National Inclusion and Institutional Strengthening Consultant

About the role

The consultant will provide gender equality, organisational gender mainstreaming and institutional‑strengthening expertise to support the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) under the Laos‑Australia Connectivity Partnership and Sustainable Energy Partnership. The assignment runs from November 2026 to February 2027 (up to 40 working days) and focuses on high‑level diagnostic reviews and actionable recommendations.

Key responsibilities

• Review implementation of MPWT’s 2014‑2025 Women’s Strategy, identify achievements, gaps and lessons, and help define flagship actions for a successor strategy.
• Analyse MOIC’s draft 10‑year Gender Mainstreaming Strategy for the energy sector, conduct a SWOT analysis, and provide recommendations to embed sector‑specific actions.
• Work alongside ministry staff to build capability through co‑working, facilitated analysis and knowledge transfer.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in gender studies, social sciences, public administration, organisational development, HR management, development studies or related field.
• Minimum seven years of professional experience in gender equality, social inclusion, institutional strengthening or public‑sector reform in Lao PDR.
• Demonstrated experience working with Lao government institutions, preferably MPWT and MOIC.
• Excellent written and spoken Lao and strong working proficiency in English.

Required skills

• Qualitative diagnostic and institutional analysis.
• Facilitation and co‑design with senior officials, technical staff and women’s organisations.
• Knowledge of gender equality, disability inclusion, safeguarding and ethical consultation practices.