Terms of Reference: Data collection and analysis for 3-year programme on Preventing and Addressing Homophobic Bullying in Educational Institutions
1. Nature of consultancy
To support UNESCO and Plan International collect and analyse baseline data for a three-year programme to address anti-LGBTI bullying in Thailand.
2. Background
Thailand is often perceived by both foreigners and some of its own population as very accepting of sexual and gender diversity. A Thai government agency makes use of this perception in a campaign aimed at increasing the number of foreign LGBT tourists in Thailand, gothai.befree. Yet some researchers have suggested that Thai society is “tolerant but unaccepting” toward same-sex attracted individuals and concluded that the perception of Thailand as a “gay heaven” is a myth (i).
In 2013, Plan International Thailand and UNESCO commissioned Mahidol University to undertake the first systematic study of bullying on the in Thailand. The study collected quantitative and qualitative data from students, administrators and teachers in five provinces in four regions (Bangkok, Central, North, Northeast and South) of Thailand. 2,070 students completed a computerized, self-administered survey. Qualitative data were collected from over 450 people including students, teachers and school administrators through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. All students were in levels 1-6 of secondary education (grades 7-12); their ages ranged from 13 to 20 years.
The study (ii) provides an unprecedented look into bullying against those who identify as, or are perceived to be, LGBT in Thai schools and its toxic effects on victims, from absenteeism to depression and even attempted suicide.
In response to the findings of the review, Plan International Thailand and UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education (UNESCO Bangkok) are partnering to undertake a three-year programme to strengthen the capacity of the Thai education system to prevent and respond to school-related gender-based violence, including bullying on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The programme has received funding support from the Swedish International Development Agency to Plan International and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of the Republic of the Netherlands to UNESCO, in addition to the funding available for the programme through the UNAIDS United Budget, Results and Accountability Framework (UBRAF) funding to UNESCO. A 3-year programme framework has been development, and local implementing partners (M Plus and Path 2Health) for the initiative.
UNESCO is seeking consultancy support to assist with data collection and analysis in participating schools.
3. Work assignments
a) To support the implementing partners (Path2Health and M Plus) to implement school level assessments in project schools.
b) To analyse the data from the school assessments and provide a synthesis report highlighting commonalities and differences across the project schools, lessons learned, and recommendations;
c) To provide a database with the results to use as baseline data for evaluation.
4. Work Schedule
Deliverable Deadline:
Technical support to undertaken school assessments: Through March 2015
Draft synthesis report highlighting commonalities and differences across the project schools and lessons learned: 30 April 2015
Database and final report: 30 May 2015
5. End Products
1. Synthesis report, including all original surveys completed in the project schools
2. Database (Excel or as advised by the consultant/institution)
6. Estimated duration of contract
Roughly 3 months, depending on when the contract can be initiated
7. Official Travel Involved
No travel is involved in this contract.
8. Qualifications or Specialized Knowledge/Experience Required
• Experience with data collection on related issues, preferably in the Asia-Pacific region
• Experience providing technical support to country partners on data collection and analysis
• Good written skills, as well as communication skills with project partners
• Familiarity with programming on homophobic bullying in educational institutions would be an advantage
• Fluency in English and Thai language
• Previous experience working with the UN/multilateral/bilateral institutions, preferably in the Asia-Pacific region is an advantage.
9. Budget and payment schedule
Interested institutions or consultants should submit a short (2-3 pages) proposal and estimated budget for completing this activity by 27 February.
Payments will be made in one installment, at the end of the contract.
If indicated outputs are not satisfactory, payment will be withheld.
10. Contract arrangements
UNESCO Bangkok will issue the contract and be the primary focal point with the selected institution/consultant(s). The supervisor will ensure that within 10 days of its submission, the draft report is returned to the consultant with constructive comments to ensure a rapid finalisation.
Download the Terms of Reference
Application deadline: 27 February 2015
Applications should be sent to:
Ngo Thanh Loan
Information Assistant
HIV Prevention and Health Promotion Unit
UNESCO Bangkok
Email: tl.ngo@unesco.org
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References
(i) Jackson (1999) described Thai society as “tolerant but unaccepting” toward same-sex attracted individuals and concluded that the perception of Thailand as a “gay heaven” is a mere myth. A review of recent research on the problems faced by LGBT individuals in Thailand (Ojanen, 2009) suggested that many of the problems noted by
(ii) Jackson (1999) were still common. Heterosexism and transprejudice dominate Thai society, which therefore does not genuinely accept transgender and same-sex attracted people (Ojanen, 2009). Jackson, P.A. 1999. Tolerant but unaccepting: The myth of a Thai “gay paradise.” In P.A. Jackson & N.M. Cook (Eds.) Genders and sexualities in modern Thailand. Chiang Mai, Thailand: Silkworm Books, pp. 226-242.
Ojanen, T.T. Sexual/gender minorities in Thailand: Identities, challenges and voluntary-sector counseling. Sexuality Research & Social Policy; 2009; 6(2): 4-34.
For materials linked to the study see:
Issues brief: Mahidol University Plan International, UNESCO. 2014. LGBT-friendly Thailand? A brief on school bullying on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in Thailand. Bangkok: UNESCO. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002277/227706e.pdf;
Infographic: Mahidol University Plan International, UNESCO. 2014. LGBT-friendly Thailand? An infographic on school bullying on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in Thailand. Bangkok: UNESCO. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002277/227752E.pdf
Research Report: Mahidol University, Plan International, UNESCO. 2014. Bullying targeting secondary school students who are or are perceived to be transgender or same-sex attracted: Types, prevalence, impact, motivation and preventive measures in 5 provinces of Thailand. Bangkok: UNESCO. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002275/227518e.pdf