Consultancy

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Consultancy: Longitudinal Study on the Intersections Between

UXO Clearance and Food Security

BACKGROUND

Lao PDR remains one of the most UXO‑contaminated countries in the world, with contamination continuing to constrain agricultural production and rural livelihoods. In Khammouane Province, many rural households rely heavily on subsistence and small‑scale agriculture, yet UXO contamination limits the safe use of land and poses ongoing risks to household wellbeing.

MAG Lao PDR has been implementing UXO clearance operations in Khammouane Province since 2004, with clearance prioritised based on community land use and livelihood needs. While UXO clearance is widely understood to contribute to improved food security, there is limited longitudinal evidence that documents how and to what extent these impacts materialise over time in cluster munition contexts.

MAG is therefore exploring a longitudinal research initiative to examine the intersections between UXO contamination, UXO clearance, and household food security outcomes in Khammouane Province over a four‑year period (2026–2029). This Expression of Interest seeks to identify suitable consultants or firms for this assignment; shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal in response to detailed Terms of Reference.

INDICATIVE SCOPE OF FUTURE ASSIGNMENT

While the full scope and methodology will be defined in a detailed Terms of Reference, the intended assignment is expected to include:

• Design and implementation of a longitudinal study spanning 2026–2029
• Pre‑clearance baseline data collection with selected beneficiary households
• Regular follow‑up data collection with the same households following UXO clearance
• Use of mixed research methods, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches
• Analysis of changes in food security and related livelihood outcomes over time
• Periodic reporting to inform programming and advocacy
• Presentation and dissemination of final findings, including at a learning or launch event to share results with stakeholders from the UXO/mine action and food security sectors

WHO SHOULD APPLY

MAG invites Expressions of Interest from:

• Individual consultants, and/or
• Consulting firms or research organisations

With relevant experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Food security and livelihoods research
• Longitudinal studies or impact evaluations
• Rural development, agriculture, or resilience programming
• UXO, mine action, land access, or post clearance interventions
• Research in Lao PDR

EOI SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested applicants are invited to submit a Concept Note of no more than two (2) pages, including the following:

• Interest and Understanding
  • A brief statement of interest in the assignment
  • High level understanding of the research problem and its relevance to UXO clearance and food security
• Conceptual Approach (High Level)
  • Indicative ideas on how a longitudinal study of this nature could be structured
  • Reflections on key considerations, risks, or challenges
  • Detailed methodologies, sampling plans, or data collection tools are not required at this stage
• Relevant Experience and Qualifications
  • Summary of experience in similar research, evaluations, or thematic areas
• CV(s) / Organisational Profile
  • Short CV(s) for individual consultants, or
  • Organisational profile including examples of comparable assignments

CVs of key personnel and samples of previous work will not be counted toward the page limit.

NEXT STEPS

Expressions of Interest should be submitted to procurementla@maginternational.org by 22 May 2026, 3 PM.

Questions or inquiries related to the assignment can be sent to the same email address mentioned above for further clarification.

Shortlisted applicants will be:

• Issued detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) for the assignment, and
• Invited to submit a full technical and financial proposal, including detailed methodology and proposed payment schedule.

Submission of an Expression of Interest does not guarantee selection for the next stage of the procurement process.