LAO PDR: SENIOR GESI SPECIALIST (CONSULTANT)

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

Under the direction of the NATURA project team, the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist will ensure compliance with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) and GGGI standards for GESI.  They will coordinate and collaborate with key project stakeholder to ensure implementation of the NATURA project activities mainstreams GESI principles.

The Nature-based solutions for urban adaptation in Lao PDR (NATURA) project seeks to enhance the resilience of urban communities in Lao PDR to the impacts of climate change by supporting flood adaptation through the development of nature-based solutions (NbS) to urban catchment management. 

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Objective 1: Strengthening sub-catchment and village planning mechanisms and enforcement capacity of government and communities;

Objective 2: Improve wetland ecosystem function and capacity in flood management through rehabilitation and restoration works;

Objective 3: Enhance community-level resilience through NbS co-benefits, such as livelihood and micro-business opportunities, and disaster preparedness; and

Objective 4: Enhance government awareness and understanding of NbS and strengthen the evidence-base for NbS in Lao PDR.

To support this work, GGGI is seeking a national consultant for the role of Senior Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist.

General tasks

• Provide guidance and advice to the project team to strengthen the project’s gender and social inclusion activities and outcomes.
• Support project staff and build their capacity and understanding of GESI principles and approaches required by MFAT, GGGI (development partners) and the Government of Lao PDR.
• Participate in meetings with GGGI project staff, GGGI communications team and Government partners.
• Provide inputs to the development of GESI focused communication materials and trainings

Specific tasks

Task 1: Develop the final version of the NATURA project GESI Action Plan, to be aligned with GGGI GESI strategy, relevant government of Lao PDR policies, and project’s government partner Gender Action plan.

• The consultant is participate in meetings and consult with key government partners to understand the context and opportunities for mainstreaming GESI.
• The Consultant is to review the outcomes of the project’s ESIA, social baseline assessment and ESMP and provide recommendations where needed on strengthening the project’s GESI outcomes.
• The Consultant is to review and help develop gender-based targets for integration into the project’s Logframe/ MEL Plan.
• The Consultant is to review the project’s GESI Action Plan and finalize, including drafting sections in English and Lao.

Task 2: Undertake a Gender capacity assessment of the project’s key government partners and provide trainings on gender/GESI mainstreaming to GGGI Lao staff and government partners.

• The Consultant is to assess the gender mainstreaming capacity of the project’s key government partners in the PMU, including a capacity assessment of their gender focal points; progress in implementing departmental Gender Action Plans; and provide recommendations on gender-based activities that the project can consider supporting.
• The Consultant is to design and deliver trainings (2 to 3) for GGGI National staff and the project’s Lao government project partners on GESI mainstreaming.

Task 3: Finalise key project documents and strengthen GESI integration in stakeholder engagement, reporting and activity implementation.

• The Consultant is to review the project’s communications and stakeholder engagement plan (SEP), Grievance Mechanism (GM) and provide recommendations on strengthening GESI across these key project activities.
• The Consultant is to review Outcome 3 activities and the workplan of the CSO implementing partner and provide advice on ways to strengthen GESI activities and outputs to ensure the positive impact is met in the project implementation.

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Travel and administrative support

All activities are expected to be undertaken within Vientiane Capital City. Should there be a requirement for travel outside the City, then GGGI will provide the Consultant with a living allowance to cover accommodation, meals and incidentals. The Consultant is responsible for his/her transport costs within Vientiane Capital City needed to undertake all tasks under this TOR.

GGGI will provide support where needed and where reasonable to coordinate meetings with key stakeholders. The Consultant is responsible for their own computer and equipment needed to undertake all tasks under this TOR.

Academic

• University Degree in social sciences, gender studies, rural development, and/or other relevant fields. Master’s Degree or above preferred.

Skills and Experience

• Lao native speaker with proficiency in written and oral English is required.
• 8 - 15 years of professional experience in gender and social inclusion.
• Proven experience in the development, implementation and monitoring of Gender Action Plans.
• Experience in capacity building of government staff on gender mainstreaming.
• Extensive knowledge of gender equality issues and social inclusion in Lao PDR.
• Experience working with international development partners

Functional

• A proactive attitude, with an ability to find workable solutions promptly.
• Punctual, professional, and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with multicultural and interdisciplinary staff.

Corporate

• Understands and actively supports GGGI’s mission, vision, and values.
• Commits to team goals and works effectively across the organization with individuals of different views, cultures, nationality, gender, and age.
• Excellent problem solver.
• Exemplifies the highest standard of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

Interested consultants shall submit following documentations:  

• CV outlining all relevant experiences aligned with this TOR.
• Brief proposal outlining why you are the most suitable candidate, including a set of available documents and examples of previous similar work accomplished.
• Financial proposal including daily rate.
• Any other supporting documentation

Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. Cover Letter, and CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.