach has been implemented widely in each EO affected country and not many cases have been revealed through video platform. Often, good cases have been revealed in written form, which make it limited to reach out to wider audience.  Therefore, in order to expand the audience, ARMAC and related stakeholders aim to produce the documentary video on voices of EO victims to show cases of victim assistance good practices.  This will not only echo various effective practices being done by various stakeholders but also echo the voices of victims at different levels.

    II.         Aims

The documentary video production aims to:

1. document the Voices of Victims from the five EO heavily effected countries in the ASEAN Region and;
2. to incorporate all the highlight of events from Nationals and Regional Consultative Meetings, especially where the discussion among related stakeholders on roles, responsibilities, and communication mechanism on the structuring of the Victim Assistance Network took place (Consultation meetings videos will be available and supplied by ARMAC team).

For this assignment, the video shootings should cover:

1. interview victims of EO (direct and in-direct victims) in the four EO affected countries including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam;
2. interview related national government and non-government stakeholders where possible (ARMAC team will facilitate the process for an approval to conduct the interview with related authorities).

As the voice of victim video in Myanmar is produced and available, the production team working on this assignment will incorporate this into the regional video.

The video should reveal best practices of supports/services to the victims and gaps of the available mechanism/tools/services based on the national context and/or expertise in each EO affected countries accommodated by the government and non-government sectors.  This will include the availability of the legislations, guidelines, policies, psychosocial support and physical rehabilitation services provided to the victims and the ways such tools/services have been disseminated and/or reached out/delivered to target victims.

The voice of victim documentary video will be used during all the Regional Workshops and related events hosted by ARMAC to show case of the current situation of VA for EO victims and its network.

  III.         Requirements

1. Produce short feature should be made on the following themes for each EO affected country during the film.

3. Identify the victims and related stakeholders to conduct interviews on related topics for video shooting
   • Identify 2 survivors and 1-2 in-direct victims and conduct interview – each person is to share experiences of life pre and post EO impact and how they obtain assistance to cope with challenges.
   • Identify National Mine Action Authorities/Centers and related government stakeholders, then conduct interview — discuss and link between the practices and related national and international legislations, policies, standards. guidelines/guidance and treaties in relation to EO victims and the victim assistance services;
   • Identify 2-3 core-partners in each country and conduct interviews to discuss specific supports provided to the victims and national authorities.
4. Ensure high quality of production and filming are delivered;
5. Develop interview script/footage/scenario/story line in each country as well as the regional one;
6. Provide quality video subtitles in English language;
7. Copyright of all footage filmed;
8. Able to capture the victims at their residence/communities outside the capital of each country;
9. Obtain permission from persons for filming;
10. Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to identified target group and access to the areas/communities for filming;
11. Consolidate and incorporate the video of national consultative meetings in the five countries the documentary video (ARMAC will supply related videos);
12. First edition of the video in each country;
13. Second/final production in each country;
14. First edition of the all five countries video documentary is produced and sent to ARMAC for review;
15. Second/final edition of the all five countries video is produced based on any feedback from ARMAC.

 IV.         Application Process

Interested applicants should submit their proposals with appropriate budget requirements (please use the budget proposal template, Annex 1) in English to info@aseanmineaction.org with the following information:

• Indicate comprehensive information on type and number of cameras/equipment to be used for filming;
• Indicate steps/process and timeframe of the production;
• Indicate the quality of sound and picture of the broadcasting;

• Provide a proposed budget including a daily rate for work, travel expenses, number of crews, accommodation, translation and transcribing, and related material as necessary
• Provide Resume/CV for all team leaders and members to be involved;
• Sample of short-long videos, video/documentary being produced and related TV programs are required, especially any productions related to Mine Action and/or Victim Assistance;
• Working and/or having experience in Mine Action especially related to victim assistance in the five focal countries is an advantage; and applicants are encouraged to propose specific locations for filming and provide target groups information with their background information (if any).

   V.         Workplan and Timeframe

The workplan and timeframe of this production is about three months. The execution of this project activity is expected to start as soon as possible and finish in March 2022.

 VI.         Application Deadline

A detailed explanation of the workplan and the proposal should be submitted to email address: info@aseanmineaction.org by 16 October 2022, 23:00 (GMT +7).

Note:

Incomplete application will NOT be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Applicants are invited to apply as early as possible. The applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. More information about ARMAC, visit www.aseanmineaction.org.

Please Insert Your Company Letter head/supplier address and contact number

ANNEX 1

Budget proposal

To: ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center

Address: #29, Street 115, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Tel: (+855) 23 221354, (+855) 23 221364, Email: info@aseanmineaction.org

Dated this…………day of……….[year]

…………………………………                                     ………………………….

Name & Signature                                                          [In the capacity of]

Duly authorized to sign the Bid for and on behalf of………………………………

Note:

1. The proposal including budget should to be signed and stamped;
2. When submitting the proposal, please make sure to also send us the company/organization legal document (registration certificate of a valid patent and VAT).

[1] Association of the Southeast Asian Nations – a regional organization comprised of 10 Member States i.e. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

[2] In this document, Explosive Ordnance (EO) will be used to refer to all types of Landmines, explosive remnants of war (mine/ERW) and other sub- munitions.  For more detail, see also ‘the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) 04.10’ (Second Edition, amendment 10, February 2019): https://www.mineactionstandards.org/fileadmin/MAS/documents/standards/Glossary_of_mine_action_terms_and_abbreviations_Ed.2_Am.10.pdf

Call for Expression of Interest

Project: Communications Support to ARMAC

Title: Communications Specialist

Contract Type: Independent Consultant

Duty Station: Home-based

Duration of Assignment: 30 days over a period of 6 months

The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) wishes to invite interested individuals to submit Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the Communications Specialist/Consultant position.

Background

The ARMAC was established by the ASEAN Leaders at the 21^st ASEAN Summit in 2012. The ASEAN Leaders envisioned ARMAC to serve as a center of excellence to encourage efforts to address the problems of explosive remnants of war (ERW) for interested AMSs with the following mandate and functions:

• Enhance awareness programs on the dangers of ERW among affected communities;
• Facilitate appropriate medical and rehabilitation assistance for victims of ERW, upon request from the affected ASEAN Member States; and
• Assist interested ASEAN Member States in research and knowledge sharing on the effects of ERW and efforts to address them, including through writing proposals for technical assistance projects and funding, at their specific and individual request.

Scope of Work, and Expected Deliverables

Responding to 2 of the mandates above, ARMAC is looking for a communications specialist to research and write articles, reports, blurbs, and other content related to ARMAC programs and operations. Likewise, s/he will curate compelling and engaging content for our audience, proofread and edit materials. More importantly, she will develop a communication strategy to capture ARMAC’s work, and broadcast this to the world.

Under the supervision of the Senior Technical Officer/Mine Action, the Communications Specialist shall primarily carry out the following tasks.

• Develop and implement a communication strategy that includes printed and online media content;
• Develop a writing/publishing style guide to ensure that ARMAC produce high-quality content, report, and knowledge products;
• Research and write articles, newsletters, magazines, press releases, online content for ARMAC’s website and social media pages;
• Work with internal/external actors to brainstorm content, ideas, in line with the ARMAC’s communications strategy and in support of ongoing and upcoming initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national/regional press/publications/journalists; and
• Other tasks as may be assigned by ARMAC staff and Executive Director.

Qualifications and Requirements

 S/he should have a Bachelors and/or Masters degree in communication, journalism, public relations, or other related fields. A minimum of 5 years’ experiences in communication strategy development is essential, content writing for all media platforms. S/he should have proven social media and networking expertise, and excellent written and verbal communication skills (close to native English speaker). We require someone with a strategic and creative mindset.

S/he should be able to work well under pressure with short deadlines. We require someone who is attentive to detail, and possess above-average interpersonal, coordination and planning skills.

Demonstrated knowledge of ASEAN region’s mine action sector, and previous work experience within the sector is an asset but not required. Experience working with the government, non-government, and civil society actors is required.

Submitting Applications

Please send your application together to recruitment@aseanmineaction.org with the subject “Communications Specialist” not later than Friday, 31 August 2022 (12:00 midnight Phnom Penh, Cambodia local time).

Proposal letter describing how you meet the criteria citing previous work done in the field of expertise;

·       Portfolio of previous work with similar functionalities; and

·       Latest CV showing assignments in the last 2 years.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. For more information about the ARMAC, please visit www.aseanmineaction.org

On 4-5 August, ARMAC staff participated in a 2- day workshop on “Strengthening a strategic approach to address the rights and needs of mine/ERW survivors, affected families and persons with disabilities in Cambodia” which was organized by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority. The workshop showcased current policies and programs, challenges, and recommendations to improve the delivery of victim assistance in Cambodia.

ARMAC supports strategic framework initiated by the relevant national stakeholders to ensure mine/ERW victims are given equal opportunities to access essential services.

Phnom Penh, 3 August 2022: The ARMAC Permanent Secretariat was pleased to welcome a visit from a delegation from the Switzerland Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, led by H.E. Kurt Kunz, Ambassador of Switzerland to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN.  During the meeting, the Executive Director of ARMAC, Mr. Prum Suonpraseth, provided an overview of ARMAC’s history and mandates, and described the outcomes from ARMAC’s recent strategy stakeholder workshops held in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.  Mr. Prum Suonpraseth discussed mutual areas of interest between ARMAC and the Government of Switzerland, and the possibility of ARMAC collaborating with Switzerland in support of the recently published ASEAN-Switzerland Plan of Action.