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: Project Coordinator

Individual/Firm: Individual

Duty Station: Hargeisa

Deadline: August 10, 2023

Ref No. SO-MICT-SL-354671-CS-INDV



A.  Background
Through World Bank’s support, ‘The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (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
For project coordination activities the project coordinator is responsible for the overall management of the EARDIP and will be expected to ensure efficient, effective and timely implementation of the project while ensuring that funds are used for the intended purposes and carry out the Project implementation in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth or referred to in the project guidelines. Also assist the Ministry leadership to coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the Project and bring together technical as well as other stakeholders on board by providing a platform for technical and policy dialogue at the same time bare the overall responsibility for the contractual reporting requirements (Prepare progress reports, bi-annual reports as well as the Completion Report with the support of the M&E Expert). The project coordinator will ensure that a financial management system is maintained in accordance with the provisions of the “Project Guidelines” and other documents related to the Project in consultation with the Finance team and the world bank TTLs with project activities adhering to the project’s environment and social safeguard frameworks;
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 application (in person or by E-mail) provided below.  


C.  Selection criteria
This is a leadership/management position requiring skills for a result-oriented, commitment to bottom-up decision-making model, community-driven approach and strong stakeholder engagement. 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 Telecommunication Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or any other discipline related to the field. Masters in any related field will be preferred.
  • 5 years or more of hands-on experience in managing projects related to technology development.
  • Work experience or coordination with Digital Integration Projects will be an added advantage.
  • Demonstrated experience in contracting and management of consultants (individuals and firms);
  • Strong understanding of best-practice approaches to monitoring;
  • A drive for results in a relatively high-volume, quick-paced program environment, creativity and analytical capability required to respond to evolving program demands and current events;
  • Demonstrated computer skills literacy.
  • Written and spoken fluency in Somali and English;
  • Experience of dealing with different stakeholders including different levels of governments, national and international research institutions, development partners, civil society and communities.
  • Good understanding of ICT and Telecommunication industry,
  • Working experience in a similar environment.
  • Ready for flexible working hours and extensive workload as well as frequent field travel to support project implementation at the community level.

 

D.  REPORTING
The PIU Coordinator will report to the Director General of Ministry of information and communication Technology. 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 PIU Coordinator 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