Request for Proposals
Consultancy
Mapping existing child online safety policy and practice across Asia
September - November 2023 (15-20 working days)
ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT
ECPAT International is a global network of organisations working together for the elimination of the
sexual exploitation of children in all its manifestations, including exploitation of children in
prostitution, online child sexual exploitation, sale and trafficking of children for sexual purposes,
sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism and some forms of child, early and forced
marriage. The ECPAT Network currently consists of 124 members working at national and local levels
in 104 countries.
BACKGROUND
ECPAT International is embarking on a 3-year programme of regional advocacy to improve the safety
of children and the responsiveness of online service providers to child safety in Asia. This programme
will be delivered as part of an initiative implemented by an international coalition of civil society
organizations under the Down to Zero (DtZ) Alliance (Project “Stepping up the Fight Against Sexual
Exploitation of Children – Empowering Children and Communities”)
CONSULTANCY DETAILS
ECPAT International would like to create a baseline mapping of existing child online safety policy and
practice by digital platforms from and operating in the target region, including regional cooperation
mechanisms or structures through which digital service providers can interact and share learning.
This mapping will serve to:
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Inform, guide and shape regional advocacy to governments and the tech sector in cooperation
with national partners from the ECPAT network and from the DtZ alliance.
Guide the strategy for engaging and activating increased responsibility by the tech sector in Asia.
Build links and outcome-driven relationships between civil society and the tech sector, to further
the rights, empowerment and protection of children in digital environments.
KEY TASKS
ECPAT is seeking an experienced consultant with direct knowledge and understanding of the tech
sector in Asia to:
1. Based on the basic methodological approach outlined below, create an overview of:
▪ Existing national or regional legal and policy frameworks, standards and tools in Southeast
Asia and South Asia that 1) regulate; and/or 2) encourage tech companies to safeguard
children on their platforms.
▪ Social media and online gaming usage by children in in DtZ target countries in Southeast Asia
and South Asia, with qualitative analysis based on publicly available information and
interviews to identify key gaps e.g. mobile gaming safety; use of new payment methods to
exploit children.
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Social media and online gaming initiatives, predominantly but not only in DtZ target countries
in Southeast Asia and South Asia, that have involved engagement with and consultation of
children and young people on their views of risk, harm and safety in the digital environment.
▪ Publicly available information on large platform child safety policy in Southeast Asia and South
Asia, including existing collaborations and engagement with and between tech companies,
and promising practice that relates in particular to sexual abuse risk mitigation and harm
disruption.
2. Contribute to analysis of the information retrieved through the mapping exercise to produce, in
collaboration with the ECPAT Team, a set of recommendations based on gaps and opportunities
identified, and an internal advisory note for ECPAT International and the SUFASEC partners on
regional advocacy engaging and targeting the digital sector.
KEY DELIVERABLES
1. Mapping of regional policy frameworks
2. Demographic overview of children's usage of social media and games in the target sub-regions.
3. Overview of platform initiatives to consult and engage children and young people about online
safety.
4. Summary / overview (in form of table or similar) of major and other platform safety policy in the
target sub-regions.
5. Key insights documents, based on findings and discussions with ECPAT International.
METHODOLOGY
1. ECPAT International will work closely with the consultant to define the scope (geography, subsector etc) of the mapping as well as a more detailed methodology in line with ECPAT’s standards
and procedures.
2. Overall, the mapping is expected to combine:
a. desk review of open-source information
b. 10-15 expert interviews with current or former employees of digital platforms, industry
associations, civil society and or other experts on platform child safety policy in the target
sub-regions.
CONSULTANT PROFILE
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Prior experience conducting landscape mapping, policy research or similar;
Based in or with very good knowledge of one or more sub-regions of Asia, in particular Southeast
Asia and South Asia, but not excluding East Asia.
Good writing skills in English;
Understanding of the causes, impact and manifestations of child sexual exploitation in the digital
environment, and of children's rights in relation to the digital environment;
Ability to work autonomously and multi-task;
Demonstrable experience and network within the online/digital sector – in particular social media,
interpersonal communications services and/or gaming - in Asia, including Southeast Asia and
South Asia.
Strong organisational skills and ability to manage time and meet deadlines;
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TIMEFRAME
It is expected that this short-term consultancy will involve 15-20 working days and ideally take place
from September to no later than mid-November 2023.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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This is a home-based position;
The consultant will provide their own IT equipment and communication tools and provide
outputs using standard office software;
The Consultant is expected to act at all times in a manner consistent with the values of ECPAT
International and in compliance with the organisation’s policies and procedures including
Child Safeguarding Policy and the Staff Code of Conduct.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested and qualified candidates can apply by submitting the following documents to ECPAT
International at vacancy@ecpat.org:
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Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter not exceeding 1 page highlighting your qualifications, experience and availability for
the task
Short overview of methodological approach
Daily fee in EUR (and if applicable, any other anticipated charges)
Deadline: applications should be received no later than 27 August 2023
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