Specialised TA (short-term) — Second Lao PDR Competitiveness and Trade Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS) LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE National Implementation Unit Second Lao PDR Competitiveness and Trade Project (LCTP 2) (P512702) International Inclusive Trade Consultant (Ref. No. A1.1.3) The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) of the Government of Lao PDR has received a grant from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Umbrella Facility for Trade Multi-Donor Trust Fund 2.0, administered by the World Bank, toward the cost of the Second Lao PDR Competitiveness and Trade Project (LCTP 2), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The National Implementation Unit (NIU) is now seeking an experienced individual for the position of International Inclusive Trade Consultant. The objective of this assignment is to advance gender, disability, and social inclusion in Lao PDR’s trade and business environment by synthesizing relevant evidence, strengthening the draft MOIC Gender Mainstreaming Strategy, developing a Detailed Plan of Actions that operationalizes the Gender and Disability Action Plan and the Green Trade and Climate Change Action Plan across LCTP 2, and validating it through stakeholder consultation to ensure ownership. The services of the consultant are required for 30 days over a period of 10 months on an intermittent basis, starting October-November 2026 . The consultant will work from home and hold in-person discussions with key stakeholders in Vientiane, Lao PDR (with flexibility for remote work as agreed), under the overall supervision of the NIU Coordinator/Project Manager, and will collaborate on a day-to-day basis with the NIU team, relevant MOIC departments, and other key stakeholders. Full ToR can be accessed via this URL: https://tinyurl.com/ycx9v2t7 To qualify for the assignment, a prospective candidate shall meet the following requirements: Postgraduate degree (master’s or equivalent) in gender studies, international development, public policy, economics, trade, law, or a related discipline; At least 10 years of international professional experience in gender mainstreaming, disability-inclusive development, social inclusion, or related fields within trade policy, private sector development, or business environment reform; Demonstrated experience in developing institutional strategies, policies, action plans, or frameworks on gender equality and social inclusion for government agencies, particularly in developing country or transition economy contexts; Proven expertise in conducting gender analysis, disability-inclusive assessments, and stakeholder consultations in trade, private sector development, or related policy areas; Strong understanding of international frameworks and good practices on gender and trade, including the WTO’s work on gender, UNCTAD’s gender and trade initiatives, and ASEAN frameworks on gender equality and disability inclusion; Familiarity with the Lao PDR context, including the gender and disability landscape, trade and business environment, and institutional structures, is highly desirable; Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, and demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior officials, technical teams, civil society organizations, and development partners; Fluency in spoken and written English is required; knowledge of the Lao language is an asset but not mandatory. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank ‘Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers’, Sixth Edition, February 2025, under the Individual Consultant (IC) selection method. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.13, 3.15 and 3.16 of the said Regulations, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Interested applicants should submit their applications and provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (curriculum vitae with expression of interest and references). Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below no later than 19 October 2026, 16:00 hours (Vientiane time) (submissions via email are also acceptable). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Attn: Mr. Sengphanomchone Inthasane, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Project Director CC: Ms. Sonevilay Pheangthavanh, Procurement Coordinator National Implementation Unit (NIU), Ministry of Industry and Commerce Ban Phonxay, Xaysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR Tel/Fax: +856 (21) 41 39 16 E-mail : procurement@laomoic.org ; cc: sonevilay.ph@laomoic.org