Consultant for the Baseline Survey, Participatory Rural Assessment

The Phongsaly Alternative Livelihood and Food Security (PALAFS) project will support the efforts of the Government of Lao PDR and former opium poppy cultivating communities in sustaining opium elimination through a community centred approach that addresses alternative sustainable livelihoods development, food security, drug demand reduction, vulnerable communities, income generation as well as climate change by reducing deforestation and environmental degradation. The project will consolidate and complete certain remaining activities of the Phongsaly Alternative Development Fund (PADF) Project as well as build on the achievements, experiences and lessons learnt to expand activities to an additional 16 new villages in Khoua, Mai and Samphan Districts of Phongsaly Province. This project responds to the development priorities of the Lao PDR currently indicated in the National Drug Control Master Plan (2009-2013) and the seventh National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2011-2015) as well as attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. The Project will create synergies through partnerships with other agencies contributing to aid effectiveness and the goals of the Vientiane Declaration ensuring ownership, alignment, harmonization, managing for results and mutual accountability. Support to food security, basic infrastructure development, technology transfer and skills training as well as improving access to finance will lead to an increase in household income as well as a reduction of poverty and vulnerability. These achievements will act to prevent farmers from returning to the practice of opium cultivation in a province that previously had the highest rate of poverty, opium production and consumption in the country. Identified best practices will contribute to achieving food security and development goals in the country and region

Duties and Responsibilities

Review the documents both at the UNODC and project office; Develop a survey plan, methodology and an outline of report; Provide training to local officials to conduct the survey; Supervise the baseline data collection, community assessment and rural rapid assessment in the target communities; Analyze the data/information collected and write the assessment report with recommendations for key issues indicated in the objective; Submit the final report to UNODC; Present the results of the studies in the inception meeting of the project.

Competencies

Good knowledge and understanding of alternative development and drug demand reduction; Ability to write and communicate in English; Knowledge and understanding of rural Lao context; Knowledge and understanding of rural Lao language.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: At least an Advanced Degree in social science, development studies, rural development and extension, agriculture or other related field of studies. Experience: 10 years knowledge and experience on social research, rural rapid assessment and community assessment with both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Requirements for submission of applications: All interested and qualified candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP website at http://www.undplao.org/vacancies or http://jobs.undp.org. The UNDP will only accept applications submitted on-line. Please ensure that before making on-line application, you have completed the UNDP Personal History Form (P11). The electronic version of the P11 can be downloaded from http://www.undplao.org/vacancies (Current Vacancies Section). The completed P11 form further should be uploaded while applying on-line; Detailed financial offer: Lump sum offer with clear cost breakdown (international travel, consultancy fee and DSA). Evaluation of Proposals: Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology: Cumulative analysis The award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. Criteria: Weight Max. Points Obtainable 1. Technical(inclding below sub-criteria) 0.7 70 1.1 Background and education 25% 17.5 1.2 Practical previous experiences relevant to the announced TORs 25% 17.5 1.3 Knowledge in Alternative Development/Drug demand reduction and required competences 25% 17.5 1.4 Required language and other technical skills 25% 17.5 2.Financial 0.3 30 Total points obtainable 1.0 10 Note: Any request for clarification must be sent in writing to the following e-mail: diyer.rasulov@undp.org. UNDP Lao PDR will respond in writing by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants. The copies of the response will be also placed on our web-site at: http://www.undplao.org/vacancies/index.php and linked to the current Procurement Notice. All interested candidates are encouraged to visit the above web-site for updates. Note: Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more detailed information about UNDP Lao PDR please visit our website at http://www.undplao.org

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Consultant for the Baseline Survey, Participatory Rural Assessment