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: Legal Advisor (Individual Consultant)
Project ID: P168115
Individual/Firm: Individual Selection
Deadline for submission of EOI: 7th May 2025 4:00PM
Ref No. SO-MOF-482227-CS-INDV
1. Background: The Federal Government of Somalia has recently enacted the Somali Data
Protection Law (DPL) 2023, mandating the establishment of the Somali Data Protection Authority
(DPA). The DPA will serve as the primary federal institution responsible for the implementation,
enforcement, and oversight of the DPL, ensuring compliance and developing national regulations
on data protection and privacy.
The DPA is currently a key 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 FGS’s capacity to support wider access
to digitally enabled services and ensure that the enabling legal frameworks are in place to support
said scale up in digital services. DPA intends to use part of the proceeds to hire an Embedded
Legal Advisor (Individual Consultant).
2. Responsibilities: The role encompasses Legal Advisory, Policy and Framework Development,
Capacity Building, Stakeholder Engagement, and Monitoring and Compliance; Under Legal
Advisory, the individual will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and updating data protection
regulations and policies to align with international best practices. This includes identifying key
legal gaps, recommending improvements, and providing legal opinions on issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI governance; The role also requires ensuring that all internal rules,
procedures, and regulations are consistent with Somalia’s Data Protection Act and related
legislation; In the area of Policy and Framework Development, the focus is on creating and
implementing legal structures to enhance data protection and cybersecurity. This includes drafting
ethical and legal guidelines for the use of Artificial Intelligence and working collaboratively with
various stakeholders to address emerging data governance challenges; Capacity Building involves
organizing and leading training sessions on data protection laws and international best practices
for both staff and stakeholders. It also includes developing tools, resources, internal notes, and
presentation materials to raise awareness about cybersecurity and AI-related risks.
The Consultant will be based in Mogadishu, Somalia. 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/rms-reference-terms-reference-legal-advisor-dpa
3. Duration: The proposed duration for the assignment is for Seven (7) Months. 3 Three Months
trial period from start date.
Selection Criteria: The selection shall be based on qualification, experience and skills of the
candidate and followed by an interview. To support its mission of promoting transparency,
accountability, and public awareness regarding data privacy rights and obligations, the DPA seeks
to engage a qualified Legal Advisor. The Legal Advisor should possess a combination of relevant
education, experience, and skills. The following qualifications are required:
I. Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) is mandatory and Master’s degree in Law,
Cybersecurity, or related fields is a must.
II. Minimum of 10 years of experience in legal data protection and privacy, advisory roles,
including with a strong track record of providing legal and policy formulation advisory
support to governments and governance.
III. Proven expertise in data protection, cybersecurity laws, and legal aspects of Artificial
Intelligence.
IV. Experience working with government agencies, international organizations, or private
entities on data governance.
V. Demonstrated experience in supporting organizational development in public sector
settings with strong understanding of and experience in building institutional capacities
related to data governance.
VI. Privacy certifications from recognized international organizations are a plus.
VII. In-depth knowledge of international and regional data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, AU
Convention on Cybersecurity). Familiarity with international best practices such as the
EU GDPR, Convention 108+ and data protection legislations in other African countries is
an added advantage;
VIII. Experience in developing and implementing data governance frameworks and privacy
strategies, with strong knowledge of relevant laws, regulations Proficiency in drafting
legal frameworks, policies, and agreements.
IX. Strong understanding of cybersecurity and AI ethics (ideally in developing country
context).
X. Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills coupled with an ability
to quickly synthesize, analyze, and effectively present legal materials to high-level
technical and non-technical audiences.
XI. Experience working with a variety of legal and non-legal stakeholders, including
government officials, policymakers, regulators, consultants, and academics.
XII. Excellent research, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
XIII. ICT proficiency, including legal research tools and office software.
XIV. Familiarity with cybersecurity tools and technologies is an added advantage
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 in 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.
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 7th May 2025 4:00PM Somalia Time
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
The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) is the internationally recognized government of Somalia, established on August 20, 2012, following the end of the Transitional Federal Government. It consists of a central government and six Federal Member Stat... Read More
