Introduction

The National Regulatory Authority (NRA) and Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) require a comprehensive assessment of the current staff remuneration package, including but not limited to the salary scale and allowances. This should also include a comparison with the rewards paid by other operators in the HMA sector. While it may not be possible to ensure parity with the different HMA operators immediately, consideration needs to be made of how that could be achieved in a stepped fashion in a reasonable, affordable timeline.

The assessment must include a country visit for face-to-face meetings and consultation with the NRA and UXO Lao and project steering committee members.

Following the assessment, the consultant will utilize this information to recommend affordable, appropriate, and competitive remuneration packages for the NRA and UXO Lao.

OBJECTIVE

The review’s overarching objective is to assist the NRA and UXO Lao in implementing appropriate and affordable staff remuneration packages.

The specific objectives are to:

• Provide the NRA and UXO Lao with detailed recommendations for changes to their staff remuneration package, a suggested new salary scale, and staff benefits (if appropriate).
• Provide the NRA and UXO Lao with detailed recommendations for staff travel, per diem, and accommodation rates for work-related events, meetings, workshops, and domestic and international travel.

The recommendations must consider and integrate the particular operating constraints faced by the NRA and UXO Lao as Government of Lao PDR entities, each with multiple donors, unique contract cycles, and varying funding levels.

SCOPE OF WORK

Data collection:

Compile data on current salary structures, benefits, and other compensation elements from both within the NRA and UXO Lao, and other Lao PDR HMA sector operators.

1. Review of all relevant documentation, including but not limited to:

• The NRA and UXO Lao staff HR handbooks.
• The NRA and UXO Lao HR policy and procedures (if different from immediately above).
• The current NIM salary scale (a review of previous iterations would also be beneficial).
• The NRA and UXO Lao mapping of roles to the NIM salary scale.
• All related UN NIM standards and supporting documentation.
• Lao PDR Labour Law, especially regarding salary, benefits, Social Security, and working conditions.
• All related NRA and UXO Lao donor financial and HR guidelines, and if time allows, the sector’s main donors:
  • US Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement,
  • Japan International Cooperation System
  • UNDP: New Zealand and Lux Development
  • Korea International Cooperation Agency
• All relevant staff remuneration information from other Lao PDR HMA sector operators.
• The job-role Terms of Reference for each position within the NRA and UXO Lao identify where roles and responsibilities do and don’t cross-compare internally and, if possible, with other HMA operators in the Lao PDR HMA sector.
• The most recent Government of Laos decrees and regulations regarding staff travel, per diem, and accommodation rates.

All documents for review will be in English, and a translator will be available if interviews need to be conducted in the Lao language.

Analysis:

• Evaluate the competitiveness and fairness of the current remuneration packages using comparative analysis with the sector benchmarks.
• Analyze external financial factors, including inflation rates and trends in the Lao PDR cost of living.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Organize entry meetings with the:
  • NRA Director General
  • UXO Lao National Programme Director
  • Representatives from the US Embassy, the UNDP, and Tetra Tech
• Obtain formal feedback (via in-person interviews and/or questionnaires) from:
  • Relevant NRA and UXO Lao staff, including each agency’s Chief of HR & Admin Units
  • Representatives from its main stakeholders: UNDP, the US Embassy, and Tetra Tech
• Meet and/or conduct interviews with external agencies as required, including other Lao PDR-based HMA sector operators.

Compliance Review:

• Examine existing remuneration policies and their alignment with local laws.

Reporting:

• Develop a comprehensive report detailing findings, analysis, and recommendations for adjustments to remuneration policies. The recommendations must consider and integrate the particular operating constraints faced by the NRA and UXO Lao as Government of Lao PDR entities, each with multiple donors, unique contract cycles, and varying funding levels.
• Include in the report recommendations for organizational rates for staff travel, per diem, and accommodation, which factor in standing Government of Laos decrees and regulations.
• Draft revised NRA and UXO Lao salary scales and the staff benefits system (if appropriate), including a detailed mapping from the current NIM scale to the proposed new version.
• Draft a descriptor document detailing the specific skills, experience, knowledge, and qualifications required at each grade/level within the proposed new salary scale.
• Present to the NRA DG and UXO Lao NPD and representatives from the US Embassy, UNDP, and Tetra Tech regarding the assessment’s key findings and recommendations.

OUTPUTS / Deliverables

The main output of the review will be a report summarizing the current situation of the NRA and UXO Lao’s staff remuneration, comparing their systems and structures with other similar in-country operators, and detailed recommendations for how things should be structured and managed in the future.

The report should also provide a financial analysis of the implications of the salary review, showing in detail any additional cost implications to the funding partners.

GOVERNANCE/PROVISION OF MONITORING AND PROGREsS CONTROL

The consultant shall report to a Supervisory Committee comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the UNDP, the US Embassy, and Tetra Tech on the deliverables of their work, including a work plan, deadlines, and verification of activities.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT AND REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

The Supervisory Committee will support the selected candidate in liaising and coordinating with relevant stakeholders and Partners to deliver the expectations of this consultancy.

DEGREE OF EXPERTISE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Relevant Professional Experience

• The assessment must be led by an HR expert with a proven track record in reviewing and implementing structural improvements to staff remuneration frameworks across multiple agencies, especially Government organizations, with evidence of recommendations having been implemented by clients.
• The expert should possess excellent analytical, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Laos Labour Law is essential.
• Familiarity with the HMA sector’s specific challenges and requirements would be advantageous.
• Successful completion of salary assessment within the HMA sector is desirable but not essential.

Other Competencies

• Knowledge or experience of the Lao PDR HMA sector is desirable but not essential

Language Requirements

• Strong verbal and written English skills