National ESF Consultant

Request for Express of Interest (REOI) National Environment and Social Consultant Preparation of Environmental and Social Framework ( Ref. No. CS-58) 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 National Environment and Social Consultant Preparation of Environmental and Social Framework with an aim to assist LAOSTAT II in managing the risk of Environmental and Social activities. The Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB) is seeking a national consultant to goes beyond the traditional ‘do no harm’ approach to maximize development gains. The 10 Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) set out the requirements on the identification and management of ES risks and impacts associated with projects supported by the WB through Investment Project Financing. As indicated in the Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS) for this project, the environmental and social risk classification of the Project is low. Therefore, it is assessed that six of the ten ESSs are relevant to the Project including: • ESS1