Location: Lao People's Democratic Republic (The Consultancy will be based in Vientiane, with possible travels to localities as necessary)
Closing date: 31 Mar 2008
Job Description

UNDP Laos is seeking applications from qualified individuals for the position of Mine Action Specialist to carry out an evaluation for assessing the progress of the UXO sector against the 10 year national Strategic Plan (2003-2013) ‘the Safe Path Forward’. Two international consultants (development specialist and mine action specialist), one national consultant and a translator will work as a team. The Development Specialist shall be the team leader and must have previous experience of managing an evaluation as a team leader.

The team shall have a combination of the skills and substantive experience in the Lao context, socio-economic and human development, programme Management and evaluation, and mine action.

The scope of the evaluation is fourfold:

1. Evaluate progress of the UXO Sector against the 3 objectives of the National Strategic Plan. Also examine the National Strategic Plan and make recommendations for revisions,

2. Evaluate whether the structure of the UXO Sector is correct and if the NRA is providing effective leadership, governance and coordination as stipulated in Part IV. Institutional Arrangements of the National Strategic Plan,
3. Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of UXO Lao and the progress achieved against its strategy, and
4. Review and assess the effectiveness of Government and donor support provided to the UXO Sector and the implementation of the National Strategic Plan.

The findings and recommendations of the evaluation will provide vital information for the review and revision of the National Strategic Plan. The team will work closely with UNDP, the National Regulatory Authority, UXO Lao, line ministries, donors and partners in the UXO sector.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

The Mine Action Specialist should have the following qualifications and experience;

* Mine Action resource person;
* Experience with programme development, programme management and project implementation in mine action;
* Familiarity with the international conventions and movements dealing with landmines and UXO;
* Thorough knowledge of - and experience with M&E;
* Strong drafting and analytical skills; and
* Experience in project impact assessments, with a specific focus on capacity-building and development coordination.

Vacancies Contact
Please send detailed CV, a letter of interest including your qualifications and a brief proposal on how to
approach this consultancy by 31 March 2008 to:
Email: mohamad.fairuz@undp.org
Or to Procurement Unit - UNDP Office, Vientiane, indicating on the envelope
(Application: Mine Action Specialist for UXO Sector Evaluation)
Telephone: (856 21) 213 390 or 213 391
Fax: (856 21) 212 029 or 214 819