Procurement 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: Procurement Specialist 

Individual/Firm: Individual

Duty Station: Hargeisa

 Deadline: May 8, 2024 

Ref No. SO-MICT-SL-418822-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 Procurement Specialist will be expected to carry out the following tasks; Prepare the Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD) that describes how procurement will support the development objectives of the project and deliver value for money, given local market context, provide advice and ensure that all the procurement activities of the project conform and are compliant with the POM and World Bank Procurement Regulations, Prepare other procurement and Procurement documents, including Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Bids (RFB), Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI), in close collaboration with technical specialists and concerned stakeholders,  Prepare Requests for No-objection for the World Bank for stages of procurement activities as required by Bank Procurement Regulations, Ensure timely reception of the goods/services/works of the various contracts financed by the project, Prepare periodical procurement reports, Publish invitations to bidders and prepare General Procurement Notice (GPN), Specific Procurement Notices (SPNs) and request for expressions of interest to be advertised.

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. 

A.    Selection Criteria

The Project Procurement Specialist should have the skills and qualification required for the position. The selection shall be based on qualification, experience and skills of the candidate and followed by an interview. The qualifications, experience and competencies include: -

·         University degree from an accredited university in relevant discipline (e.g. Procurement Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Accounting & Finance, or equivalent). A Master’s degree in any of the disciplines is preferred.

·         A minimum of at least 7 years of direct relevant experience including broad expertise in the management of procurement in the public sector or private sector.

·         Minimum of 3 years’ experience in implementing procurement actions according to international organizations guidelines such as World Bank, African Development Bank, United Nations etc., for procurement of goods, works and services.

·         The candidate should have knowledge and understanding of project planning and implementation.

·         Technical knowledge of ICT-related procurement is considered a distinct advantage;

·         Excellent computer skills for Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Internet use.

·         Written and spoken fluency in English required.

·         Experience of working in a similar environment

B.     Reporting

The Procurement 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).

C.    Duration of Assignment

The Procurement Specialist shall be contracted for an initial twelve months 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.

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 May 8, 2024 at 12:00 pm

Email Address: [email protected]

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