International Consultant Sought for National Accounts Rebasing Project

Request for Express of Interest (REOI) International Consultant for National Accounts Rebasing ( Ref. No. CS-54) Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) is implementing a project titled “ Lao PDR Strengthening the National Statistical Project (LAOSTAT II) ” from 2023 to 2028.

The Government of Lao PDR (GoL) has received a loan from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) to improve the capacity of the Lao PDR NSS to produce and disseminate high-quality statistics in a timely manner, to enhance the use of key statistics, and in case of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency, respond promptly and effectively to it.

The project is closely aligned with Vision 2030 and the Strategy of the Development of National Statistical System (SDNSS - 2016 – 2025) which outlines key strategies for sustained development of the Lao Statistical System (LSS).

The project focuses on four components, namely (i) Improving the availability and quality of official statistics, (ii) Enhancing the use of statistics in the GoL, (iii) Strengthening institutional capacity and project management, and (iv) Contingent Emergency Response.

The LAOSTAT-II project supports International Consultant on National Accounts Rebasing with an aim to address critical gaps in Lao PDR's National Statistical System (LSS) to better inform policymaking, foster sustainable development, and monitor the country's economic progress.

To reflect recent changes in the economic structures in the Lao PDR, the LSB plans to rebase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the 2012 base year to 2025. This entails (i) back-casting and extrapolation of new base year GDP estimates and (ii) documentation and dissemination of the revision policy for GDP estimates, in line with international statistical standards.

The Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) is seeking a national consultant to to lead the GDP rebasing exercise for Lao PDR’s national accounts from the 2012 base year to 2025, including (i) back-casting and extrapolation of new base year estimates and (ii) documentation and dissemination of the revision policy for GDP estimates, in line with international standards.

This international consultant will lead the technical design and hands-on implementation of the rebasing exercise and will be complemented by a National Input-Output Table (IOT) consultant who will serve as the primary local counterpart and implementation partner.

The international consultant will provide the technical framework and methodologies, particularly the Supply and Use Table (SUT) framework to be completed by January 2026, which is a prerequisite for the IOT development.

The National IOT consultant will implement the IOT development based on this SUT framework, coordinate with local stakeholders, and ensure integration with local data sources and institutional knowledge. Regular joint planning meetings and coordinated deliverables will ensure seamless integration of both consultancies within the overall rebasing framework.

This assignment is deliverable-based with estimated service duration of 9-months, approximately 35 workdays starting from November 2025 to July 2026. The full ToR for the assignment can be sent to candidates upon written request to the e-mail address below. The LAOSTAT-II Project now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services.

Interested Consultant should provide information (CV, Expression of Interest, other supporting information, if any) demonstrating that s/he has the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

In order to qualify for this position, the candidates shall meet the following experience and competence requirements: Education: A postgraduate degree in Economics, Statistics, or a closely related discipline. Professional Experience: A minimum of 10 years in national accounts compilation, with demonstrated expertise in: Implementation and rebasing exercises for SNA. Compilation of SUTs.

Integration of household and enterprise survey data. Development of validation systems to ensure data/account quality. Delivering capacity-building and training programs. Sector Knowledge: Prior experience collaborating with national statistical offices, particularly in developing countries.

Technical Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of the 2008 SNA framework and familiarity with the newly adopted 2025 SNA updates, including experience with SNA transition processes and international statistical standards. Skills: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, effective mentoring and communication skills, and proficiency in statistical software packages.

Language Proficiency: Strong command of English, with knowledge of the Lao language considered an advantage. The attention of interested consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised November 2017 and August 2018 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Competitive Selection of Individual Consultants method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 24 November 2025, 16:00 Lao time (submissions via email are also acceptable). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Attention: Ms.

Phetsamone Sone, Head of Lao Statistics Bureau Lao Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Finance Dongnasok Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR.

Email: phousavanh.ch@lsb.gov.la Cc: littana.lsb2023@gmail.com; soumatsa.slv@gmail.com; and anida.sayarath@gmail.com Agency: Lao Statistics Bureau Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 20000.0 USD