International Consultant – Developing Foresight Capacity for the Gov of Lao PDR

Country: Lao PDR Description of the Assignment: The consultant will work under the guidance of the Economic and Fiscal Policy Department (EFPD) and the Project Management Unit of the International Finance Cooperation Department (IFCD), Ministry of Finance (MoF), in close coordination with UNDP. Building on the existing foresight methodology and the outcomes of the September 2025 training, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: Task 1. International Best Practices and Case Study CompilationConduct targeted research to identify and compile relevant international case studies on the application of strategic foresight in government planning, with the aim of informing the adoption of foresight approaches in development planning in the Lao PDR. Select case studies that are contextually relevant to Lao PDRs development context and priorities, including economic diversification, climate change adaptation, and LDC graduation transition planning.For each selected case study, provide a written summary of the approach, the methodologies used (e.g., scenario planning, horizon scanning), institutional arrangements, key lessons learned, and success factors.Prepare a briefing note for the EFPD synthesizing these findings and outlining practical implications for strengthening foresight practices in Lao PDR.Task 2. Mentoring and Development of Teaching Resources for National Scale-UpProvide EFPD staff with a step-by-step guide on how to independently deliver foresight training, including session plans, training slides, facilitation guidance, and key talking points, building on the existing ToT Guide. Develop a suite of standardized and context-specific training materials tailored to the Lao PDR context for use in future capacity-building activities. Materials should include presentation slides, practical exercises, case study handouts, and workshop templates.Provide direct mentoring support to a designated core team of trainers within the EFPD. This will include co-facili