GOVERNMENT OF SOMALILAND

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

THE EASTERN AFRICA REGIONAL DIGITAL INTEGRATION PROJECT (EA-RDIP)

 (2023-2028)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

Individual Selection of Consultant

 

Country: Government of Somaliland

Project ID No.  P176181

Name of the Project: Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project

Consulting Service: Financial Management Specialist

Individual/Firm: Individual

Duty Station: Hargeisa

Deadline: August 10, 2023

Ref No. SO-MICT-SL-354679-CS-INDV

 


A. Background
Through World Bank’s support, ‘The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Operation (EA-RDIP) (2023-2028) is being prepared to address connectivity needs for countries in the Horn of Africa region. The proposed program aims to advance the regional integration of digital markets Eastern Africa through supporting cross-border connectivity, harmonization of data and e-commerce regulations and policies, and removal of trade barriers, with the vision of establishing a Single Digital Market (SDM). Regional efforts to move towards an SDM is envisioned to have economic and welfare gains to all participating economies and will be especially beneficial for smaller economies to tap larger regional markets for economic expansion. It is proposed for the project components to follow the SDM framework and for participating countries (Somaliland, South Sudan & Somalia in phase 1) to tailor each component for its investment and technical assistance needs.

Specifically, in Somaliland, EA-RDIP will support the Government of Somaliland to establish digital connectivity and integrate with the regional digital market. EA-RDIP aims to increase access to broadband and digital services through the development and integration of digital markets in the Eastern Africa region. The proposed interventions will provide investment financing to address connectivity infrastructure gaps and technical assistance to ensure regional harmonization of regulations and standards towards the development of the regional digital market for the countries in the Horn of Africa region.  The project has four components, as briefly described below

  • Component 1. Connectivity Market Development and Integration. This component will provide support to develop terrestrial cross-border connectivity and expand backbone and last-mile connectivity to rural and remote communities.
  • Component 2. Data Market Development and Integration. This component will provide support to the integration and development of the data market, to enable secure exchange, storage and processing of data across borders, including strengthening the environment for cybersecurity.
  • Component 3. Online Market Development and Integration. This component will provide support to the integration and development of the online market, through targeted support for e-service enablers and digital skills.
  • Component 4. Project Management and implementation. This component will provide technical assistance and capacity support for project preparation and implementation.

EA-RDIP in Somaliland will be implemented by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT). A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be set up at the MICT which will be responsible for overall implementation, fiduciary, Environment and Social Framework (ESF) compliance for the project.


B. Responsibilities
The overall responsibility of this position is to provide guidance and assistance in financial management and accounting procedures in compliance with the World Bank financial management regulations and accounting procedures for Borrowers and as appropriate with the Somaliland financial management policies, regulations and procedures specifically, Maintain all accounting records in line with approved accounting standards and in line with the World Bank’s regulations as outlined in EAFS manual, Project Implementation Manual and Government’s regulations. The FMS be responsible for fixed assets management by ensuring that the fixed assets register is promptly updated and physical verification is done at least twice a year as guided by EAFS manual and project PIM, Render periodic reports, (i.e. monthly/quarterly/annually) in the formats approved by the World Bank and in line with the project documents and financing agreement, Where applicable, ensure that the required World Bank No Objection letters relating to an expenditure is available before effecting payment.

She/he will undertake all the other specific tasks detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) that can be found at the following www.mict.govsomaliland.org/articles/jobs  or can be provided upon submission of application (in person or by E-mail) provided below.  


C. Selection criteria
The Project Financial Management Specialist position requires financial management skills The selection shall be based on qualification, experience and skills of the candidate and followed by an interview. The qualifications, experience and competencies include: -

  • Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business administration (Accounting), MBA in finance is preferred.
  • Professional qualification in financial management, registered by and attained final qualification of any financial management related recognized professional body e.g. CIPFA IPFM, ACCA, CPA etc.; would be added advantage.
  • The Project Financial Management Specialist should have demonstrable experience in Public Financial Management.
  • At least 5 years of experience in financial management or audit, preferably at least 2 years of post-qualification experience in financial management directly relevant to public sector or international development organization;
  • Familiarity with public sector financial management would be a distinct advantage.

 

D. REPORTING
The FMS to report administratively to the Ministry leadership and Project Coordinator and technically to the Accountant General; In addition, he/she will perform his/her duties under the overall guidance of the World Bank Task Team Leader(s).

E. TIMING Duration of Assignment:
The Finance Specialist shall be contracted for an initial one and half year period.
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned services. Interested consultants must provide the following: (i) Curriculum Vitae (CV) with 3 reference persons; (ii) copies of certificates of academic qualifications; and (iii) cover letter indicating that they are qualified to perform the services.

 

F. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to section III, para 3.14,3.16 & 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Projects Financing Goods, Works, Non -Consulting and Consulting Services, July 2016, revised November 2017, August 2018 and November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations.

Interested applicants may obtain further information including a detailed Terms of Reference from the Ministry in person or by e-mail to the address given below during office hours from 8.00 a.m.– 4.00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday.
Deadline: Expressions of interest and CV must be delivered to the address below by email on or before August 10, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Email Address: recruitment.mict@Sldgov.org
Address of the Ministry: 107, Abu Baker Al Siddiq Road, Durya, 26-June, Hargeisa, 90602