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: Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Individual/Firm: Individual

Duty Station: Hargeisa

Deadline: February 28, 2024

Ref No. SO-MICT-SL-409183-CS-INDV

  1. 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.

 

  1. Responsibilities

The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will be responsible for the overall monitoring and evaluation of the project. The responsibilities of the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist include, but are not limited to, monitoring the physical and financial progress of the project and managing the project’s overall monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that the project is on track to meeting its development objectives, its expected outputs and outcomes, and its intended beneficiaries. He or she should establish an M&E system and improve the monitoring and reporting in the project across all components to ensure that the expected project development objectives are being achieved, provide all necessary information in a timely manner to the PIU, World Bank, and M&E staff at the field, and supervise M&E staff in the field to ensure proper reporting and data collection. The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will monitor and follow up to ensure that all monitoring activities identified in planning manuals, M&E frameworks, and other tools are properly implemented and used at the field level and propose measures for strengthening systems, implementation modalities, and work planning when needed.

 

S/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 the application (in person or by e-mail) provided below.

 

 

  1. Selection Criteria

The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist should have the following minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in development field, social science, economics, or relevant discipline, Master’s degree or above in these fields is decirable.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a performance monitoring and evaluation role with national and international development organization.
  • Proven experience of MIS/GIS/Database (establishment, training and operationalization) is mandatory requirement for consideration for this position.
  • Demonstrated ability in data analysis, project design, monitoring, and evaluation of development activities.
  • Experience developing results frameworks, logical frameworks, or similar tools for project design is required.
  • Experience developing and/or using performance management plans or similar tools is required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in monitoring and evaluating programs including indicator development, study design, and data analysis in multiple sectors.
  • Experience using knowledge management software or database is highly desired.
  • Good knowledge and working experience of the World Bank Group's Operational Procedures.
  • Proficiency in interpersonal, writing, and communication skills is required, along with fluency in English and a deep understanding of Somali culture.

 

  1. Duration

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant (Section V) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

The successful candidate will be engaged for a period of 12 months renewable subject to outstanding performance and availability of budget.

D. Reporting

The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will report to the PIU coordinator. 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 Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist shall be contracted for an initial 12 months.

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 February 28, 2024 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