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: Social Development Specialist

Individual/Firm: Individual

Duty Station: Hargeisa

Deadline: February 27, 2024

Ref No. SO-MICT-SL-404485-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 Social Development Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that the Project’s social outcomes are achieved, and that any adverse impacts are effectively avoided and/or mitigated in a timely manner. Duties/responsibilities of the Social Development Specialist include development of mechanisms, modalities and timelines for the timely implementation of the Environmental and Social (E&S) as detailed in the approved Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP); Support continuous stakeholder and community engagements and consultations, including the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan; Monitor the contractors’ compliance with social, and gender aspects of the project, ensure inclusive and genuine stakeholders’ engagement; Seek clearance of the E&S instruments as necessary and ensure that E&S reports are developed according to the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and other relevant national laws.

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.

C. Selection Criteria

The Social Development Specialist should have the following minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Law, Community Development or relevant social science fields, Master’s degree or above in these fields is desirable.

At least five years’ experience in the social development field with a focus on stakeholder and community engagements, inclusion, gender and GBV, complaints and grievances management, vulnerable and minorities, disability, displaced populations and refugee/returnee influx.

Broad understanding of the national policies, laws and regulations on social issues above and familiarity of World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF)

Fluency in Somali and English, with the ability to produce good quality written products in both languages.

Good experience of managing grievance and complaints systems within a public or private-sector programme.

Excellent understanding and commitment to social inclusion, conflict mitigation, labour management, stakeholder engagement and participatory development.

D. Reporting

The Social Development 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 Social Development 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 27, 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