Lao PDR Competitiveness and Trade Project: International Consultant on Regulatory and Procedural Reform for Export of Minerals and Mineral Products

Project ID: P164813

Project Title: Lao PDR Competitiveness and Trade Project

Borrower Bid Reference: B2.5.1

REQUEST FOR EXPRESS OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)

LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

National Implementation Unit

Lao Competitiveness and Trade Project (Project No. P164813)

Part-Time International Consultant on Regulatory and Procedural Reform for Export of Minerals and Mineral Products (MMP) – DMM (Ref. No. B2.5.1)

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) of the Government of Lao PDR has received financing from the World Bank, Australia, Ireland and USAID toward the cost of the Lao PDR Competitiveness and Trade Project (LCTP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The National Implementation Unit (NIU) is now seeking an experienced individual for the position of International Consultant on Regulatory and Procedural Reform for Export of Minerals and Mineral Products for the Department of Mining Management (DMM), Ministry of Energy and Mining (MEM). The objective of the assignment is to carry out a review and comprehensive analysis of regulations and associated procedures governing DMM’s operating regime for the issuing of export permit, duty and royalty calculations, and quota and output certification procedures and processes for exports of minerals and mineral products, provide recommendations for regulatory and procedural reforms as well as assist DMM in reform implementation to improve the permit regime and to establish a good practice and improved modality to facilitate Joint Export Inspections (JEI) of minerals and mineral products at loading sites in Lao PDR.

The selected International Consultant is required to undertake all the assigned tasks, complete and submit all deliverables within 160 days spread over 09 calendar months. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the inputs of the selected consultant may be provided virtually or until the situation may allow for making in-country missions to best support the DMM in Vientiane at the DMM office and might require periodical visits to provinces. Contract extension with no additional cost shall be subject to the performance evaluation and base on the extension of project duration. The estimate start date for the assignment is December 2021.

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the DMM. The International Consultant will also be required to work in close cooperation with other key stakeholders, especially the DIMEX including, but not limited to, key departments in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Finance, and representatives of the private sector. Contractual arrangements will be managed by the International Implementation Unit (NIU), Department of Planning and Cooperation, Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Full ToR can be accessed at the NIU’s website: http://www.t4dlaos.org/vacancies/

To qualify for the assignment, the candidates shall meet the following education, experience, and skills requirements:

Degree in Commercial Law, Mining, Mineral Technology, Mining Engineering, Business Administration, Law, Economics, Public Administration or Customs Law & Administration or other relevant discipline;
A degree or professional certificate in public administration is a distinct advantage;
Minimum 5 or more years’ experience in the mining industry with an emphasis on extractive technologies and/or import and export processes and procedures; experience to be associated with the import or export of primary, ore concentrated and/or semi-refined mineral products (copper, gold, lead, zinc, coal or piezo electric minerals or groups preferred);
Minimum 5 years of work experience providing advisory services to public entities on trade policy, national law, and regulation;
5 or more years’ experience working in commercial or mineral related laws; experience working in Southeast Asia, a strong asset;
At least 1 similar assignment conducted in the past 5 years; such experience with government institutions or donor funded projects is an asset;
Proven experience of working, over a long term, embedded within a trade related government institution (e.g. Ministry of Energy and Mine, Customs, Ministry of Commerce, or similar) preferred;
Ability to establish and facilitate inter-agency cooperation, analyze & understand business processes, identify issues and propose recommendations for solutions based on experience;
Proven capacity building skills, particularly in organizing training workshops and seminars;
Proven inter-personal skills and a capacity to work in multi-cultural environments;
Excellent communication and presentation skills and professional English language skills.

The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank 'Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, July 2016, revised November 2017 and August 2018 edition, under Individual Consultants (IC) selection method. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the said Regulations, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Interested applicants should submit their applications and provide information indicating that you are qualified to perform the services (curriculum vitae with expressions of interest and references). Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below or no later than November 23 2021, 16:00 o’clock (submissions via email are also acceptable). Only Short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Attn: Mr. Phouvieng Phongsa, NIU Program Director

CC: Mr. Thanakone Oudomvilay, NIU Procurement Consultant

National Implementation Unit (NIU), Ministry of Industry and Commerce

Ban Phonxay, Xaysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

Tel: +856 (21) 41 39 16; Fax: +856 (21) 41 39 16,

E-mail: procurement@laosaft.org CC: thanakone.o@laosaft.org ; lattanaphone.s@laosaft.org

CONTACT INFORMATION

Organization/Department: National Implementation Unit

Name: Thanakone Oudomvilay

Address: P.O.Box 4107, Phonexay Road, Saysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR Tel/Fax: +856-21-413916

Province/State: Lao People's Democratic Republic

Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic

Phone: +856 21 413 916

Email: thanakone.o@laosaft.org

Website: www.t4dlaos.org