REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

Country:         Federal Government of Somalia (FGS)

Name of the Project: Somalia Productive, Resilient, and Inclusive Growth (SPRING)

Assignment Title: Regional Trade Integration Advisor

Project ID:     P501662

Individual/Firm:   Individual Selection

Deadline for submission of EOI: April 12 ,2026 at 4:00pm

Ref No.   SO-MOF-531450-CS-INDV

1.       Background: In May 2025, the Federal Republic of Somalia, through its Ministry of Finance (MoF) launched the Somalia Productive, Resilient, and Inclusive Growth (SPRING) project. The project development objective is to promote private sector-led growth and job creation by improving the business-enabling environment, strengthening the financial system, and enhancing access to finance.  

The SPRING project is organized around four components (three mutually-reinforcing and one supporting): (i) Component 1: Improving the enabling environment for the private sector; (ii) Component 2: Deepening financial sector reforms and strengthening institutional capacity; (iii) Component 3: Enhancing access to finance and resilience for MSMEs; and (iv) Component 4: Project Management. A wide range of activities will be implemented as part of this project to reach its development objective, such as improvements to regulatory/institutional frameworks, the rollout of the digital ID system, financial sector reforms, the creation of a risk-sharing mechanism, and the provision of business development services for micro, small and medium enterprises in select economic sectors, among others.

The MoF received US$105 million from the World Bank, including US$10 million from the Somalia Multi-Partner Fund to implement the SPRING project. As part of this initiative, under Component 1, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) is strengthening its role in Advancing regional trade integration through Somalia’s accession to the East African Community (EAC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The MoF intends to apply for part of the proceeds from the World Bank to finance the position of Regional Trade Integration Advisor for the WTO. To ensure alignment of national trade policies with regional commitments and to maximize the benefits of integration, the SPRING Project will support Somalia’s accession to the East African Community (EAC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Advisor to provide strategic and technical advisory support to MoCI. The Specialist will provide high-level strategic, technical, and policy advisory support to MoCI in formulating, negotiating, and implementing regional trade integration frameworks that enhance market access, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen the country’s position in regional and continental trade platforms.

2.        Responsibilities: The Advisor will provide strategic and technical support for Somalia’s accession to the East African Community and the World Trade Organization by developing a National Trade Strategy, advising on trade policy and negotiations, conducting policy analysis, strengthening institutional coordination, engaging key stakeholders, and building government capacity. Key outputs will include an inception report, a national trade strategy and accession roadmap, policy briefs, stakeholder consultations, training activities, a monitoring framework etc. All other specific tasks detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website link: https://moci.gov.so/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TOR-for-Regional-Trade-Integration-Advisor.pdf

1.       Skills and qualifications

 Selection Criteria: The selection shall be based on the qualifications, experience and skills of the candidate and followed by an interview. The qualifications, experience and competencies include:

•             Advanced degree (Master’s in International Trade, Economics, Law, Public Policy, or related field. PHD is added advantage

•             Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in trade policy, regional integration, or international economic cooperation.

•             Demonstrated expertise in AfCFTA, EAC, and regional economic communities (RECs) frameworks.

•             Proven track record in high-level policy advisory, negotiation, and institutional reform.

•             Strong analytical, diplomatic, and communication skills.

•             Fluency in English required; regional languages is an asset.

2.       Duration: The proposed duration for the assignment is Twelve Months (12) calendar months from starts date.

3.       The Ministry of Ministry of Finance now invites eligible consulting (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services and furnish the Curriculum Vitae (CV).

4.      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 dated in September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.    

1.      A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations.

2.      Interested Consultant may obtain further information (in person or by e-mail) at the address below during office hours from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday except on public holidays.

3.        Deadline for submission: Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by April 12, 2026, at 4:00pm (Somalia Local time)

Attention; Project Coordinator

SCALED-UP Project

Ministry of Finance

Federal Government of Somalia

Shangani District, Mogadishu, Somalia

Email Address:  [email protected]