Background

ETI Bangladesh Ltd. (ETI BD) is an independently registered subsidiary of Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI),  established with the aim of designing and delivering workplace and advocacy programmes in Bangladesh  that address challenges to achieving decent work, to reduce poverty and increase the sustainable, economic  development of the country. 

ETI Bangladesh has recently been awarded a contract from the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental  Pollution (SMEP) programme, established by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office  (FCDO), to implement a project in the tannery sector in Bangladesh. There is currently a dearth of  understanding, capacity, and control mechanisms to reduce the prevalence of harmful and polluting practices  within tanneries.  

The tannery industry was relocated to the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate as a result of rising criticism over  environmentally destructive practices, such as a lack of proper waste management and industrial wastewater  treatment facilities, the dumping of toxic waste that pollutes nearby water sources as well as the use of  harmful chemicals and technologies. This new estate is located on the banks of the Dhaleshwari River of Savar  Union. All workers are working in hazardous conditions and demonstrate a lack of awareness regarding their  rights and environmental pollution. Considering the circumstances, there is a significant risk of environmental  pollution, occupational health and safety (OHS), natural resource conservation and environmental awareness  within the tanneries. 

To address these issues, ETI Bangladesh along with its partner organization, Bangladesh Labour Foundation  (BLF), is implementing this project in 40 tanneries in the Savar Tannery Estate. The goal of this project is to  reduce pollution and the environmental impact of the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate, fostering adherence to  international standards, ethical practices, and environmental responsibilities.  

The project aims to achieve:  

• Improved Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) standards and promotion of decent work conditions in  tanneries; 
• Establishment of a Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) framework, along with an  Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) to enhance resource efficiency and achieve LWG  certification eligibility; 
• Strengthened connections and business opportunities for tannery owners with both national and  international markets. 

To accomplish these objectives, the project will conduct capacity-building initiatives and awareness-raising  campaigns aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of workers, worker representatives, and management  on the specified thematic areas. It will also promote safe and gender-sensitive workplace conditions, ensuring  compliance with national and international safety regulations, laws, and standards. Additionally, the project  will support tanneries in establishing connections with potential business partners to expand market  opportunities. 

In this context, ETI Bangladesh is looking for an interested and qualified agency, who shall be responsible to  provide require service to design and develop training and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in line with the objectives mentioned above and the specific tasks described below.

To download full ToR, Click this Link.

The closing date for submitting technical and financial proposal is 14 January 2025.