REQUEST FOR EXPRESS OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)

LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

  MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

National Implementation Unit

Lao Competitiveness and Trade Project (Project No. P164813)

International Consultant on ASYCUDA Customization
(Ref. No. B2.1.4)

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) of the Government of Lao PDR has received financing from the World Bank, Australia, Ireland and USAID toward the cost of the Lao PDR Competitiveness and Trade Project (LCTP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The NIU is now seeking an experienced individual for the position of International Consultant on ASYCUDA Customization. The objective of this assignment is to assist Lao Customs Department (LCD) to review, develop, improve, and upgrade the ASYCDA System to achieve improved functionality; make it more user-friendly; provide enhanced data integrity; facilitate the creation of automated and customized reports; support the development of a dashboard; improve online accessibility, ensure compliance with the Department’s information classification and access control policy; ensure that the system is more secure and conforms to best security practice. In addition, the consultant will strengthen the ASYCUDA System’s functionality for data cleaning, processing, analysis, report generation by LCD and other line departments for risk profiling, selectivity assessment, policy making and analytical research.

The services of the International Consultant on ASYCUDA customization will be required on part time basis for 09 person-months (from February to December 2022). The work will be a combination of remote and on-field assistance based at LCD, Ministry of Finance, Vientiane, Lao PDR. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of LCD. The consultant will also be required to work in close cooperation with other government agencies, the World Bank Task Team based in Vientiane, and key stakeholders involved in this assignment. Full ToR can be accessed at the NIU’s website: http://www.t4dlaos.org/vacancies/

To qualify for the assignment, a prospective candidate shall meet the following requirements:

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in information management technology, applied computer sciences or related fields.
• Certification or proven extensive work experience in an appropriate VM ware equivalent, and Network Configuration & Analysis.
• Minimum ten years of working experience in statistics related ICT application design and development, including web portals, databases, statistical systems, file archiving or management systems etc.
• Proven record on successful completion of similar assignment in the past 2 years, directly related to ASYCUDA system, preferably in Lao PDR or SEA region; such experience with government institutions (e.g. ministries and other state institutions) is an asset.
• Strong knowledge on databases; web application development (including API application development, and data analysis as well as the use of advanced data analytic tools); cloud technology; server; networking, security implementation of similar projects.
• A detailed knowledge of the ASYCUDA system will be critical for the assignment.
• Knowledge of Commodity Databases and Commodity or Customs Goods Classification under the WCO HS Code system is an advantage.
• Proven experience of working within a trade related government institution in a hands-on advisory and capacity building role on trade facilitation.
• Excellent communication and capacity building skills, including the conduct of training in the ICT field, writing reports, email management and interpersonal skills to facilitate dialogue with various government agencies, engage with senior and technical staff.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Lao language is not mandatory, but is a strong advantage.

The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank 'Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, July 2016, revised November 2017 and August 2018 edition, under Individual Consultants (IC) selection method. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the said Regulations, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Interested applicants should submit their applications and provide information indicating that you are qualified to perform the services (curriculum vitae with expressions of interest and references). Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below or no later than February 21, 2022, 16:00 o’clock (submissions via email are also acceptable). Only Short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Attn: Mr. Phouvieng Phongsa, Director General, NIU Program Director

CC: Ms. Soumatsa Soulivong, Procurement Assistant

National Implementation Unit (NIU), Ministry of Industry and Commerce

Ban Phonxay, Xaysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

Tel: +856 (21) 41 39 16; Fax: +856 (21) 41 39 16,

E-mail: procurement@laosaft.org CC: Soumatsa.s@laosaft.org; thanakone.o@laosaft.org