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Lastrada Contribute Purchases The International Center „La Strada” hereby announces a call for applications for an international consultant

The International Center „La Strada” hereby announces a call for applications for an international consultant

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The International Center „La Strada” hereby announces a call for applications for an international consultant to conduct a Strategic analysis of emerging trends in the evolution of the human trafficking phenomenon in the Republic of Moldova and factors of influence (2020 - 2024).

Position title:                                     International Consultant on Trafficking in Human Beings

Duty station of consultancy:            Home based with field trips as necessary

Type of Contract:                              Consultancy (service) contract

Duration of consultancy:                 01 September 2025 – 20 December 2025

1. Background of the assignment

The phenomenon of trafficking in human beings (THB) still requires a comprehensive national response in the Republic of Moldova. Traffickers continue to exploit domestic and foreign victims of THB inside of Moldova, and to exploit Moldovan citizens abroad. Most victims are migrants, persons from poor rural areas, persons with disabilities living in residential institutions, undereducated adults, the unemployed and others. According to the national reports on monitoring the implementation of counter-trafficking (CT) policies, published annually by the Department for Coordination in the field of Human Rights and Social Dialogue of the State Chancellery, in the last 5 years, the number of victims of THB identified by the law enforcement agencies in Moldova was 935 persons.

The persistence of THB phenomenon in Moldova is facilitated by the influence of the following factors:

  • persistent level of poverty and domestic violence in the country;
  • high demand for cheap labor;
  • high level of corruption in law enforcement agencies and the judiciary;
  • increasing role of economic agents providing employment services abroad in violation of the law and
  • others.

Of particular concern is the impact of the migration crisis caused by the war in Ukraine on the phenomenon of THB. According to UNHCR, as of 30.04.2025, nearly 1,935,300 refugees (citizens of Ukraine and third-country nationals) had arrived in the Republic of Moldova from Ukraine since 24 February 2022. While most of them continued westward to the EU, some 128,710 Ukrainian refugees and 12,680 third-country nationals had chosen to remain in Moldova, of whom 64% were female, and 49% were children. In this situation, it is very important to monitor trends in the evolution of the phenomenon of THB and develop recommendations for national CT policies area in order to adequately respond to new challenges.

In accordance with the Law on preventing and combating THB #241/2005 (art.7), the Government should periodically approve a separate political document in this area. The Permanent Secretariat of the National Committee for Combating THB (functioning under the aegis of the State Chancellery) is responsible for planning, monitoring and evaluating national AT policy.

In this context, PA International Center “La Strada” (Moldova) is intending to support the Permanent Secretariat by conducting strategic analysis of emerging trends in the evolution of the phenomenon of THB in the Republic of Moldova and factors of influence for the period from 2020 to 2024. The research will be conducted within the framework of the Project “Reinforced collaboration of law enforcement with national and international stakeholders related to reporting and removal of child sexual abuse materials”, implemented by La Strada and funded by the IOM Mission to Moldova.

2. Nature of consultancy

The research will enable La Strada to provide the Government with the necessary expert support in implementation of the of the Action Plan on the implementation of the Programme for Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings for the years 2024-2028, approved by the Government Decision No.715/2023:

“Activity 1.4.7. Studying the phenomenon and trends of trafficking in human beings, reflecting aspects related to the evolution and trends of methods of recruiting victims (children and young persons) both online and offline.”

The research is aimed at strengthening national CT response trough providing the Government with information about new challenges that have emerged in the Republic of Moldova in recent years and factors of influence.

Objectives of the research include the following:

  • Analysis of information on global & regional trends and challenges of the phenomenon of THB, as well as factors of influence;
  • Analysis of recommendations of international organizations and renowned experts regarding measures to improve the fight against human trafficking;
  • Analysis of information on manifestations of the phenomenon of THB in the Republic of Moldova and influencing factors;
  • Development of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of state policy in the CT field.

Under this framework, LA STRADA is looking for an international consultant to undertake the desk research covering (i) global & regional trends /challenges of the phenomenon of THB and factors of influence; (ii) relevant recommendations of international organizations and renowned experts regarding CT measures.

The work of an international consultant will be supported by a local consultant who will contribute to the analysis of the phenomenon of THB in the Republic of Moldova and influencing factors. The total volume of the research report should be approximately 40-50 pages in A4 format.

3. Specific tasks to be performed by the International Consultant and expected measurable outputs

A Report on strategic analysis of emerging trends in the evolution of the phenomenon of THB in the Republic of Moldova and factors of influence for the period from 2020 to 2024 with recommendations for national CT policy should be drafted and presented to the lead national CT stakeholders.  

  • Under the direct supervision and in close cooperation with La Strada the International Consultant on THB will be responsible for performing the following tasks:
  • Developing, in collaboration with a local consultant, a research framework, including a methodology and a draft table of the report content.
  • Collect an information package with relevant data useful for strategic analysis (global and regional reports on THB phenomenon for the period 2020 – 2024)
  • Analysis of collected written information and elaboration of the first draft report of the desk research
  • Participate (offline or online) jointly with a local consultant in a public event to present and validate the results of the research and gather input from the national CT stakeholders
  • Finalize and submit to LA STRADA the research report (the part developed by an international consultant)

4. Necessary qualification

  • Extensive experience in conducting research;
  • University degree in sociology, law, international development or related fields;
  • Minimum of 5 years relevant research and/or work experience in the AT field;
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to present information in a concise and understandable manner;
  • Excellent communication and writing skills;
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines and work as a team member;
  • Proficiency in English both in speaking and writing, knowledge of Russian or Romanian will be an advantage;
  • Computer proficiency.

Interested candidates are required to provide a motivation letter and a CV (indicating at least two reference persons). These documents should be sent by e-mail to tfomina@lastrada.md

The application deadline is 31-st of August 2025.

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