Connectivity Specialist

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: Connectivity Specialist

Individual/Firm: Individual

Duty Station: Hargeisa

Deadline: June 5, 2024

Ref No. SO-MICT-SL-402415-CS-INDV

A.    Background

The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Operation (EA-RDIP) (2023-2028) is geared towards addressing some of the connectivity gap 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.

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 connectivity specialist will serve as the principal technical advisor, project manager, and point of contact for all endeavors pertaining to digital infrastructure and broadband access that are envisioned within the project, including providing policy and regulatory support for the development of the broadband market, cross-border terrestrial connectivity, and last-mile connectivity. He will assist in the organization of associated technical support and activities funded by the project, working together with relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries to identify and address emerging gaps and requirements, offer expert guidance, ensure efficient planning, seamless execution, sufficient quality control, monitoring, maintenance, and assistance. The connectivity specialist will assist the procurement specialist in handling the technical aspects of procurement and contract management for related activities: (i) Assist relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries in preparing, refining, and reviewing technical terms of reference and bidding documents, as well as related selections; (ii) Serve as a point of contact for contracted consultants and firms regarding the completion of technical assignments; (iii) Coordinate with all parties involved to ensure that activities are delivered within agreed timelines and meet the required technical specifications. He will keep up-to-date with developing trends in the broadband market and digital infrastructure to provide guidance to management and project stakeholders on new developments and best practices that may have a positive impact on project design and planning, including completing necessary ad hoc research. The connectivity specialist will assist in the creation and establishment of the M&E framework design while monitoring the progress and specific technical KPIs to ensure that the growth of the broadband market results in achieving the desired subscription and device penetration numbers, as well as network usage and resilience. He will assist in the formulation and evaluation of enabling policies, guidelines, and processes (e.g., pertaining to access), as required, in collaboration with pertinent stakeholders, and guarantee that the corresponding standards are integrated into the activity design and delivery. The connectivity specialist will conduct on-site visits to review the progress of activities such as scheme rollout or infrastructure deployment and flagging issues and suggesting appropriate solutions to ensure the desired impact is achieved to the fullest extent.

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 Project Connectivity Specialist should have the following minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, ICT, Telcom Engineering, or equivalent, with a minimum 7 years of relevant work experience; or

Master’s Degree (preferred) in Network Engineering, ICT, Telcom Engineering, or equivalent, with a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience.

Industry certifications and project management certification is an added advantage.

Extensive experience of designing and implementing digital infrastructure and access initiatives, incorporating best practice. Prior experience of working on government and/or donor-funded and IT infrastructure related projects preferred;

Knowledge of Somaliland context, and the sensitivity to the underlying social, economic and cultural context in particular will be considered as an advantage.

Experience working with development partners in the capacity of a technical specialist or project management, including World Bank, AfDB or others is advantageous.

Demonstrated knowledge of key regulatory and policy issues related to the telecommunication sector and broadband market development - e.g., competition, affordability, quality of service (QoS), local content, spectrum management and infrastructure sharing etc. Familiarity with the digital inclusion and universal broadband access agenda, as it pertains to Somalia, including experience of working on related initiatives

Ability to research and analyze technology problems, issues, and program requirements, as well as develop related solutions;

Extensive experience of dealing with the private sector, digital infrastructure and IT providers and managing related contracts and providing related quality assurance.

Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, methods of ICT and infrastructure-project planning, monitoring, and evaluation;

D. Reporting

The Connectivity 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 Connectivity 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.

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 June 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm

Email Address: [email protected]

Address of the Ministry: 107, Abu Baker Al Siddiq Road, Durya, 26-June, Hargeisa, 90602