UNDP-LAO-00711 - RFP_008_2026_Natl Firm develop policy assessment, regulatory, planning framework - UNDP - LAO PDR

Description

Introduction Name of Service: RFP_008_2026_ National consultancy firm to develop policy assessment, regulatory and planning frameworks for integration of primary forest landscapes into National Development Planning. Project: Generating multiple benefits through strengthened protection of the primary forest landscape in Lao PDR. Duration of Assignment: 80 calendar days over a period of 6 months The online pre-bid meeting will be conducted on 14 July 2026 from 10:00 am (Lao Time) https://undp.zoom.us/j/85800266368?pwd=ozKG2eKcSbG5MBLb1JkyLuwNk3l8pF.1&from=addon Meeting ID: 858 0026 6368 Passcode: 906850 Scope of Service. Under this consultancy, the firm selected will need to work closely with the PMU, review the existing literature and report prepared by experts, as well as review existing systems already developed within national frameworks. The consultancy firm will perform following tasks: 1. Inception meeting and desk review: Conduct an inception meeting with the PMU and Government Partners. The PMU will facilitate a virtual meeting with the GEF Critical Forest Biome regional coordination programme, to exchange information on the regional policy review and align terminology and methodology. The Service Provider is expected to ensure alignment with regional and global programming for GEF Critical Forest Biome Integrated Programme. Conduct a desk review of international and regional definitions and frameworks for primary forest (e.g., intact forest landscapes, primary forests, high conservation value areas); Compile and review datasets, including GIS where possible, relevant to forest cover, biodiversity, land use, protected areas, infrastructure, and concessions (documenting metadata, sources, and data gaps); Review project documentation, national policies, strategies, laws, regulations, and institutional frameworks relevant to forestry, biodiversity, protected areas, agriculture, mining, energy, infrastructure development, environmental management, land administration, and national development planning. Assess national policies relevant to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), land use planning (LUP), gender, safeguards and planning tools for relevant sectors that impact primary forest landscapes in Lao PDR Review international and regional good practices for integrating primary forests into planning and development processes. Assess the extent to which Primary Forest Landscapes are currently defined, recognized, and incorporated within: National policies and legislation; Sector strategies and plans; Government planning and budgeting processes; National Forestry Strategy 2035; Provincial and district planning frameworks. Identify available data and initial gaps from the above, and methodology for the Stock-taking Exercise. Determine the extent of data gathering that will be required to ensure the qualitative depth of this study and which steps will be required (interviews, literature review etc.) Prepare and submit the desk review, methodology, and detailed workplan report. The workplan should provide proposed activities and timeframe to complete the tasks and achieve outputs. This will include plans to facilitate two workshops in Vientiane and one workshop in Pakse. Identify key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, and relevant institutions to consult. Share a workshop outline and stakeholder list with DoF, who will coordinate invitations and logistics for the consultation workshop. Provide consideration for how the consultations will include meaningful participation from both men and women, and consideration of ethnic groups and FPIC. Present the objectives of the consultancy, tasks, deadlines and logistical schedule to DoF and the PMU. Output 1: Draft Stock-Taking Assessment for Primary Forest Landscapes and Inception Report 2. Present Stock-Taking Assessment and Capacity Needs Assessment at Stakeholder Consultations The consultancy firm will present initial findings from the stock taking