TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

Review and Update GDA's Organizational Strategy

Location: Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

1. Background

The Gender Development Association (GDA) is a Lao non-profit association dedicated to promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and the rights of everyone, particularly marginalized groups. Established from the Women in Development (WID) Network in 1991, it evolved into the Gender Development Group (GDG) in 1996 and was officially registered under the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2012. Since December 2025, GDA has operated under the Party Central Committee for Organization and Personnel (CCOP). GDA works with government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and local communities to integrate gender-responsive and gender-transformative approaches into policies, programs, and services. Its work focuses on women's leadership, economic empowerment, gender-based violence prevention, climate change adaptation, reproductive health, and the implementation of CEDAW, while ensuring the meaningful participation of diverse and marginalized populations.

Guided by its mission to promote gender equality, social inclusion, and autonomy through practical action, networking, research, capacity building, and policy dialogue, GDA also strengthens the capacity of civil society organizations to mainstream gender across sectors and supports inclusive decision-making processes. Its vision is a society where the rights, needs, and best interests of all people are equally respected, and through collaborative partnerships and evidence-based advocacy, GDA strives to build a more equitable, inclusive, and resilient society in Laos.

1. Objectives of the Consultancy

The overall objective is to review and assess GDA's existing organizational strategy and provide recommendations for its improvement and updating to ensure alignment with the organization's mandate, capacities, priorities, and the changing development context in Lao PDR.

The specific objectives are to:

• Review the existing organizational strategy: Assess the relevance and appropriateness of GDA's current vision, mission, strategic objectives, and organizational priorities, including progress in implementation, key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Assess organizational capacity and strategic positioning: Examine GDA's organizational strengths, weaknesses, institutional capacity, strategic gaps, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and opportunities for collaboration.
• Analyse the changing development context: Examine the relevance of GDA's strategic priorities in relation to current and emerging development issues, including gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate resilience, sustainable development, and community empowerment. Identify potential opportunities, risks, and challenges affecting GDA's future development and sustainability.
• Develop recommendations and an updated organizational strategy: Provide practical recommendations and propose clear strategic directions, objectives, and priorities to strengthen GDA's organizational effectiveness, relevance, and long-term sustainability for the coming years.

1. Scope of Work

The selected consultant will work closely with GDA management, staff, and relevant stakeholders to undertake the following tasks:

• Task 1: Desk Review and Document Analysis
• Review GDA's existing organizational strategy, vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Review relevant organizational documents, policies, reports, project documents, organizational assessments, and previous evaluations.
• Examine the alignment between GDA's existing strategy and its actual programmes, activities, and institutional development.
• Identify key achievements, implementation gaps, and areas requiring improvement.
• Task 2: Organizational Assessment and Stakeholder Consultation
• Conduct consultations with GDA's Board, management, and staff.
• Gather perspectives from relevant government partners, development partners, donors, and other stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Assess GDA's organizational capacity, governance, management systems, human resources, financial sustainability, partnerships, and programme implementation.
• Identify internal and external factors affecting GDA's organizational performance and future direction.
• Task 3: Strategic Analysis
• Analyse GDA's current strategic position using appropriate tools, such as SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, or other relevant frameworks.
• Assess whether GDA's current vision, mission, and strategic objectives reflect its mandate and comparative strengths.
• Identify emerging development trends, opportunities, and risks relevant to GDA's work.
• Identify strategic priorities and areas where GDA should strengthen its institutional and programme capacities.
• Task 4: Strategy Review and Recommendations
• Develop recommendations for improving GDA's vision, mission, strategic objectives, and strategic priorities, where necessary.
• Propose strategic directions that reflect GDA's mandate, institutional capacity, and future ambitions.
• Recommend practical approaches to strengthen organizational effectiveness, institutional sustainability, resource mobilization, and partnerships.
• Ensure GEDSI, safeguarding, and environmental and social considerations are appropriately integrated into the strategic direction.

• Task 5: Presentation and Validation
• Present the preliminary findings and proposed recommendations to GDA management and staff.
• Facilitate a validation workshop to gather feedback and ensure ownership of the proposed strategic direction.
• Incorporate feedback and finalize the organizational strategy review report and updated strategy document.

1. Expected Deliverables

The consultant is expected to submit the following deliverables:

No.
Deliverable
Description

1
Inception Report
Understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, work plan, and consultation plan

2
Organizational Strategy Review Report
Assessment of the current strategy, achievements, challenges, institutional gaps, and strategic analysis

3
Draft Updated Organizational Strategy
Proposed vision, mission, strategic objectives, strategic priorities, and implementation recommendations

4
Validation Workshop
Presentation of findings and facilitation of a consultation and validation session with GDA

5
Final Documents
Final strategy review report and updated organizational strategy incorporating feedback from GDA

1. Proposed Duration and Timeline

The consultancy is expected to be completed within approximately 30–45 working days, depending on the agreed methodology and scope.

The detailed timeline and schedule will be agreed upon between GDA and the selected consultant during the inception phase.

1. Required Qualifications and Experience

GDA is seeking an individual consultant or consulting firm with the following qualifications and experience:

• A Master's degree or higher in Strategic Management, Development Studies, Organizational Development, Public Administration, Management, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in organizational strategy development, strategic planning, organizational assessment, or institutional development.
• Demonstrated experience in reviewing and developing organizational strategies for NGOs, civil society organizations, or development institutions.
• Strong understanding of the development context in Lao PDR and experience working with local organizations and development partners.
• Knowledge and understanding of gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), sustainable development, and civil society development.
• Strong analytical, facilitation, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate participatory consultation processes.
• Fluency in English is required.

1. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report directly to GDA's designated focal person or management representative.

The consultant will work in close coordination with GDA management and relevant staff throughout the assignment. GDA will provide access to relevant organizational documents, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and coordinate meetings and workshops as necessary.

1. Application Requirements

Interested individual consultants or consulting firms are invited to submit the following documents:

• Technical Proposal, including:
• Understanding of the assignment and proposed approach.
• Proposed methodology and tools.
• Work plan and timeline.
• Financial Proposal, including a detailed breakdown of professional fees, travel costs, workshop costs, and other relevant expenses, if applicable.
• Updated CV(s) of the proposed consultant(s), highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
• Relevant Experience, including examples of similar assignments and references, where available.

1. Submission of Applications

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications electronically to:

• Organization: Gender Development Association (GDA)
• Email: info@gdalaos.org and copy phouvanhse@gmail.com
• Subject: Application – Consultancy to Review and Update GDA's Organizational Strategy.
• Deadline: Nov 13, 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment or interviews.