National Consultant to Prepare a Policy Brief on Sustainable Rubber Management

Project Name: Mekong Region Land Governance Project (MRLG)
Location: Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Duration: 10 Working Days (1–26 June 2025)

I. Background

The rubber sector in Lao PDR has expanded significantly over the past two decades, contributing to rural development, employment, and foreign investment. However, challenges related to land use planning, environmental sustainability, and market compliance persist. As international markets tighten requirements—such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EU-DR), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, and emerging carbon credit mechanisms—there is a growing need to align national policies and corporate practices in the rubber value chain with global sustainability standards.

The Mekong Region Land Governance Project (MRLG), in partnership with Oxfam in Laos and other stakeholders, aims to promote responsible investment and sustainable land management. In this context, it is critical to engage rubber companies and national stakeholders in policy dialogue, based on well-informed recommendations that reflect both national priorities and international obligations.

II. Objective

To develop a concise and practical Policy Brief on Sustainable Rubber Management that will:

• Engage rubber companies in aligning with national and international standards such as EU-DR, FSC certification, and carbon market mechanisms;
• Propose policy options and incentives for improved compliance and sustainability;
• Contribute to dialogue with policymakers, private sector actors, and development partners on enhancing responsible investment in the rubber sector.

III. Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for:

1. Reviewing existing national and regional rubber sector policies, laws, and international frameworks (e.g., EU-DR, FSC, VPA-FLEGT, carbon credit standards).
2. Consulting with key stakeholders including government agencies, rubber companies, certification bodies, and civil society (online is preferred).
3. Identifying policy gaps and opportunities for promoting responsible and sustainable rubber production.
4. Drafting a 5–7-page policy brief that includes:
• Key findings
• Policy recommendations
• Strategies for engagement with private sector and regulators
5. Presenting the draft policy brief for stakeholder feedback and finalizing it based on inputs received.

IV. Methodology

• Desk Review: National laws, international regulations, sustainability frameworks.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Government (MAF, MoNRE), rubber companies, industry associations (e.g., Lao Rubber Association), civil society, FSC national contact, carbon consultants.
• Drafting: Use accessible and persuasive language aimed at both policymakers and business actors.
• Validation: One consultation session to refine recommendations.

V. Deliverables and Timeline

VI. Consultant Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies, Environmental Economics, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in policy research, sustainable land/agriculture management, or forestry sector development.
• Proven experience in preparing policy briefs or influencing documents for national and international audiences.
• Knowledge of international frameworks such as EU-DR, FSC, and voluntary carbon markets.
• Experience in working with the Lao government and private sector stakeholders is an advantage.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English and Lao is required.

VII. Management and Reporting

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Mekong Land Governance Project team at Oxfam in Laos and in coordination with relevant partners. All deliverables must be submitted in both English and Lao (if possible) and will be reviewed and approved by Oxfam before finalization

VIII. Application process

Interested consultants should submit the required documents no later than 12 June 2025 at 23:59 ICT in the electronic form to https://jobs.oxfamnovib.nl/job-invite/14023/  and Douangchanh.lopaying@oxfam.org. Please indicate the following reference in the subject line : National Consultant to Prepare a Policy Brief on Sustainable Rubber Management in Lao PDR 

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.