LAO PDR: GEDSI AND CLIMATE CONSULTANT

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

Headquartered in the Republic of Korea, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting sustainable economic growth in developing and emerging countries, including least developed countries (LDCs), through a green growth model. This model ensures that economic progress is aligned with environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

GGGI collaborates closely with government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and civil society to integrate international best practices with local knowledge to deliver transformative results.

Lao PDR became a GGGI member in 2019 and is actively engaging in green growth planning, particularly within the energy and natural resources sectors, which are central to its sustainable development pathway.

Lao PDR is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with increasing frequency and intensity of floods, droughts, and shifting rainfall patterns affecting key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and rural livelihoods. Given that a significant proportion of the population depends on climate-sensitive sectors, strengthening climate resilience while advancing low-carbon development remains a national priority.

In response, the Government of Lao PDR has strengthened its climate commitments under the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and is actively developing institutional and regulatory frameworks to participate in international carbon markets, including mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. These efforts are supported through initiatives such as the Program for Open and Sustainable Carbon Markets in Lao PDR, implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).

The “Open and Sustainable Carbon Markets in Lao PDR” project, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Government of Australia (2023-2027), and delivered by the Government of Lao PDR with GGGI’s technical support, aims to enhance access to and participation in international carbon markets under Article 6 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The project also supports the enhancement of Lao PDR’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC3.0), particularly the energy sector contribution, and the integration of carbon markets into the NDC process. Overall, the project seeks to mobilize financial and technological resources through high-integrity carbon markets while strengthening national climate ambition.

At the same time, Lao PDR has made significant progress in establishing national frameworks for Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI). Key policies, including the Law on Gender Equality (2019), the National Plan of Action for Gender Equality (2021–2025), and the Decree on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, mandate the mainstreaming of inclusion across sectors, including climate and environmental governance. Despite these advancements, GEDSI considerations remain insufficiently integrated into emerging carbon market systems. Current challenges include:

• Limited participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWD) in climate and carbon market decision-making
• Lack of gender- and disability-disaggregated data to inform policy and monitoring systems
• Capacity constraints among government and civil society stakeholders to operationalize GEDSI in technical areas such as carbon market governance, MRV, and safeguards
• Limited structured platforms for inclusive dialogue and engagement, particularly for marginalized groups

In addition, ongoing coordination efforts, such as the Disability Inclusive Development (DID) Working Group, have highlighted the need to strengthen engagement with civil society, improve representation of marginalized voices, and build targeted capacity on carbon markets and related policy frameworks. Global evidence further demonstrates that integrating GEDSI into climate finance and carbon market mechanisms enhances both environmental integrity and social outcomes. Inclusive approaches contribute to improved project effectiveness, stronger community ownership, and more equitable benefit-sharing, particularly in sectors such as forestry, land use, and energy, which are central to Lao PDR’s mitigation strategy.

Against this backdrop, there is a clear need for targeted capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and practical tools to support the meaningful integration of GEDSI into Lao PDR’s carbon market development. This includes strengthening technical understanding, creating inclusive platforms for dialogue, and building a pipeline of future leaders equipped to engage in climate and carbon market governance.

To achieve the project objectives, GGGI is looking to engage a GEDSI Consultant with experience in the climate sector to support the Project Team work closely with the Department of Environment (DOE), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), and relevant GEDSI stakeholders to deliver activities related to GEDSI and carbon market. The overall objective of this consultancy is to strengthen the integration of GEDSI into Lao PDR’s emerging carbon market system through targeted capacity building, multi-stakeholder engagement, and leadership development initiatives. Specifically, the consultancy aims to:

• Enhance the technical capacity of government, civil society, development partners and relevant stakeholders to operationalize GEDSI in carbon market design, implementation, and governance, including areas such as safeguards, stakeholder engagement, and MRV systems
• Facilitate inclusive dialogue and coordination among key stakeholders to identify practical entry points and co-develop tools for integrating GEDSI into national carbon market frameworks and Article 6 readiness
• Promote meaningful participation and leadership of women, youth, and PWD in climate and carbon market processes through structured mentorship and engagement activities
• Generate actionable knowledge products and recommendations to support the mainstreaming of GEDSI considerations into carbon market strategies and related policy processes.

Under the supervision of GGGI Lao PDR, the Consultant will design, implement, and document a set of targeted activities to strengthen the integration of GEDSI into carbon market development processes. The scope of work includes three core components:

The following expertise is required from the Consultant:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in climate change, environmental studies, development studies, gender studies, or a related field.
• At least 5-8 years of relevant experience in climate change, development, or related fields with a Master’s degree or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of GEDSI and its application in projects or policy processes.
• Experience supporting or organizing workshops, consultations, or stakeholder engagement activities with government agencies, development partners, or NGOs in Lao PDR.
• Experience in preparing reports, training materials, or knowledge products.
• Good understanding of climate policy in Lao PDR, including NDCs or related initiatives.
• Strong coordination and communication skills, with the ability to engage a range of stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and Lao language (written and spoken) is required.
• Existing network with GEDSI stakeholders, including women’s groups, youth organizations, and organizations of PWD in Lao PDR, is desirable.
• Familiarity with carbon markets or climate finance is an asset.

1) Application conditions: Candidate should provide CV, which should be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.

2) Method/process selection: Competitive selection

3) Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. Cover Letter, and CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.