National Consultant Investment Promotion

Result of ServiceDuration of contract: 1 October 2025 - 30 September 2026 Outputs to be delivered in digital copy and event planning and coordination to be delivered on site. The performance will be evaluated based on • Timely Delivery: All deliverables are submitted within the agreed timeline. • Quality: Comprehensive, accurate, and well-structured documentation. • Effectiveness of Coordination: Demonstrated ability to facilitate smooth coordination among IPD, provincial authorities, line ministries, ESCAP, and DFAT. • Impact of Capacity Building: Evidence of improved skills and application of new knowledge by IPD and provincial staff following workshops. • Functionality of CRM System: Successful implementation and data quality of the lead-generation CRM system. • Quality of Promotional Materials: Professionalism of developed investment-ready project briefs, pitch decks, and videos. The contractor will receive total remuneration of USD 43,200 to perform the activities outlined in this ToR. Schedule of payment: - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 1. - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 2. - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 3. - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 4. - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 5. - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 6. - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 7. - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 8. - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 9. - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 10. - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 11. - Amount of USD 3,600 to be paid upon satisfactory delivery and acceptance of output 12. Source of Fund: DFAT: M99 / 32BKT / 11536 / M1-32BKT-000109 / 19AC0002 / SB-029156.02 Work LocationLao PDR and remote Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesUnder the overall guidance and supervision of the Economic Affairs Officer of Innovation, Enterprise and Investment Section of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division. The consultant will primarily focus on providing strategic and technical advisory support to IPD for the implementation of the LIFT 4 Laos initiative. The main emphasis will be on delivering high-quality technical inputs and supporting the institutionalization of project outputs. In addition, the role will include coordination and administrative tasks to ensure smooth day-to-day implementation and follow-through on key activities. • With support of the Administrative/Logistical Support Consultant, coordinate day-to-day implementation of the LIFT 4 Laos workplan. • Serve as the project’s focal point between IPD, provincial authorities, line ministries, ESCAP and DFAT. • Prepare and submit the inception report and detailed workplan. • Prepare and submit monthly progress reports covering implementation progress and coordination across all LIFT 4 Laos activities. The report will provide structured updates across the full scope of responsibilities, as outlined in the TOR, and will serve as the main accountability and reporting tool throughout the consultancy. • Consolidate inputs for six-monthly progress reviews and the final independent project evaluation. • Provide technical support for the investment-attraction strategy, which may include data analysis and drafting the strategy document. Support the design of training curricula for workshops on the revised Investment Promotion Law and sustainable investment promotion and track post-training application to ensure at least seventy per cent of officials apply new skills. • Together with the Administrative and Logistical Support Consultant and ESCAP, support the coordination of international study tours and all in-country events, including logistics, agenda, learning materials, reporting. • Lead the specification, pilot and roll-out of the lead-generation CRM system. Develop user guides, train IPD and provincial staff, and ensure data quality and maintenance. • Support the selection and project documentation of up to four investment-ready projects, creating clear promotional materials, project briefs, pitch decks, value-proposition videos and targeted investor call lists, and work with the relevant teams to upgrade IPD’s website so these resources are up to date and easy to access. • Support the translation of the Investment Promotion Law into English and work with IPD to develop both Lao and English versions of the investor calling list. • Mainstream gender equality, disability inclusion and environmental sustainability across all materials, events and investor outreach, in line with project GEDSI commitments. • Develop and implement a knowledge transfer and institutionalization plan to ensure all project tools, processes, and learnings are embedded within IPD. The consultant will be responsible for identifying appropriate staff for capacity transfer, conducting regular follow-ups and check-ins throughout the project, and delivering a structured institutionalization plan to be implemented during the final six months of the assignment. • Together with ESCAP prepare IPD teams before industry events, outbound roadshows and the Lao-Australia investment dialogue. This TOR is for a consultant to be embedded in the Investment Promotion Department as the on-site focal point to steer day-to-day implementation of LIFT 4 Laos, coordinate with ESCAP and DFAT, and keep all outputs on track. The consultant will be hired for an initial period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension for an additional 12 months, subject to satisfactory performance based on quarterly assessments. The selected candidate is expected to be based in Vientiane for the duration of the contract, hold a Laotian passport, and have strong proficiency in both Lao and English, including excellent oral and written communication skills in both languages. Qualifications/special skillsMaster's degree in economics, administration, business, international development or related field. A bachelor’s degree will be accepted if the candidate has at least five years of relevant experience in the required and desired areas. Substantial hands-on experience working inside, or closely supporting, national or sub-national investment promotion agencies, including direct involvement in investment promotion, attraction and facilitation. Proven track record in developing and overseeing investment promotional materials, such as sector value propositions, project briefs, pitch decks and multimedia content. Excellent coordination, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated leadership and experience managing multi-stakeholder processes and engaging with government counterparts. Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across multiple government ministries and agencies, with an understanding of the institutional landscape for investment promotion in Lao PDR and the relevant national laws and coordinating mechanisms. Experience designing and facilitating capacity-building workshops, on-the-job coaching and coordinating events for government-sector officials. Project management experience in multi-stakeholder, donor-funded settings (e.g. United Nations, DFAT or similar). Familiarity with integrating gender equality, disability inclusion and environmental sustainability considerations into project activities. LanguagesProfessional fluency in both English and Lao is necessary. Additional InformationHow to Apply: Applicants are required to complete the screening questions. In addition applicants must include a motivational letter as part of their application. There is a specific section in INSPIRA which allows for this. The letter should detail a technical proposal outlining your approach to achieving the deliverables specified in the job description, with examples of relevant methodologies, tools, or strategies you have successfully employed in similar projects. Additionally, please provide a financial proposal with a proposed consultancy fee per deliverable. Your letter should also highlight at least two relevant projects from your experience, showcasing your qualifications and alignment with the consultancy's objectives. Applications that do not include these elements will not be considered. Please provide answer to the following questions in your application/cover letter: 1. Excellent coordination, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated leadership and experience managing multi-stakeholder processes and engaging with government counterparts. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples. 2. Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across multiple government ministries and agencies, with an understanding of the institutional landscape for investment promotion in Lao PDR and the relevant national laws and coordinating mechanisms. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples. 3. Project management experience in multi-stakeholder, donor-funded settings (e.g. United Nations, DFAT or similar). Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples. 4. Familiarity with integrating gender equality, disability inclusion and environmental sustainability considerations into project activities. Please explain how you meet this criterion using examples. No FeeTHE 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.