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: Environmental Specialist

Individual/Firm: Individual

Duty Station: Hargeisa          

Deadline: February 27, 2024

Ref No. SO-MICT-SL-404482-CS-INDV

A. Background

Through World Bank’s support, ‘The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Operation’ (EA-RDIP) (2023-2028) seeks to address connectivity needs for countries in the Horn of Africa region. The 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, and compliance with Environment and Social Framework (ESF) requirements for the project.

B. Responsibilities

The Environmental Specialist will provide general environmental risk management expertise to the EA-RDIP project and conduct environmental screening and scoping of project activities with the objective of determining risks to the biophysical environment. The Environmental Specialist will manage the reporting, monitoring, and implementation of environmental guidelines to ensure compliance with national environmental requirements and the World Bank’s ESF and Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). The Environmental Specialist implements and, where necessary, updates project-level risk management instruments in as far as they relate to emerging environmental risks and impacts, in close collaboration with the Project Coordinator and Social Specialist. The instruments include the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), the Labour Management Procedures (LMP), the Security Risk Assessment Management Framework (SRAMF), and the E-Waste Management Plan (EWMP). The Environmental Specialists will also implement project risk mitigation strategies as outlined in the Environmental Commitment Plan (ECP) and the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF). He or she should carry out annual environmental audits for sub-projects financed by the project in Somaliland to establish compliance with the already-approved ESF instruments; Examine the procurement documents and verify that all pertinent elements relating to the management of environmental risks, as identified in the project’s ESCP and other ESF instruments, have been appropriately integrated and budgeted for; Collaborate with the project procurement staff to ensure that contracts for goods and services appropriately incorporate environmental aspects and that suppliers and contractors are informed of their responsibilities in this regard in a timely manner. He or she will guarantee the acquisition of requisite environmental authorizations and permits in instances where they are required and provide assistance in the monitoring process to verify that the contractors and consultants adhere to the environmental requirements outlined in their individual contracts.

The Environmental Specialist, as mandated by the World Bank, contributes to periodic, semi-annual, and annual progress reports on project implementation and undertakes additional duties as reasonably directed by the Project Coordinator.

C. Selection Criteria

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 environmental sciences, sociology, development studies or related fields. A Master’s degree or above in these fields is desirable.

Minimum of five years relevant professional work experience in environmental impact assessments, environmental risk assessment, environmental audits, legal and policy review, and formulation of project action plans for environmental safeguard management in projects financed by international donor agencies (preferably the World Bank).

Proficiency in the World Bank's Environment and Social Framework (ESF) and the Environmental and Social Standards (ESS), along with practical experience in ESF and its application in development projects.

Proven ability to provide guidance and assistance in the preparation and assessment of environmental aspects of projects, contractual and financial aspects of delivering development projects, knowledge of investment program identification at every stage, design and documentation of technical sector programs, and implementation experience.

Proficiency in establishing and sustaining productive communication with senior government officials, project management offices, implementing agency officers, and both national and international consultants.

Proficiency in interpersonal, writing, and communication skills is required, along with fluency in English and a deep understanding of Somali culture.

D. Reporting            

The Environmental 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 Environmental 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.

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: [email protected]                                                               

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