UNDP-LAO-00686 - Int'l Consultant – AI Expert to support Strategic Foresight for the GoL. - UNDP - LAO PDR

Description

Introduction Country: Lao PDR Description of the Assignment: The consultant will work under the guidance of the Economic and Fiscal Policy Department (EFPD) and the Project Management Unit of the International Finance Cooperation Department (IFCD), Ministry of Finance (MoF), in close coordination with UNDP. Building on the existing Foresight platform and the outcomes of the September 2025 training, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: Task 1: Platform Migration and Technical Handover · Develop a detailed technical handover plan and implementation timeline in close collaboration with the EFPD and the MoF's FITD, including full Lao language interface support. · Enhance platform functionality by improving file upload capabilities for documents, including multi-document inputs and images, videos if feasible. · Strengthen user profile management, security protocols, and data backup procedures to support long-term platform administration and maintenance, · Provide technical training and capacity-building support for designated caretakers (IT personnel and/or MoF developers) from the EFPD and FITD to enable them to effectively serve as system administrators and managers. Training should cover system architecture, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, security management, and future system upgrades. · Provide a period of post-handover technical support to assist the MoF team in resolving any immediate operational or technical issues following the migration and handover process. Task 2. Supporting and Mentoring the Utilization of the Foresight AI Platform - Develop a comprehensive set of illustrated tutorial videos for the AI Foresight Platform, based on the validated platform and feedback received during training sessions. The tutorials should cover all core platform functions, including project creation, scenario generation, and report exporting. The videos can be narrated in English with Lao subtitles provided by the project, and should demonstrate platform workflows in selected sectors such as agriculture and tourism. These videos should complement the ToT Manual and serve as accessible learning resources for both existing and new users. - Conduct at least one mentoring or working session with EFPD staff to guide them through the tutorial materials, ensuring they are confident in both using the platform and delivering future training using these resources. - Compile all finalized resources (User Manual, step-by-step guides, tutorial videos) into a digital knowledge repository to be handed over to the EFPD. - Provide technical advice and review support related to collaboration with the Ministry of Technology and Communications (MTC) to support the nationalization of the platform and promote the application of the Government’s AI Foresight Platform in policymaking processes. - Recommend and support the implementation of a collaborative workplan between the MoF and MTC to strengthen coordination on the development, institutionalization, and long-term utilization of the platform. Tasks 3: Consolidation, Institutionalization, and Scaling of AI Foresight Platform - Collaborate closely with the Foresight Consultant throughout the assignment, with a specific focus on AI utilization, networking, and stakeholder engagement. - Develop and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support transition to full government ownership where required. - Support resource mobilization efforts for platform expansion and sustainability, including the development of concept notes, proposals, and strategic partnerships building on the current achievements of the projects. - Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues on AI and human development, engaging government, private sector, civil society, development partners, and academia, where feasible. - Facilitate and/or support regional knowledge exchange initiatives to share lessons learned, good practices, and experiences related to AI foresight and digital governance. Provide technical input