Antecedentes

Since 1983 the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has been participating in the Round Table Process (RTP), with the support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and recently also by the Government of Luxembourg. The RTP serves as the primary platform for in-depth dialogue between the Government of Lao PDR and Development Partners on key development issues. Initially, the RTMs were held tri-annually in Geneva. However, since 1999 the Round Table Meeting has turned the meeting that merely a one-off meeting held every three years into a continuing process held in country, and since then called the Round Table Process.

 The Round Table Process primarily consists of three main mechanisms – High Level Round Table Meetings (RTMs), annual Round Table Implementation Meetings (RTIMs) and 10 Sector/Thematic Working Groups (SWGs/TWGs).

The Government of Lao PDR, under the leadership of the Department of International Cooperation (DIC), Ministry of Planning and Investment, is managing the Round Table Process as part of the roles and responsibility outlined in the Prime Minister Decree No 75 on Official Development Assistance (ODA). From UNDP, the RTP work is rested under the responsibility of the Poverty Reduction Unit, and under a supervision of the senior management of UNDP Lao PDR.

 In October/November 2015, the 12th High Level Round Table Meeting will be organised in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. The 2015 HL RTM is organized in conjunction with the finalization of the next five years development plan (8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan – NSEDP 2016-2020) and the final year of the MDG implementation, as well as the roll out of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, the organization of the 2015 RTM need to ensure common understanding of the national priorities and better responses by both government and development partners to the country need for the next five year, especially in preparing the Lao PDR for the graduation of the LDC status.

In order to prepare for this year’s high level and important meeting, the UNDP is seeking a qualified international consultant to provide technical assistance and advisory to UNDP country office in preparation for the h 2015 HL RTM and any associated activities.

Deberes y responsabilidades

The International Consultant will be based at UNDP Lao PDR Office and work in close cooperation with Poverty Reduction Unit, the UN Resident Coordinator Office or under the supervision of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) and overall guidance of UN Resident Coordinator/ UNDP Resident Representative. The consultant will require to liaise regularly with the Department of International Cooperation (DIC), Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Development Partners to manage expectations from both sides by ensuring a better understanding of related tasks leading up to the 2015 High Level Round Table Meeting.

 During his/her assignment, the Consultant will perform the following tasks:

• Coordinate with DPs especially the sounding group to consult and discuss with them on issues concerning the development and preparation of the High Level RTM;
• Through collecting feedback from DPs and with government, follow up implementation of issues discussed from previous RT forum and maintain an update of result table/matrix. This includes providing UNDP CO an updated list of issues raised by DPs that need special attentions and provide credible recommendations/advices on tacking the issues;
• Suggest a set of benchmarks for measuring performance of Sector Working Groups and how they can more effectively contribute to the RTM;
• Liaise with DIC team, especially with the RTP National Consultant to have a joint calendar of events/consultations…etc and RTM monitoring plan etc leading up to the 2015 HL RTM;
• Assist UNDP in preparation of Development Partners related activities/events leading up to the RTM, such as (1) the meeting of chairs and co-chairs SWGs; (2) Informal Development Partner meetings; and (3) the Deputy level DP meetings. The support required by the consultant also includes preparation of meeting documents/materials, agenda setting and notes for the UNDP Resident Representative;
• Work with the Poverty Reduction Unit and the UN RC office to have common messages and strategic communications to development partners (including UN agencies) with regards to various events leading up to the 2015 HL RTM
• Take note and prepare necessary reports for relevant meetings attended and the RTM itself;
• Provide UNDP CO an updated list of issues raised by DPs that need special attentions and provide credible recommendations/advices on tacking the issues;
• Technically guide UNDP CO on substantive dialogues and coordination with the Government and DPs regarding development issues in the country in order to feed into preparation of the 2015 HL RTM and the further of RTP;
• Provide both UNDP and government on the changing dynamic of aid environment at both global and regional level, and identify key emerging development partners;
• Faciliate and coordinate the 2015 HL RTM invitation process (DP side such as list of DPs invited, confirmed, etc);
• Assist UNDP CO in preparation of the high level visit from UNDP HQ to the 2015 HL RTM, such as prepare briefing package, agenda/programme setting, background notes, etc as required by UNDP CO and HQ offices;
• As part of the UNDP team, review and provide comments on key documents, substantive products and references for the RTM
• Work closely with the Poverty Reduction Team, the RTP National Consultant and other international consultants supporting the preparation of the Background Document to ensure a synergy and effective collaboration among the team;
• Perform any other relevant tasks as requested by UNDP.

Competencias

Functional Competencies:

• Strong technical macro-economic background;
• Strong analytical and written skills;
• Result oriented, patient, and hands-on with good team skills;
• Knowledge of Lao PDR’s development situation and key issues is a strong advantage;
• Knowledge of UNDP or UN system;
• Strong interpersonal skill and experience in relationship building;
• Excellent computer skills (Word, excel, internet, outlook, Adobe Design Suite, etc.).

 Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates leadership, team building and coordinating skills;
• Demonstrates commitment to human development principles and values;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Shares knowledge and experience;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas