International Expert Sought for Annual Labour Force Survey Design Support in Laos

Request for Express of Interest (REOI) International Expert to Support LSB on Survey Design of Annual Labour Force Survey 2026 (ALFS 2026) ( Ref. No. CS-57) 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 Lao Statistics Bureau in cooperate with the Ministry of Labor and Welfare has conducted the Labor Force Survey (LFS) every 5 years since 2012. This is a nation-wide household-based survey with a sample size of 10,800, covering all 18 provinces. LFS provides up-to-date information needed for the selection of data on key social development indicators to monitor the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recently, Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) will implement the Annual Labour force survey starting in 2024. The Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) is seeking an international consultant to provide hand-on assistant to LSB on the overall LFS 2026 survey design including sample size, sampling method, and final sample selection for the ALFS to be representative at the national level and rural/urban areas, and ideally provincial level, and be able to provide quarterly estimates for some key indicators such as the unemployment rate within the planned budget; Provide capacity building for the LSB staff on sample design; Train LSB staff in person on the ALFS sample design and selection at cluster and household levels; Calculate sampling weights for the ALFS 2026 survey in consultation with LSB and other technical partners. This assignment is deliverable based with estimated service duration of 2 months. 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:

• At least a master’s degree in economics, Demography, Statistics, or any closely related field with special expertise in survey sampling.
• At least 8 years’ experience in designing samples for Labor force surveys and/or household survey.
• Demonstrated training experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel to Lao PDR.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships with national partners.
• Experience of working in developing countries.
• Previous working experience in Lao PDR or the Greater Mekong sub-region would be an advantage.
• Excellent English language skills, proficiency in Lao would be an advantage but not compulsory.

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 5 February 2026, 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: 30000.0 USD