National Researcher – Economic Opportunities for Youth

Background:

Lao PDR has so far produced five NHDRs. The latest NHDR, published in 2017, explored the development challenges in the Lao PDR in the context of a Least Developed Country. The report identifies policy recommendations for the country in preparing for graduation from the LDC status by 2024. One of the key challenges was that Lao PDR had a relatively low level of human capital. For instance, compared to the ASEAN countries, Lao PDR’s workforce is “the least literate and numerate”. With the young population expecting to increase in the coming years, addressing these issues will require careful assessment in order for the country to gain benefits from the so-called “Demographic Dividend”. The demographic transition will have significant implication for Lao PDR provided that appropriate policy interventions are implemented to improve the skills of the workforce to provide more and better-paying job opportunities to the skilled workforce. To this end, investing in human capital must be accompanied by creating a better business enabling environment for the private sector.
The theme for NHDR 2021 focuses on harnessing the potential of youth and their roles in supporting the country to achieve the national development plan by 2025, a smooth transition from LDC graduation by 2026, and sustainable development goals in 2030. Four areas are identified: 1) the role of youth engagement in the national planning development process; 2) human resource requirements and skill development allowing for a demographic dividend to be realised; 3) economic opportunities for youth, including social protection, labour migration, and the role of technology and innovation supporting youth empowerment; and 4) understanding social norms and social problems that pose barriers for youth to become productive and responsible members of the society. The report will also consider the impacts of COVID-19 on youth development across the selected thematic chapters, including how it has been disrupting education and employment opportunities. (for detail, see the Draft NDHR 2021 Concept Note).

Requirements:

• Advanced degree in economics, public policy, development studies, social sciences or related fields.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in academia or research institutions, with a focus on socio-economic analysis, experience with gendered analysis and the development of composite indices, and youth policy.
• Relevant working experiences in conducting policy research, participating in, organizing, and quality controlling policy research and debates and conducting policy advocacy; experiences in preparing HDRs/NHDRs are assets.
• Sound knowledge and understandings of Human Development concepts and approaches as experiences in applying these to policy questions as well as on HDR/NHDR processes.
• Experience with preparation of regional or national HDR will be highly desirable;
• Good understanding of Lao political and economic context is an asset;