CNV INTERNATIONAAL JOB VACANCIES 2025
Term of Reference (TOR)
Consultant for CBA Benchmark Revision and Expansion
Introduction
CNV Internationaal (CNV-I), in partnership with trade unions across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, is dedicated to achieving 100% Fair Work by strengthening labour rights worldwide. Since 1967, we have supported independent trade unions in both formal and informal economies, advocating for fair wages, safer workplaces, stronger union representation, and equal opportunities for women and young workers.
In 2020, a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) mapping pilot project was initiated in the palm oil sector in West Kalimantan, aiming to promote labour rights in the industry while evaluating companies seeking bank funding, including issues around wages, health and safety, gender issues, and freedom of association. To assess the CBAs in this region, a CBA-benchmark was developed by comparing other benchmarks and international labour standards. Last year, efforts were extended to Central Kalimantan and Riau, expanding the scope of the CBA collection and analysis to serve as a source of information to local labour unions to improve labour rights and working conditions across multiple regions.
Collective bargaining, a key component of social dialogue, involves negotiations between employers and trade unions to establish CBAs. CNV-I aims to support this process with the CBA-benchmark as a tool to promote compliance with (international) labour laws and enhancing workplace standards in Indonesia’s palm oil sector by providing CBA benchmark with adherence to international law and regulations.
After five years, CNV-I considers to re-strategize the CBA Benchmark from mainly functioning as a tool to analyze the compliance of CBA with (international) labour standards and focus more on the applicability for unions. Therefore, the CBA Benchmark should be updated regarding changes that have occurred from 2020 onwards in international and, if applicable, in Indonesian law and regulations. Besides, we want to stretch the scope/applicability of the benchmark beyond solely focusing on the palm oil sector, but also make it a useful tool for unions in other sectors such as garment, nickel, etc. After revising the methodology, that serves as the foundation, a Practical CBA Manual should be developed. This guidebook should function as a tool to assist labour unions during CBA negotiations and ensure that the articles in their CBAs will comply with international labour standards. Therefore, CNV-I is looking for a consultant to work on the further development of the CBA benchmark project.
Objectives and responsibilities:
- Revise the current CBA benchmark by updating it regarding developments in regulations, incorporating feedback by experts and making it applicable to several sectors.
- Re-write the methodology of how the benchmark has been developed.
- Develop a practical CBA benchmark manual/workbook that offers practical guidance for unions for negotiating, drafting, and implementing (articles in) Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) that comply with international labour standards.
- Organize focus group discussions (FGD) with several stakeholders to gather input and incorporate this in the deliverables.
- Lead training sessions with trade unions on how to use the CBA manuals.
Qualifications and skills
The consultant preferably possesses the following qualifications and skills:
- Expertise in Labor Laws: In-depth knowledge of international and Indonesian labor laws and regulations.
- Experience in Collective Bargaining: Proven experience in developing and implementing CBAs in various sectors.
- Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with the palm oil and garment sectors, including labor rights issues specific to these industries.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Strong skills in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including labor unions, employers, and government agencies.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex legal and regulatory frameworks and translate them into practical guidelines.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills (preferably in Bahasa and English), with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely. Experience of working in an international setting that requires flexibility is a plus.
Deliverables
The consultant is expected to provide the following key outputs:
A written report outlining the “Revised CBA Benchmark”, including:
- A comprehensive (stock-taking) analysis and literature review, providing evidence-based reasoning for the selection of criteria and indicators.
- An updated framework incorporating comparative criteria/indicators that outline international and, if applicable, Indonesian labour laws and regulations.
- A division between general and sector-specific criteria and updating the current benchmark with the most relevant criteria for the palm oil, garment and nickel sector
- The methodology outlining how the benchmark has been developed should be updated accordingly.
A ‘practical CBA manual’, targeting unions, including:
- A (simplified) explanation of the CBA benchmark
- A list of fundamental concepts, terms, and clauses commonly included in CBAs, such as wages, working conditions, grievance procedures, gender equality, and dispute resolution mechanisms, in a clear and accessible manner
- Practical guidance (e.g. a step-by-step plan) of how to ensure that articles comply with (international) labour standards.
- Practical examples of articles per indicator (good cases and bad practices articles that require improvement) of such articles are fair, legally compliant, and mutually beneficial for both employers and employees.
- Frequently asked questions and answers to these questions.
Development of FGD and training materials to gather input, train unions and thereby ensure effective adoption and application of the revised CBA Benchmark by trade unions.
Both reports are developed in close cooperation with colleagues who will give feedback throughout the process on draft reports. The reports are only considered final when this feedback is sufficiently incorporated.
Timeline
Report and Presentation (English and Bahasa):
- Revised CBA Benchmark: 10 days including incorporating feedback
- Practical CBA manual: 18 days including incorporating feedback, FGD, and training
If the consultant delivers high-quality results and meets the expected objectives, there is a possibility of expanding the scope of work to include other follow-up tasks with potential continuation until the fourth quarter of 2025. The decision to extend the project will be based on the consultant’s performance and the overall impact of the updated benchmark.
Application
Application that include 1) a brief motivation letter (max 1,5 page) in which a short, proposed approach is outlined, 2) an executive summary of a past research, 3) a short resume (for individuals) or organizational profile and a quotation (for institutions) can be sent to l.naus@cnv.nl and cc s.cahyani@cnv.nl mentioning “CBA Benchmark Consultant” by March 6th, 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted.