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Job Description (Terms of Reference)
RESEARCH CONSULTANT (LAO NATIONAL)
Project Title:
Integrated Disaster and Climate Risk Management Project in Lao PDR
Position Title:
Research consultant (Lao National)
Documenting likely impacts of the disaster and climate change law on
environment, socio-economic, and public health and safely
Funding:
Project number 00086007
Duty Station:
Department of Disaster Management and Climate Change, Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment (MoNRE), Vientiane, Lao PDR
Duration of Appointment:
40 days (fixed term)
Expected Starting Date:
As soon as possible
1. Background
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is committed to contribute to disaster risk management
and climate change adaptation in Lao PDR. The Country Programme Document (CPD) 2012- 2015 prioritizes
strengthening capacities of government and vulnerable communities to effectively respond to emergencies,
adapt to climate change, and prepare for disasters. This project, targeting the CPD goal, is built upon the past
achievements and lessons learnt, especially extracting identified needs from the “Institutional Strengthening
and Capacity Development on Disaster Risk Management in Lao PDR 2010 – 2011” project, and the
recommendations from the Joint Damage, Losses and Needs Assessment of Typhoon Haima August 2011. The
duration of this project is 2.5 years (2013-2015).
The project will focus on building an effective disaster management and recovery system in the provinces
affected by Typhoon Haima, as well as strengthening DRM at the national level. The overall objective of the
project is to strengthen the disaster risk management system, linking it with climate change adaptation though
multi-sectorial and multi-hazard approaches at all levels (national, provincial, district and village). In order to
achieve this objective, the project is committed to deliver the following result as the CPD output, “government
and vulnerable communities can more effectively respond to emergencies, adapt to changing climate, and
prepare for disasters”. This will be achieved by developing provincial, district, and community disaster
management planning; strengthening information management systems; creating community-based early
warning systems; and strengthening coordination and information exchange among selected communities,
districts and provinces with central authorities. MoNRE and UNDP are seeking a Research consultant to collect
all available indications on the environment, socio-economic, and public health and safety impact of the
integrated and gender sensitive Disaster and Climate Change Law on for Lao PDR. This document will assist the
preparation of the Disaster and Climate Change law’s Impact Assessment Note.
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2. Objectives of the assignment
Under supervision of UNDP’s Technical Advisor:
1. Review the existing studies, reports, and legal documents of the environmental, socio-economic, public
health and safety impacts of disasters and climate change
2. Conduct a primary and secondary study on the linkages between poverty, inequality, vulnerability and
the environment, socio-economic, public health and safety impact of disasters and climate change
3. prepare a report on the expected impacts of the disaster and climate change law on environmental,
socio-economic, and public health and safety
3. Scope of work, Duties and Responsibilities
The Researcher will have the following responsibilities:
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Responsible for timely implementation of the assignment
Review of all relevant literature; including documents, reports, reviews, etc. within Lao PDR and the region
In coordination with the project team and the Technical Advisor, organize meetings and interview with all
relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
Develop the report based on the project fixed format
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4. Qualifications and experience
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Master’s degree in economics, development studies, environmental science, or related field
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in consulting and researching
Strong planning and coordination abilities
In-depth understanding of disaster risk management and climate change issues within Lao PDR
Initiative and ability to organize his/her work independently, but also to work as part of a team
Strong inter-personal skills
Experience working with government and international organizations
Strong writing, reading and speaking skills in both English and Lao
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