Embedded Information and Communications Technology Adviser (Individual Consultant)

Job Description

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)
Country: Federal Government of Somalia (FGS)
Name of the Project: Somalia Capacity Advancement, Livelihood and Entrepreneurship, through Digital Uplift Project (SCALED-UP)
Assignment Title: Embedded Information and Communications Technology Adviser (Individual Consultant)
Project ID: P168115
Individual: Individual Selection
Deadline for submission of EOI: 12th October 2024 4:00PM
Ref No. SO-MOF-442737-CS-INDV

1. Background: The Federal Government of Somalia has recently passed a new data protection law – the Somali Data Protection Law (DPL) 2023 – that requires the establishment of Somali Data Protection Authority (DPA) to oversee the implementation of the law. The Authority will be the lead Federal Government body mandated to implement and enforce compliance with the DPL, formulate national regulations related to data protection and privacy. Its mandate also includes: Protecting data subjects from risks related to the processing of their personal data, safeguarding their rights and freedoms under Somalia’s Constitution, promote secure and privacy-conscious data processing, ensure that personal data is handled fairly, lawfully, and accountably, and facilitate the safe transfer of citizens’ data from international organizations to government entities for public services, and they establish a secure framework for government data processing to enhance public welfare, while also increasing the beneficial use of personal data in Somalia’s digital economy and its integration into regional and global markets.

The DPA is a beneficiary of a World Bank-financed investment operation, the Somalia Capacity Advancement, Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship through Digital Uplift Project (SCALED-UP). The Project, inter alia, seeks to strengthen the FGS’ capacity to provide wider access to digital services, for which ensuring that a robust enabling legal and institutional framework is in place is

critical. In this regard, the Project seeks to bolster the FGS’ capacity to ensure that people’s data is protected and responsibly managed by both the public and private sectors. As part of the support provided by the Project, the DPA seeks the services of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) advisor (Individual Consultant).

2. Responsibilities: In supporting the DPA, the ICT Advisor (Consultant) will carry out the following duties:

Provide advice on ICT-related matters, including the design, procurement, and deployment of software, hardware, and network infrastructure for the DPA, and support the operationalization of relevant DPA IT systems; provide technical support and troubleshooting tools and techniques for DPA staff; consult and collaborate on matters related to ICT with critical stakeholders, including government entities, private sector organizations, civil society groups and international institutions; organize training programs, materials and initiatives aimed at building capacity in data protection technologies and best practices in ICT. These programs should focus on providing training materials that are relevant to both employees of the Data Protection Authority (DPA) as well as stakeholders involved; promote compliance with international data protection standards in the field of ICT. This includes conducting assessments and making revisions to ICT practices to maintain compliance, analyze and report on the effectiveness of technology-based solutions and suggest upgrades or changes to enhance data protection measures. All other specific tasks detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: https://mof.gov.so/publications/terms-reference-embedded-information-and-communications-technology-adviser-individual

3. Duration: The proposed duration for the assignment is Twelve Months (12) from start date.

Skills and Qualifications
2. Selection Criteria: The selection shall be based on qualification, experience and skills of the candidate and followed by an interview. To effectively contribute to the DPA, candidates interested in the role of ICT Advisor should possess a combination of relevant education, experience, and skills. The following qualifications are required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Telecommunications, or a related field within ICT.

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the design, operationalization, and maintenance of ICT systems.

• Familiarity with the ICT policy landscape in Somalia and familiarity with good practices and trends in the domain of data protection and the digital economy.

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work both independently and effectively in a team/task force setting.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English and Somali.

5. 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).

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

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

How to apply
8. 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.

9. Deadline for submission: Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by 12th October 2024 4:00PM

Attention

Project Coordinator, SCALED-UP Project,

Ministry of Finance, Federal Government of Somalia, Shangani District, Mogadishu, Somalia Email Address: bid.scaledup@piu.mof.gov.so