Lao PDR: Green City Development Consultant (GCAP)

The consultancy is focused on supporting the development the Green City Action Plan for Vientiane Capital. The consultant will conduct a baseline assessment for Vientiane Capital which include assessing current city development context; legislative and policy frameworks related to green growth and green city development in Lao PDR; and conducting a strategic analysis on challenges and green growth opportunities of each priority sectors in Vientiane capital. The consultant will work closely with GGGI, PTRI and Core Team from Vientiane Capital to complete this assignment.

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

Under the guidance of the GGGI Lao PDR Country Team, the consultant will be responsible for:  

1) Desktop research to assess current city development context of Vientiane capital (environmental issues, demographic, population, socio-economic, overall challenges).

2) Review legal and policy frameworks related to green growth and green city development in Lao PDR (both national and city levels) to identify priority areas/sectors and sectoral objectives for green city development in Vientiane Capital.

3) Based on prioritized sectors, conduct strategic SWOT analysis of each sector to identify challenges and opportunities for green growth and green city development in Vientiane Capital; and provide recommendations on the interventions/priority actions and projects need to be taken for the success of green city development in Vientiane capital.

4) Report and Validation of the baseline assessment through multi-stakeholder consultation workshop.

The consultant will work closely with GGGI Lao team, under the direct management of the Officer, Green Cities, in coordination with PTRI, key departments of Vientiane Capital (City Core Team), and other relevant departments and stakeholders in Vientiane Capital.

The Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks and duties:

1. Desktop research to assess current city development context of Vientiane capital.

• Demographic, population, socio-economic…
• Overall challenges of the Vientiane Capital in the context of green growth and green city development,   
• Review on green city definition adopted or used in the Lao context.

 2. Assessment of existing legislative, policy frameworks and institutional set up on green growth planning and implementation, and green city development in Lao PDR and identification of key sectors for green city development in Lao PDR.

• Review relevant legislations, policies and plans related to green growth and green city development in Lao PDR;
• Specifically review the Vientiane Capital Urban Masterplan III, Politburo Resolution on Development of Vientiane Capital in New Era, and the Vientiane Capital 9^th NSEDP, and other national level policies including, but not limited to, the National Green Growth Strategy, Nationally Determined Contributions SDG Voluntary National Review; and other sectoral policies and plans to identify key sectors/thematic areas for green city development in Vientiane Capital (long list).
• Undertake preliminary assessment on the current context of the long list of key sectors to support prioritization of sectors/thematic areas.
• In consultation with Core City Team of Vientiane Capital, prioritize key sectors that will be fed into the GCAP (shortlist) and identify sectoral objectives and targets for green city development. 

 3. Conduct strategic analysis of each priority sector to identify challenges and opportunities for green growth and green city development in Vientiane Capital (Sector by sector).

• Plan and execute data collection related to priority sectors to establish current situation through data acquisition, review of relevant reports and plans, bilateral meetings, and/or workshops with relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct SWOT analysis based on priority sectors to identify further challenges and opportunities for green growth and green city development in Vientiane Capital.
• Assess/review green city development initiatives in Vientiane Capital that are currently on-going or in the pipeline to identify the current green city development status of Vientiane capital.

4. Validate baseline assessment results.

• Plan and organize multi-stakeholder workshop to validate and confirm baseline assessment results including results of SWOT analysis.
• Provide recommendations on the interventions/priority actions and projects to support further greening Vientiane Capital to achieve green growth and green city development.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The individual consultant will be working closely with the GGGI Laos team and PTRI, and other government stakeholders to develop GCAP. The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs/deliverables per identified timeline and payment schedule below:

• All reports much be both English (United States usage), prepared in accordance with GGGI’s formatting requirement, and submitted in electronic formats along with complete sets of raw data, research materials, and related information
• Costs related to multi-stakeholder convenings will be covered by GGGI.
• The consultant is responsible for his/her own travel within Vientiane Capital and no transportation cost will be covered by GGGI.
• The Consultant shall consider the comments and necessary revisions proposed. Within 14 days from the receipt of the comments or modification proposal from the GGGI
• Duty Station: Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
• Contract Duration: 01/12/2021 – 31/03/2022 (Tentative)
• Number of Workdays Estimated: estimated 120 days (deliverables-based)
• Total Fees: USD 15,000 – USD 18,000 based on experiences and qualifications.

EXPERTISE REQUIRED

The description of required expert may be split into following parts:

• An advanced university degree (at least Master’s Degree) in relevant field such as Urban Planning or Urban Development, Environmental Management, Environmental Policy, Environmental Economics.
• More than 5 years of professional experience in urban planning, urban development issue, low carbon and climate resilient urban development, sustainable city development, green and or smart city development etc.
• Good understanding of urban development and management in Laos is required.
• Experience in developing strategies, policies, guidelines, or action plan is an advantage.
• Ability to apply sufficient analytical and technical skills to acquire relevant information/knowledge from a variety of sources, which are often difficult to access, in support of delivery of good quality outputs.
• Ability to organize different ideas, thoughts and perspectives into a well-written report is an advantage.
• Commitment to gender equality and the ability to mainstream green growth perspectives in analytical work.
• Excellent written and spoken communications skill in English is required.
• Experience in workshop preparation to engage stakeholders is a plus.
• Good understanding of industrial operation and stakeholders’ engagement.
• Good understanding and speaking of Lao language is required.

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.