National Consultant - Associate Researcher – Gender Situation Analysis (2 positions)

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

The Strengthening Capacity and Effectiveness of the People’s Assemblies System in Laos (STEPS) Project is a five-year initiative (2022-2026) implemented by UNDP, together with the National and Provincial People’s Assemblies, with financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The overall goal of STEPS is to strengthen capacity of the legislature in Laos to effectively represent, engage and respond to citizen’s needs, particularly women and vulnerable groups. The project will support the national and provincial assemblies (members, committees and staff) in enhancing their mandates and ability to revise and approve legislation, monitor implementation of the country socio-economic development plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), better analyse societal concerns and communicate with citizens, and enhance overall accountability and transparency.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this assignment is to produce high quality qualitative research to comprehensively document and understand the gendered dimensions of the National Assembly (NA) and Provincial People’s Assemblies (PPAs) in Lao PDR. This will provide an evidence base for programming that responds to identified needs and contributes to increasing gender equality and social inclusion. The situation analysis will include:

• Differentiated experiences and perceptions of women and men MPs
• Integration of gender-responsive processes and activities, including gender-responsive budgeting

Assemblies’ contributions towards gender equality & SDG5

Duties and Responsibilities

SCOPE OR WORK

The research team will comprise an international Lead Researcher supported by two national Associate Researchers to conduct the Gender Situation Analysis. The Associate Researchers will be responsible for:

• Providing inputs and insights for the international research (based on the socio-economic context of the PPAs)
• Arranging and participating in meetings with research stakeholders, which will primarily be members and staff of the PPAs and NA, but could include community members, UN/UNDP staff, civil society organizations, government officials, etc.
• Providing support and assistance to finalize the mission agenda, meetings logistics and required visits
• Providing inputs towards the deliverables outlined below
• Providing interpretation and translation from local languages used to English and vice versa during meetings or as required, to ensure clear communication and understanding between the international consultant and meeting participants

The research team is expected to produce the following outputs:

Task 1: Desk research and Inception Plan.

• Desk review of existing Laos-specific material relevant to the research focus, specifically the institutional and social barriers to greater gender equality
• Detailed research outline and following feedback finalise an agreed outline
• Agreed methodology and work plan for the research to meet deliverables on the expected schedule
• Agreed risk mitigation and management plan.

Task 2: Data collection.

• Agreed plan of interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with MPs and senior staff
• Key information needs matrix
• Conduct interviews and FGDs with the support of the research assistants
• Database of interview/FGD notes and provide update briefings as necessary to UNDP on progress
• Identify any gaps in data sources and undertake supplementary data gathering to ensure full coverage of research needs.

Task 3: Drafting and finalisation.

• Based on the agreed outline, and with the support of the research assistant, first draft of research paper incorporating results of desktop review and data gathered through interviews and FGDs; programmatic recommendations
• Facilitate stakeholder review, and following that second draft research paper
• Following peer review, final research paper
• Support briefing for UNDP and partners on the final research paper.

Competencies

• Good facilitation and coordination skills
• Result oriented, patient, and hands-on with good teamwork skills
• Knowledge of Lao PDR’s development situation and key related issues
• Excellent computer skills (word, excel, power-point, internet, and other related matters)
• Strong data collection and analytical skills

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in political science, human rights, law, social sciences, development studies or a related area. A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable with an additional two years’ relevant professional experience.
• Minimum two years of relevant professional experience (with Master’s) working on development issues in Lao PDR, particularly on gender and women’s rights.
• Experience of conducting or supporting research or project/programme assessments involving government officials is required. Strong ability to analyse large quantities of information quickly.
• Familiarity with parliamentary functions.

LANGUAGE :

• Excellent working knowledge of written and spoken English
• Fluency in written and spoken Lao is required

Requirements for submission of proposals

All interested and qualified International or National Individual Consultants should apply online using the following links:

UNDP Lao PDR Country Office website at https://www.undp.org/laopdr/jobs

In order to make your submission, please read the relevant documents available at the links below

1. TOR (Annex I)

2. IC General Terms and Conditions _ Annex II

Interested Individual Consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

1. Technical Proposal

   (i) Explaining why you are the most suitable for the work;

   (ii) Providing a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work including the work

   schedule for the delivery of outputs/deliverable;

   2. P11 Form Education and work experience, including past experience in similar projects and contact references of at least 3 references for whom you have rendered preferably the similar services;

   3. Financial proposal: Detailed financial proposal: Lump sum offer with clear cost breakdown against each deliverable. Please use this template Offerors Letter to UNDP

Instructions for online submissions:

• Step 1: Please prepare all required documents electronically;

• Step 2: Combine all documents in ONE SINGLE FILE (PDF or WORD file) and upload to the UNDP Jobs using this link https://www.undp.org/laopdr/jobs

• Step 3: After that you will receive an auto reply from the UNDP jobs if your offer is received successfully.

Incomplete proposals or proposals received after the deadline will be rejected

Note: Any request for clarification must be sent in writing before the submission deadline to the following emails: surith.sengsavang@undp.org