Senior Laos GEDSI Consultant

Program Background
Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) is the Australian Government’s flagship infrastructure initiative for Southeast Asia. It partners with Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to foster inclusive growth through sustainable economic infrastructure (i.e. transport, energy, telecommunications, and utilities).
Delivered through a single cohesive team, the initiative is led by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in collaboration with EY, Adam Smith International, The Asia Foundation, and Ninti One. The Program’s Head Office (the Hub) is in Bangkok.
P4I focuses on infrastructure prioritisation and planning, policy and regulation, and procurement and project preparation (P4I does not finance the delivery of infrastructure). All services aim to address gender equality, disability, and social inclusion, and disaster risk reduction and climate change issues. Further information about P4I is available at www.partnershipsforinfrastructure.org
The Laos-Australia Sustainable Energy Partnership (LASEP) was launched as part of broader development cooperation between Australia and Lao PDR, aimed at building a more sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy sector. LASEP reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting Lao PDR’s energy transition by improving energy sector governance, strengthening policymaking, and fostering resilience against climate impacts. Its primary objective is to assist the Government of Laos (GoL) in developing an energy sector driven by evidence-based policies and inclusive decision-making, aligned with Laos’ broader development goals, including the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and regional initiatives for a sustainable and just energy transition.

PART 1: SERVICES PROCURED
Background
Including more diversity in decision-making within the energy sector is crucial because it brings a variety of perspectives and experiences, leading to more innovative and effective solutions. Diverse leadership can better address the energy needs of all community members, ensuring that policies and projects are equitable and inclusive. Additionally, it helps to dismantle systemic barriers and promotes social justice, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable energy sector.

GoL’s has a number of policies to promote gender equality and there is a growing focus on increasing the participation of women and marginalized groups in leadership and decision-making roles. However, the energy sector in Laos faces significant gender imbalances, with men comprising 82% of the workforce in the electricity and gas supply industries. Addressing this imbalance requires a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Building the capacity of women to participate and lead in the energy sector through targeted training.
• Integrating gender equality and inclusion principles into energy planning and policy.
• Promoting inclusive energy policies that remove barriers to marginalized groups’ participation in the energy transition.

To support these efforts, LASEP has developed the “Promoting Women’s Leadership and Advancing Inclusion in Infrastructure in Lao PDR” project. This initiative empowers women and marginalized groups with tools, knowledge, and opportunities to participate in Laos’ energy transition, fostering a more equitable and inclusive energy sector.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the project are:
·       Promoting Women’s Leadership and Gender Equality in Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) and related line ministries
·       Strengthen the capacity of MEM staff to apply inclusion principles and international tools in sustainable energy planning and policies, fostering inclusive, resilient and evidence-based decision-making practices
Scope of Work
P4I seeks a Senior GEDSI Adviser to develop and refine a leadership training curriculum tailored for women in Laos’ energy sector. This curriculum, initially piloted in Cambodia, will be customized for Laos’ context. The adviser will also deliver two training sessions to senior MEM officials.
Key tasks include:
Task 1: Training Curriculum Development:
·       Lead the development of a trainer’s manual and participant’s handout for the women’s leadership training.
·       Integrate feedback from GoL stakeholders to ensure relevance.
·       Update training materials, including PowerPoint presentations, interactive exercises, and supplementary resources.
Task 2: Stakeholder Engagement & Consultations:
·       Facilitate consultative sessions with P4I and MEM teams to align the curriculum with project objectives.
·       Document key insights and recommendations for curriculum enhancement.
Task 3: Training Delivery:
·       Deliver two training sessions (2-3 days each) for approximately 30 senior MEM officials.
·       Use interactive learning methodologies to encourage peer learning and engagement.
·       Assess participant learning through assignments and evaluations.
Taks 4: Evaluation & Reporting:
·       Review and score assignments.
·       Provide feedback and measure training outcomes.

Deliverables

 
          Deliverable                                                                 Tentative delivery date                            Days

1. Inception report                                                                    April 2025                                             1

2. Task 1: Training Curriculum Development                       April 2025                                             4

3. Task 2: Stakeholder Engagement & Consultations        April-May 2025                                    2

4. Task 3: Training Delivery                                                     May 2025                                              2

5. Taks 4: Evaluation & Reporting                                          June 2025                                             3

        Total   12

Note that delivery date may be adjusted based on the progress of amendment phases or regulatory requirements in coordination with GoL.