International Consultancy to conduct research on factors affecting ethnic groups' access to public services

Background

Lao People’s Democratic Republic is an ethnically diverse country with 49 different ethnic groups and more than 9000 sub-groups, classified into four ethnolinguistic categories: 1) Lao-Tai; 2) Hmong-Mien; 3) Mon-Khmer; 4) China-Tibet. Ethnic groups constitute half of the population in Lao PDR and differences in living standards are prevalent due to; 1) Geographical location (remoteness and limited access to infrastructure and public services); 2) Linguistic and cultural norms; and 3) Inadequate policy interventions.

As mandated under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), the Ethnic Department facilitates the development of good governance systems and aims to strengthen policies that enable greater access to public services. Currently in Lao PDR, there lacks disaggregated data on current public service usage and the factors that affect service access.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

UNDP Governance Unit, Participation & Inclusion Portfolio: In the area of Public Administration Reform, UNDP Governance Unit, inter alia, collaborates with the Lao PDR Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) to strengthen the capacity of One Door Service Centers (ODSCs) across the country. To further support in strengthening public service delivery, UNDP is working to enhance the accessibility, transparency, and sustainability of 55 ODSCs across Lao PDR. To facilitate greater access and utilization of public services and evaluate the current efficacy of ODSC operations, UNDP is fully funding research to collect disaggregated data on current public service usage. The research is intended to examine the factors that affect public service access and utilization, and to inform on policy interventions to improve accessibility and service uptake, with a focus on remote, rural populations.

OBJECTIVE

The overall objective of the assignment is to develop a report on the factors affecting ethnic groups accessing local public services in Lao PDR. The report will address the following research questions:

Ethnic Groups:

Are there differences in public service utilization rates between ethnic groups?
What factors are affecting ethnic groups in accessing local public services?

Local Authorities:

What strategies can be recommended to local authorities for improving the access to and delivery of public services?

The Report will be developed through a desk review, as well as quantitative and qualitative methods of primary data collection from at least 3 Provinces. The selection of target Provinces shall be informed by population statistics and service provisions of One Door Service Centers (ODSC). The Report shall obtain a representative sample of persons of ethnic groups reflecting the demographic of the selected Province. The International Consultant together with a National Consultant, is expected to develop recommendations on strengthening service delivery for ethnic groups across Lao PDR based on this research.

Duties and Responsibilities

The International Consultant will work under the supervision of Governance Team Leader and UNDP Disability Inclusion Specialist to provide technical advice, and guidance to implement activities pursuant to the following scope of work:

Task 1: Produce an outline, methodology, and research plan:

With support of the National Consultant, develop a research methodology and plan specific activities under the assignment, including the selection of the target Provinces and identification of potential interviewees.
Submit research methodology and plan, including research questions to UNDP and the Ethnic Department of MOHA for review.

Task 2: Conduct preliminary desk research to identify available data and existing analysis:

With inputs from the National Consultant, develop a literature review of the current factors that influence public service access, with reference to the language, attitudinal, and geographical factors that affect service availability and awareness.

Task 3: Conduct primary data collection in the selected Provinces (Field Mission):

Together with the National Consultant, conduct field visits to 3 Provinces to interview 24 persons from ethnic groups regarding: 1) Knowledge of public services; 2) Access to public services; 3) Personal experiences of services; and 4). Feedback on improving service delivery.
The Consultant will produce a database of interview notes and update UNDP on progress.
With inputs from the National Consultant, present the preliminary findings to the Ethnic Department in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) for endorsement.

Task 4: Develop Final Report:

With inputs from the National Consultant, develop a Report on “Factors affecting ethnic groups' access to public services.” The structure should be as followed:
A first section on the background, rationale, and approach to the research;
A second section detailing the findings of the research, an analysis of the factors affecting service access, delivery and priorities should be detailed in this section.
A final section outlining recommendations to improve service delivery, specifying strategies and measures to be implemented by local authorities. International best practices should be presented, and recommendations contextualized to Lao PDR.

Task 5: Finalize and present the Report:

Address the feedback provided by UNDP and finalize the Report.
Present findings and recommendations at a dissemination event with key stakeholders.

Competencies

Skilled usage of computers and office software packages.

Required Skills and Experience

Master’s Degree on Sociology, Economics, Anthropology, Law, International Development, Public Administration, Political Science or equivalent.
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in development research and analysis, preferably in the Asia-Pacific region.
Experience in undertaking qualitative and quantitative research, managing information and data and working with different ethnic groups, stakeholders from government, research institutions and civil society organizations.

Language : Fluent English is required