Individual Consultancy to conduct a micro-simulation

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Individual Consultancy to conduct a micro-simulation on the cost of inaction on malnutrition amongst children and the possible consequences on future economic growth and Human capital development for children in Laos.

(****both national and international candidates can apply)

UNICEF is a UN organization mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. In Lao PDR, UNICEF is working with its partners to support the Government to realize children’s rights on survival, development, protection and participation.

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UNICEF in Vientiane, Lao PDR is looking for an Individual Consultancy (both national and international candidates can apply): conduct a micro-simulation on the cost of inaction on malnutrition amongst children and the possible consequences on future economic growth and Human capital development for children in Laos. The assignment expects to take an estimated of 45 days across 4 months starting as soon as possible and the consultant will be based in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

The consultant is expected to provide the following services as part of their work assignment:

1. Estimating the costs of inaction

The link between nutrition and economic development is well documented. Malnutrition, in all its forms, brings huge costs to individuals, families and to the entire nation. Lao PDR has made significant progress in reducing the levels of malnutrition and improving the economic well-being of its population over the years. In 2021, National Institute for Economic Research undertook a micro-simulation analysis in which seven malnutrition indicators were used as a basic calculation to estimate economic losses. Data from the Lao Social Indicator Survey (LSIS I) in 2013 and (LSIS II) in 2017 were mainly used to conduct that analysis. Based on that analysis, it is estimated that about 1.8 million people were suffering from various forms of malnutrition in 2020 with wide disparities exist among provinces, ethnic groups, wealth quintiles and other social groupings . This micro-simulation estimates the economic loss due to malnutrition as part of evidence for increased attention and financing of nutrition in Lao PDR. The delay in investment in high impact low-cost multisectoral nutrition interventions will reinforce the negative consequences of inaction. There is much global evidence that cost-effective solutions to stunting are, for example, accessing the micro nutrition such as vitamin A, zinc, iron supplement and iodized salt as well as community nutrition program such as breast-feeding and good child-feeding practices.

For this analysis, a proven methodology will be used building on the consequences of malnutrition study developed in 2021. The pathways are loss of future productivity, reduction of future productivity, reduction of current productivity, and excess health care costs.

Results of the analysis showed that Lao PDR is losing approximately 481.66 million USD annually, representing 2.66% of GDP due to malnutrition. The biggest loss, just over half, is caused by anemia in children and women of reproductive age. This accounted for a total economic loss of 241.7 million USD in 2020. Out of the estimated economic loss due to malnutrition, stunting accounts from a loss of 28% in Lao PDR. If the target of 25% or less prevalence of stunting by 2025 as contained in the National Nutrition Strategy is to be met, Lao PDR must invest in stunting reduction strategies.

The cost of inaction will calculate the futuristic annual financial burden and cost of malnutrition in Lao PDR using the four pathways and the seven selected indicators impacting on Malnutrition.

Using the NSEDP M&E framework to conduct a microsimulation focused on possible cost and impact due to inaction for three timelines of 5, 10 and 15 years. The analysis primarily used the data from the Lao Social Indicator Survey (LSIS) 1, 2011 & LSIS 2, 2017, LECS 2020/21, and other survey such as World Bank, UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimate, and Lao Nutrition Survey. Malnutrition impact negatively on education and health outcomes for children and in a medium and longer term has an impact on economic growths, increase drop out and low uptake of education services and increased investment in curative medicine.

2. 2022 Expenditure analysis

Trends in domestic and external expenditure on nutrition services would be analyzed for 2022 in line with the 2022/2023 Work plan under the EU/UNICEF PFM regional facility. This includes the relative shares of each contributing sector to nutrition, financing sources and ODA contributions from the different partners. Data on domestic expenditure will be derived from the government health, education, Agriculture and forestry, and planning and investment budgets and expenditure reports. Data on external expenditure will be triangulated from different sources, including EU, World Bank, IMF and ADB, ministries and agencies websites, and surveys. The recent prioritization of the NPAN 2021 – 2025 towards the cost of the plan will contribute to this piece of work.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

The consultancy will be engaging Lao National institution and an international consultant to pull the reports together.

Qualification and experience

• At least 10 years of experience and long-standing expertise in similar services
• At a minimum, the consultant should comprise the following areas of expertise. Advanced degree in finance, economics, business administration and/or related field.
• Proven track record on the successful delivery of high-level expert advice, technical support, and capacity development to governments on Public Financial Management and/or broader sustainable development financing issues, specific experience in child-related social sectors will be considered an asset.
• Experience in cost-effectiveness analysis of nutrition interventions.
• Familiarity with National Plan of Action for Nutrition (NPAN) programmes is desirable.
• Proven experience in policy processes and undertaking research with services at scale and at service points.

Knowledge and skills

• Understanding of the Laos nutrition health system and public finance.
• Microsimulation modeling techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work in a team and a diverse work environment.
• Ability to coordinate with the Government and other partners to ensure the timely implementation of assigned activities.

Competencies

• Excellent collaboration, consultation, and facilitation skills.
• Good communication and coordination.
• Good analytical, negotiation, and advocacy and presentation skills.
• Strong reporting skills, producing English-written reports in a coherent and logical flow.

Language

• Fluent in English

Submission of applications:

Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and upload the following documents:

• Letter of Interest (cover letter)
• CV or Resume
• Performance evaluation reports or references of similar consultancy assignments (if available)
• Financial proposal: All-inclusive lump-sum cost including travel and accommodation cost for this assignment as per work assignment.

The deadline for applications is 22 January 2023

Assessment Criteria:

A two stage procedure shall be utilized in evaluating proposals, with evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared.

Applications shall therefore contain the following required documentation:

1. Technical Proposal, including a cover letter, updated CV, and copies of 2 relevant evaluations performed earlier by the consultant.

2. Financial Proposal: Lump-sum offer with the cost breakdown: Consultancy fee, travel costs (economy class), per-diem to cover lodging, meals, and any other cost related to the consultant's stay in Vientiane, including transportation inside the city and other costs. The travel (if involved) shall be based on the most direct and economy fare.

No financial information should be contained in the technical proposal.

For evaluation and selection method, the Cumulative Analysis Method (weight combined score method) shall be used for this recruitment:

a) Technical Qualification (max. 100 points) weight 70 %

• Degree Education in ……… (30 points)
• Knowledge of …….. (20 points)
• Experience in…….. (30 points)
• Quality of past work (e.g. understanding, methodology) (20 points)

b) Financial Proposal (max. 100 points) weight 30 %

The maximum number of points shall be allotted to the lowest Financial Proposal that is opened /evaluated and compared among those technical qualified candidates who have attained a minimum 70 points score in the technical evaluation. Other Financial Proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

The applicants should provide medical insurance covering medical evacuation for the whole duration of the assignment -as part of the financial proposal submission.

The Contract shall be awarded to candidate obtaining the highest combined technical and financial scores, subject to the satisfactory result of the verification interview.

Please find the ToR here: ToR for individual consultant for cost inaction for malnutritoin for VA.pdf

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

View our competency framework at here

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and

employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.