USAID Lao Business Environment (LBE) Activity is seeking a consultant to lead a baseline survey for three Activity indicators, which include:
The baseline survey aims to determine key baseline values in order to be able to measure progress during the life of the Activity (LOA). The baseline data collection exercise will be primarily driven by a survey of Lao PDR business owners.
The baseline survey will provide an informational foundation from which to monitor and assess an activity’s progress and effectiveness during activity implementation and following completion of the activity. The baseline survey’s recommendations and key findings will enable the Activity team to adjust interventions to effectively support these indicators and allow the USAID Lao Business Environment Activity to improve outcome measurement as the Activity reaches the closeout phase.
The Baseline Survey Consultant will design the research concept note and protocol, survey tools, provide technical supervision during field data collection, conduct data consolidation, cleaning, and analysis, and write a report, including providing recommendations for future Activity implementation. The Baseline Survey Consultant will closely collaborate and maintain routine communications via email, calls, or face-to-face meetings with the LBE AMELP Manager.
Period of Performance: The assignment is expected to start o/a June 23 and be completed before August 13, 2021.
Level of Effort: The expected level of effort for this consultancy is 20 days
Key Responsibilities: The consultant – with the assistance of the LBE AMELP Manager – will undertake the following tasks:
1. Desk Review
· Thoroughly review current activities and documents related to USAID Lao Business Environment Activity (list of documents provided at the end of this TOR) to have a clear understanding of the local context and the extent at outputs and outcome level of these indicators.
· Work with Chief of Party (COP), LBE Component Managers, and the LBE AMELP Manager to refine the objectives of the Baseline Survey and its key areas of inquiry.
2. Preparation of the Survey
· Develop the survey protocol, addressing the management, technical and procedural aspects of the survey covering the following topics: Background and context, purpose and scope of the survey, and risks and limitations (if any).
· Develop methodology which covers ethics, sampling design, data collection instruments, procedures for the field data collection, quality control and assurance, and data analysis
· Prepare data collection schedule with assistance from the LBE AMELP Manager
· Prepare data analysis plan with assistance from LBE AMELP Manager
· Share protocol with Chief of Party (COP), Component Managers, and AMELP Manager and revise according to feedback
· Finalize survey data collection tools (questionnaires, question guide, and other templates)
3. Survey implementation
· Coordinate with the LBE AMELP Manager in data collection
· Conduct a daily update/feedback and quality check with LBE AMELP Manager
· Provide regular updates to Chief of Party (COP) and AMELP Manager via email and/or MS Teams/Zoom calls
4. Data analysis & reporting
· Conduct data cleaning and analysis as per the plan specified in the survey protocol
· Produce preliminary findings for review and discussion with the Chief of Party (COP), LBE Component Manager(s) and the AMELP Manager
· Prepare a survey draft report (15-20 pages) that outlines key findings and follow-up tasks
· Share draft with Chief of Party (COP), LBE Component Managers, and AMELP Manager to obtain feedback; revise accordingly; and prepare final report
Qualifications
Interested consultants should have the following experience and qualifications:
- Master’s degree required
- Strong understanding of local Lao economy
- Minimum 5-7 years of previous experience in designing and implementing baseline surveys or similar types of surveys in Lao PDR and other developing countries
- Exceptional data analysis skills
- Advanced capabilities in at least one data analysis program such as SPSS or STATA
- Excellent communications skills and fluency in written and spoken English required
IBI is an international economic development consulting firm whose main client is the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Established in 1996, IBI has successfully implemented some 50 projects in over 70 countries. To learn more, please visit our website at www.ibi-usa.com.
