Job Description

GOVERNMENT OF SOMALILAND

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY (MICT)

EASTERN AFRICA REGIONAL DIGITAL INTEGRATION PROJECT (P176181)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESION OF INTEREST (REOI)

Title/Position: Communications Specialist

Project Name: EASTERN AFRICA REGIONAL DIGITAL INTEGRATION PROJECT (EA-RDIP)

Project ID: No. P176181

Individual/Firm: Individual

Duty Station: Hargeisa, Somaliland

Section/Unit: Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

Supervisor: Project Coordinator

Deadline: September 01, 2024

Ref No. SO-MICT-SL-436964-CDS

1. 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.

2. Responsibilities

The consulting services of the Communications Specialist (“the Services”) include developing, managing, coordinating, networking, implementing, and monitoring communication strategy and associated products. It is also to promote EARDIP-SL’s work or activities on an on-going basis by engaging large audiences. She/he will undertake all the other specific tasks detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) which you can request from below emails.

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the requested Services. Interested Individual Consultants must submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter indicating that they are qualified to perform the services.

Experiences 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:

Education: bachelor’s degree in public relations, Media and Communications, Public Administration.

Experience: The Communication Specialist will need to demonstrate skills and competencies in the following areas:

1. Minimum of 5 years working experience in developing and implementing relevant communications strategy;
2. Minimum of 7 years of relevant working experience in mass media, communication journalism or multimedia production and communications for a public-sector institution at national or international level;
3. Experience in development and implementation of project or institutional branding and messaging in English;
4. Experience in managing the project’s social media content and presence on appropriate platforms and other messaging services;
5. Reporting: The Communications Specialist Consultant will report to the Project Coordinator
6. Duration of Assignment: The assignment shall run for 12 months’ renewable upon satisfactory performance.

Skills Required

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