RFP_004_2026_National Firm Strengthen MSME Digital Capabilities

The selected firm will be working closely with the Inclusive Growth Unit, UNDP Lao PDR, and UNDP Latin America and the Caribbean Hub, and partnering with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be responsible for these following tasks:

Task 1: Support UNDP in Localization and Adaptation of the DIM Methodology

       Contribute to the localization and contextualization of DIM tools, materials, and approaches to ensure relevance to the Lao PDR context and ease of Application by businesses.

       Provide practical feedback on digital tools, technical assistance tools, templates, and training materials based on hands-on experience.

·       Support the adaptation of the methodology to reflect local market conditions, sector priorities, and the needs of businesses.

·       Review, contextualize, and adapt UNDP-defined profiles for business advisors and participating MSMEs to ensure relevance to local economic conditions, market maturity, and digital readiness across different regions and sectors.

Task 2: Support UNDP in the Identification and Participation of Business Advisors in the DIM Training and Certification Programme

·       In collaboration with UNDP, support the identification and selection of at least 20 potential local business advisors to participate in the DIM training programme, based on UNDP-defined profiles and selection criteria.

       Organize and manage outreach and application processes, including dissemination of an open calls, coordination of applications, and first-level screening of candidates, provide technical input into the assessment of candidates; final validation of the selection will be conducted by UNDP.

       Provide comprehensive logistical and operational support for the implementation of the GYB training and certification programme delivered by UNDP.

       Participate in the 10-week structured online training programme on the Digital in Motion (DIM) methodology, which includes at least 3 full-day introductory sessions (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

       Ensure completion of all mandatory training assignments, practical exercises, and peer-learning activities of the core team.

       Support each advisor in applying the methodology with at least one MSME during training.

• Ensure that the nominated business advisors participate in the UNDP certification programme. UNDP will grant the certification of the DIM Methodology to up to 9  advisors at the individual level only, in accordance with UNDP standards and assessment criteria
• Certified business advisors will be retained on UNDP’s roster of qualified consultants for future engagements

Task 3: Coordination, Supervision, Quality Assurance, and Monitoring of Business Advisory Services under the GYB Methodology

·       In collaboration with UNDP and based on the adapted tools and methodology defined in Task 1, support UNDP in the identification of at least 30 potential MSMEs to participate in the DIM programme in Vientiane Capital and Luang Prabang

·       Recruit, coordinate and manage a pool of at least 9 certified DIM business advisors, who will provide tailored, one-on-one advisory services to up to 3 MSMEs[YE1]  across priority sectors (e.g. agriculture, agro-processing, food processing, sustainable tourism, climate tech).

·       Provide technical oversight and quality assurance to ensure that business advisors effectively deliver one-on-one advisory services, including:

o   Digital readiness diagnostics

o   Development of digital improvement plans

o   Support for implementation of digital solutions (e-commerce, digital payments, marketing tools, etc.)

·       Establish and manage a coordination mechanism for business advisors, including communication channels, scheduling, and reporting systems to ensure effective implementation

·       Oversee the deployment and field engagement of business advisors, ensuring regular interaction with assigned MSMEs (at least once per week, in-person or remote as appropriate) to provide hands-on technical support and monitor implementation progress.

·       Monitor and support MSMEs in progressing across digital maturity levels,  ensuring that advisory interventions are coherent with DIM methodology and adapted to enterprise capacity and context.

·       Supervise the delivery of continuous coaching and mentoring by business advisors to MSME owners and management teams, ensuring effective uptake of recommendations and practical application of digital tools.

·       Monitor and track progress of advisors implementation of the toolkit with supported businesses, including:

o   Conducting baseline assessments and business diagnostics

o   Documenting business improvement plans and implementation progress

o   Recording measurable results and performance improvements

·       Provide administrative and logistical support throughout the engagement, including coordination of training participation, MSME matching, and field deployment of advisors in close coordination with UNDP.

       Prepare and submit periodic progress reports to UNDP, ensuring accurate and timely documentation of activities and results.       Provide support in capturing and documenting case studies, success stories, and key lessons learned from implementation to inform programme learning and scale-up.·       Participate in regular technical meetings, reflection sessions, and peer learning exchanges. 

Task 4: Knowledge Sharing, Learning, and Contribution to Scale-Up

• Contribute to knowledge sharing and learning processes to support the scale-up and replication of the Digital in Motion (DIM) methodology in Lao PDR.
• Provide inputs to the evaluation of programme implementation, including identification of key challenges, good practices, and actionable recommendations.
• Support the systematic documentation of lessons learned, evidence, and insights to inform future programme design, policy dialogue, and national scale-up of the DIM methodology.