Location: Sri Lanka
Duration: 6-8 weeks
Background: LRQA is a leading provider of third-party grievance mechanisms to support workers in global
supply chains. LRQA is currently implementing a new program to develop an independent third-party
greivance mechanism for workers in the garment sector in Sri Lanka. The grievance mechanism aims to
ensure that garment sector workers can voice their concerns effectively and anonymously, and receive
appropriate remediation.
Civil society organisations play a key role in the implementation and operation of LRQA’s grievance
mechanisms globally. Civil society partners engage workers in selected supply chains and countries to
conduct training, trust-building, and awareness raising for workers to understand how to access and use
the grievance mechanism. The same civil society partners also provide operators who respond to workers
who contact the grievance mechanism and respond to workers’ concerns in real time.
LRQA seeks to identify a civil society organisation (NGO, non-profit organisation, trade union, or similar
organisation) in Sri Lanka to implement the grievance mechanism program. As a first step in this process,
LRQA seeks to engage an independent contractor/consultant in Sri Lanka to conduct a mapping exercise
to identify potential partner organisations, and to engage with and vet interested organisations based on
their suitability to implement the grievance mechanism program.
Objectives:
1. Identify an implementing partner to support the operation of an effective grievance mechanism
for workers in Sri Lanka’s garment sector.
2. Support the successful implementation of the grievance mechanism through collaboration with
local NGOs and stakeholders.
Scope of Work:
The consultant’s scope of work will include the following core and optional tasks. Optional tasks may be
implemented by the consultant based on the consultant’s level of interest, qualifications, and experience.
1. Identifying and Screening NGO Partners:
a. Conduct a mapping exercise to identify potential NGO partners with experience in
labor/human rights, grievance mechanisms, and/or the garment sector in Sri Lanka to partner
with to implement the grievance mechanism program.
b. Conduct initial conversations with identified NGOs to assess their level of interest in
participating in the grievance mechanism program.
c. Screen and perform due diligence of short-listed NGOs (up to 3 shortlisted candidate
organisations) based on their capacity, experience, and alignment with project objectives,
using evaluation criteria provided by LRQA.
d. Facilitate discussions between the LRQA project team and selected NGOs.
2. Advising on Local and Cultural Context:
a. Provide insights into the local socio-economic and cultural context affecting workers in the
garment sector in Sri Lanka, including responsible business practices that could impact the
implementation of the grievance mechanism.
b. Advise on culturally sensitive approaches to grievance intake, handling, reporting and
resolution.
Terms of Reference (ToR) Grievance Mechanism Project Contractor Sri Lanka | 2
3. (Optional) Training and Capacity Building for NGOs:
a. Develop training materials and conduct workshops for NGO partners on the grievance
mechanism, including its objectives, processes, and best practices following LRQA’s standard
Protocols and Policies.
b. Build the capacity of NGO staff to effectively manage grievances and support workers during
the initial set-up stages of the program.
Qualifications:
• Proven experience in labor rights, supply chain due diligence, grievance mechanisms, or related
fields.
• Strong understanding of the local context in Sri Lanka, particularly in the garment sector.
• Experience in capacity building and training of local organizations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in Tamil and / or Sinhalese, strong English communication skills (written and spoken).