Terms of Reference (ToR) for Fellow
Title: Recruitment of fellow to develop of Awareness and Advocacy Materials for “Fashion Forward: Promoting a Just Transition for RMG Workers”
The RMG sector is the heart of Bangladesh’s economy, providing employment to millions and contributing significantly to export earnings. However, as global sustainability commitments gain momentum particularly through the UNFCCC Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action the sector faces mounting pressure to decarbonize. Under the Charter, signatories have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. While these commitments are essential for mitigating climate change, the path to renewable energy adoption in Bangladesh’s RMG sector remains fraught with challenges, including unclear policies, inadequate financial support, and limited awareness among stakeholders. Furthermore, the absence of workers’ voices in decision-making processes raises concerns about job security, wage stability, and social equity.
To bridge these gaps, the “Fashion Forward: Promoting a Just Energy Transition for RMG Workers” project, led by Safety and Rights Society (SRS) with support from Oxfam and other partners, is working to strengthen the advocacy capacity of workers’ rights organizations (WROs), trade unions (TUs), and civil society organizations (CSOs). This national dialogue aims to bring together diverse stakeholders to align Bangladesh’s energy transition with sustainable development goals while ensuring that no worker is left behind.
A Just Energy Transition requires a holistic approach one that prioritizes policy coherence, cross-sectorial collaboration, and institutional reforms to unlock economic opportunities while shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy. It also necessitates financial mechanisms that create an enabling environment for green investments and workforce development. Additionally, international cooperation is vital to ensuring that Bangladesh’s transition aligns with global climate commitments while safeguarding human and environmental rights.
Changes in energy policies will have far-reaching consequences for the RMG industry. Since the UNFCCC Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action was adopted in 2018, it has called for transformative shifts in textile and garment production. These shifts will not only affect how garments are made but also influence where they are produced and the nature of employment in the sector. However, without integrating workers’ perspectives, the transition process risks deepening existing inequalities, increasing job insecurity, and undermining worker well-being.
A major obstacle to implementing a Just Transition in Bangladesh’s RMG sector is the knowledge gap surrounding its implications. Many workers remain uncertain about how the shift toward renewable energy will affect their skills and job prospects. Similarly, factory owners grapple with balancing sustainability goals with economic viability, while the government must develop robust strategies to manage these transitions effectively. Without clear awareness and informed decision-making, the transition risks being unjust and exclusionary. Raising awareness, fostering stakeholder engagement, and advocating for worker-centered policies are crucial steps in shaping a Just Energy Transition that not only advances sustainability but also protects jobs and livelihoods.
To raise awareness SRS planned to develop some materials that will disseminate basic knowledge, put the concerns in front of eyes, and raise awareness in general.
Objective
To enhance awareness and advocacy efforts, SRS plans to develop and disseminate materials that will provide essential knowledge, highlight concerns, and promote informed decision-making regarding the Just Energy Transition in Bangladesh’s RMG sector.
Scope of Work
The selected Fellow will be responsible for designing the following materials:
- Handbook
- Approximately 32 pages with graphics (can be increased or reduced based on the content)
- Language: English and Bangla
- Project Brochure/Flyer
- One-page (double-sided) informative material
- Overview of the project, key messages, and calls to action
- Language: English and Bangla
- Notebook
- Branded notebooks
- Poster
- Visually engaging poster highlighting the importance of a Just Energy Transition
- Sticker
- Small-sized stickers with impactful messages for easy visibility in workplaces
- Promotional Items
- Specific items to be determined and designed with project branding.
- Banners for National Dialogue
- Large banners to be used at the national dialogue event to promote project messages and visibility.
- Folder
- Branded folder to hold materials for distribution during stakeholder meetings and awareness programs
Deliverables
- Draft versions of all materials for review and feedback
- Finalized versions in print-ready and digital formats
Timeline
The assignment is expected to be completed within 31 March 2025.
Remuneration
A gross amount of BDT 50,000 (Fifty Thousand only) subject to successful delivery of the designed materials.
Qualifications and Experience
The consultant/organization should have:
- Proven experience in designing and developing advocacy and awareness materials
- Ability to create visually appealing and engaging content
- Strong understanding of climate action, sustainability, and labor rights in the RMG sector
- Fluency in English and Bangla
Application Process
Interested individuals are requested to submit to mahmud@safetyandrights.org:
- CV
- Samples of previous work related to similar assignments
Submission Deadline:
7 March 2025