This specific tender is managed via the new supplier portal system of UNDP Quantum. If you are interested in submitting a bid for this tender, you must subscribe following the instructions in the user guide. If you have not registered a profile with this system, you can do so by following the link for Supplier Registration.

If you already have a supplier profile, please login to the Supplier Portal, then search for the negotiation using the reference number UNDP-LAO-00423,1, following the instructions in the user guide.

Introduction

Country: Laos

Description of the Assignment:

The consultant will work under the Development Research Institute (DRI), MPI, and closely with UNDP’s Inclusive Growth Unit. The consultant will be expected to closely work with MPI, and other relevant departments of government agencies, development partners, including UN system agencies to gather feedback and policy guidance in delivering the assignment’s objectives.

The consultant is expected to broadly work on three areas: (1) take stock of existing capacities of DRI and informed by international best practices on foresight capacities in the public sector, formulate an approach (or methodology) for building foresight capacity that is compatible with existing government planning process and data systems ; (2) identify the appropriate institutional architecture (such as new organizational functions), data capacities required for institutionalizing foresight capabilities, and maintenance mechanism of the data infrastructure and systems; and (3) develop strategic foresight tools and conduct capacity building for DRI-MPI and other relevant staff from government ministries, to use the tools and collaborate on matters of strategic foresight and national development planning; in parallel with developing a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to assess the effectiveness of capacity building initiatives in order to make adjustment the foresight tools and trainings

1. Capacity assessment and the formulation of a foresight methodology for DRI-MPI

· Review the existing strategic planning support and foresight capacities of DRI-MPI, assessing strengths, weaknesses, and gaps and identifying fundamental skills needed (design thinking, causal reasoning, scenario planning, etc.) to build a robust foresight capacity at the DRI-MPI.

· Assess international best practices for public sector foresight capacities and develop foresight activities most suitable for the context of Lao PDR.

· Under the strategic guidance of DRI-MPI and UNDP, and the results of consultations with relevant partners, formulate a comprehensive methodology for establishing and enhancing foresight capacities for the context of Lao PDR.

· Conduct a pilot testing of the foresight methodology with DRI-MPI and other relevant stakeholders, incorporating feedback into the final version to ensure that the methodology is practical, user-friendly, and compatible with existing government planning process and data systems.

· Develop a plan for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of foresight methodology; and a mechanism for ongoing feedback and improvement over time.

2. Identification of institutional architecture and data capabilities for mainstreaming foresight in national development planning

· Evaluate the current institutional structure of the Government of Lao PDR and realistically recommend incremental improvements to integrate foresight effectively.

· Outline the data requirements and sources for foresight activities, such as macroeconomic indicators used to analyze economic outlooks/trend analysis and other global/regional trends, and how they are interdependent, to lay the foundation for data analysis as evidence support to foresight exercise.

· Develop a blueprint for an integrated information system that supports foresight activities and decision-making processes.

· Develop a plan for ongoing maintenance and updates of the data infrastructure and systems

· Propose collaboration models for data sharing and joint foresight initiatives with other government agencies, development partners, and UN system agencies.

3. Development of foresight tools and capacity building for DRI-MPI

· Design and develop a suite of strategic foresight tools tailored to the needs of DRI-MPI and relevant ministries. Tools may include scenario analysis, trend impact analysis, and risk assessment models that can be useful for national development planning.

· Integrate strategic foresight tools into the teaching modules developed under DRI-MPI for research capacity building for its sub-national units. The strategic foresight tools should include example of foresight planning, best practice from other countries.

· Conduct a usability testing of the developed foresight tools to ensure they are user-friendly and practical.

· Develop a user manual and training materials for the foresight tools that align with the needs identified in capacity assessment.

· Conduct a series of capacity-building workshops and training sessions for DRI staff and other relevant government ministry personnel on how foresight tools can be used in the context of national development planning; facilitate practical exercises and simulations using the developed tools to enhance learning and application.

· Tailor training into different levels of capacity and learning styles to maximize engagement and knowledge absorbtion of government staff at central and provincial level.

· Develop a monitoring and evaluation plan to assess the impact of capacity building activities, staff experience and changing requirements, and make adjustment the foresight tools and training as needed.

· Develop a plan for ongoing maintenance and updates of foresight tools to ensure they remain relevant

·Provide ongoing mentorship and support to the government counterpart on a regular basis to ensure the successful implementation and foresight tools and methodologies.

Period of assignment/services: 31 working days.

Proposal should be submitted directly in the portal no later than indicated deadline.

Any request for clarification must be sent in writing via messaging functionality in the portal. UNDP will respond in writing including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry.

Please indicate whether you intend to submit a bid by creating a draft response without submitting directly in the system. This will enable the system to send notifications in case of amendments of the tender requirements. Should you require further clarifications, kindly communicate using the messaging functionality in the system. Offers must be submitted directly in the system following this link: http://supplier.quantum.partneragencies.org using the profile you may have in the portal. In case you have never registered before, you can register a profile using the registration link shared via the procurement notice and following the instructions in guides available in UNDP website: https://www.undp.org/procurement/business/resources-for-bidders. Do not create a new profile if you already have one. Use the forgotten password feature in case you do not remember the password or the username from previous registration.

Amendment

Updated ToR