Ministry of Industry and Commerce (National Implementation Unit)

International Consultant to Address and Develop the Communications Strategy and Guideline Enhanced Integrated Framework Tier 1 (Phase 2)

15.0005326

LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

REQUEST FOR EXPRESS OF INTEREST

International Consultant to Address and Develop the Communications Strategy and Guideline

Enhanced Integrated Framework Tier 1 (Phase 2)

In 2004, the Government of Laos (GOL) joined the Integrated Framework (IF) initiative, which was set up to provide Least Developed Countries with trade-related technical assistance, including human and institutional capacity building, for supporting trade and trade-related activities. As part of the IF process, a Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS), together with an Action Matrix was prepared and validated by the government and donors for the first time in September, 2006. The most recent DTIS Update 2012 and the resulting Trade and Private Sector Development (TPSD) Roadmap was validated in May 15, 2012 and launched on October 10, 2012. This Roadmap lays out over 100 activities with varying level of priority, whose objective is to collectively increase growth and improve export competitiveness for the GOL.

Government of Laos, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in particular, has made a number of commitments at the regional and international level. However, to date, there are no communication and dissemination strategies available to ensure information on Trade Related matters reaching public appropriately and effectively. The objective of the assignment is to develop a comprehensive medium term communications strategy for the Trade and PSD Program. The strategy is expected to guide all communications and dissemination related activities supported by AfT programs/projects. The estimated inputs for this assignment are for approximately 25 working days over the course of 3 months. The full detailed ToR is available at the NIU’s website: http://www.laosaft.org/index.php/en/procurement. In order to be considered for the position, the candidates should meet the following qualifications and experience requirements:

• Advanced degree in communications or other relevant fields;
• At least five year’s relevant work experience;
• Proven experience in developing communications strategy for development institutions and public sector in developing countries;
• Work experience for the ASEAN countries' governments, especially such past experience in Laos;
• Knowledge and experience in ways of social communication typical and possible in Lao society and similar developing countries from the region;
• Knowledge of trade and private sector development issues facing Lao PDR is an advantage;
• Fluency in English language, including excellent writing and presentation skills.

The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants (IC) selection method set out in the Consultant Guidelines, in line with the World Bank’s Guidelines “Selection and Employment of Consultants”, January 2011 edition.

The NIU now invites interested eligible consultants to provide information indicating that you are qualified to perform the services (curriculum vitae with expressions of interest and references). Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by April 21, 2015, 16:00 o’clock.

Ministry of Industry and Commerce, National Implementation Unit (NIU), Ban Phonxay, Xaysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, Tel: +856(21) 41 39 16 – 45 39 82; Fax: +856(21) 41 39 16, E-mail: procurement@laosaft.org; Att: Mr. Phouvieng Phongsa, NIU Director.

Note: Only Short-listed candidates will be contacted.