Result of Service

Under the overall supervision of ESCAP, the national consultant will support the MOLSW in developing a set of baseline indicators to monitor the effectiveness of the National Strategy and Action Plan on Older Persons. The consultant will also provide coordination in organizing and facilitating a high-level consultation to ensure broad stakeholder engagement and alignment with international standards and national priorities.

Work Location

Remotely and/or in-person as required

Expected duration

10/2024-03/2025

Duties and Responsibilities

In 2024, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has a total population of 7.7 million people. The country is currently undergoing a demographic transition, leading to a growing population of older persons. Although the proportion of older persons aged 60 years or older is currently relatively small, accounting for 7.5 per cent of the total population in 2024, projections indicate a significant increase in the coming decades, with an expected reach of 15.1 per cent by 2050. In response to this, the Government of Lao PDR, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MOLSW), has been working towards developing comprehensive policies, strategies, and action plans to address the needs of older persons. To ensure that these policies are effective and inclusive, it is critical to establish robust and practical baseline indicators and to engage in high-level consultations that bring together a wide range of stakeholders. This initiative aligns with the Regular Programme on Technical Cooperation activity “Building capacities to design and revise ageing policies to address emerging issues after the 2022 Asia-Pacific MIPAA review and appraisal” and aims to strengthen Lao PDR’s adherence to international frameworks such as the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ESCAP is supporting the Government of Lao PDR in developing the baseline indicators for the National Strategy and Action Plan on Older Persons. ESCAP, in partnership with the MOLSW, is seeking a national consultant to provide technical support in the development of these baseline indicators and to facilitate the high-level consultation for the National Strategy and Action Plan on Older Persons (2026-2035). Contract conditions: This is a short-term contract to complete a specific task. The remuneration is according to UN Guidelines. There are no additional benefits associated with it. The contract duration is proposed for a 6-month period, from October 2024 to March 2025, in preparation for the extension of the LoA and its implementation. The travel plan is tentative and is subject to change based on the location of the selected consultant.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced degree (MA or higher) in social sciences, demography, public policy, or a related field. Experience in supporting the policy process and stakeholder consultations particularly in the context of ageing and social welfare in Lao PDR required. Familiarity with demographic trends and issues related to older persons is required. Knowledge of and work experience in population ageing and implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing is desired. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively with Government institutions, civil society organizations, and international bodies. Familiarity with the socioeconomic context of Lao PDR and international frameworks on ageing is essential.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written Lao and English is required. Understanding Thai is desirable.

Additional Information

Expected outputs and deliverables: a. Baseline indicators report – Collaborate with the Government of Lao PDR in preparing the report detailing a proposed set of baseline indicators for the National Strategy and Action Plan on Older Persons. b. Stakeholder consultation support – Provide coordination for the organization and facilitation of stakeholder consultations to review and refine these indicators, and prepare substantive inputs to the consultations, including preparing the agenda, presentation and related materials. Compile and analyse feedback from consultations to finalize the set of baseline indicators and prepare a report summarizing the consultation process, feedback integration, and the final set of indicators. c. High-level consultation facilitation – In collaboration with the Government of Lao PDR, provide facilitation to the organization of a high-level consultation, including developing the programme and agenda, identifying key stakeholders, and preparing background materials for participants, focusing on the implementation strategies of the action plan. d. Final report – Prepare and submit a final report summarizing the strategies, budget sources, and partnership agreements discussed during the high-level consultation. Performance indicators: 1) Timely submission of deliverables as per the project timeline. 2) Effective coordination and facilitation provided to the Government of Lao PDR, as evaluated by ESCAP.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.