Job Description

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: B-Ready Initiative Focal Point

Project ID:     P501662

Individual/Firm:   Individual Selection

Deadline for submission of EOI: June 25 ,2026 at 4:00pm

Ref No.   SO-MOF-555903-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 practical reform prioritization and implementation, particularly in areas under the Ministry’s direct mandate such as business registration and licensing.

The MoF intends to apply for part of the proceeds from the World Bank to finance the position of B-Ready Initiative Focal Point to ensure that MoCI uses B READY as a practical tool to inform reform prioritization and implementation. As such the consultant will maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive engagement between MoCI and the World Bank Group. Further informed by and to inform the results of the B-READY report, the Focal Point will establish and maintain MoCI’s institutional baseline across all applicable B-Ready topic areas, providing the foundational measurement data that informs the ministry’s reform planning process. The focal point is also charged with subsequent development of a reform action plan for adoption and implementation by MOCI. Additionally, they will support the MoCI leadership to communicate with respective stakeholders and spur reforms across the BREADY spectrum.

2.        Responsibilities: B-Ready Initiative Focal Point will coordinate MoCI’s engagement with the World Bank B-Ready Initiative by managing indicator data, validating submissions, preparing reform action plans, and tracking progress across relevant business environment areas. The advisor will also support internal and external coordination, provide technical guidance to MoCI staff, prepare reports and briefing notes, and help MoCI use B-Ready findings to guide regulatory and institutional reforms.

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/2026/06/ToR-B-Ready-Focal-Point-ToR.pdf

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: B-Ready Initiative Focal Point

Project ID:     P501662

Individual/Firm:   Individual Selection

Deadline for submission of EOI: June 25 ,2026 at 4:00pm

Ref No.   SO-MOF-555903-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 practical reform prioritization and implementation, particularly in areas under the Ministry’s direct mandate such as business registration and licensing.

The MoF intends to apply for part of the proceeds from the World Bank to finance the position of B-Ready Initiative Focal Point to ensure that MoCI uses B READY as a practical tool to inform reform prioritization and implementation. As such the consultant will maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive engagement between MoCI and the World Bank Group. Further informed by and to inform the results of the B-READY report, the Focal Point will establish and maintain MoCI’s institutional baseline across all applicable B-Ready topic areas, providing the foundational measurement data that informs the ministry’s reform planning process. The focal point is also charged with subsequent development of a reform action plan for adoption and implementation by MOCI. Additionally, they will support the MoCI leadership to communicate with respective stakeholders and spur reforms across the BREADY spectrum.

2.        Responsibilities: B-Ready Initiative Focal Point will coordinate MoCI’s engagement with the World Bank B-Ready Initiative by managing indicator data, validating submissions, preparing reform action plans, and tracking progress across relevant business environment areas. The advisor will also support internal and external coordination, provide technical guidance to MoCI staff, prepare reports and briefing notes, and help MoCI use B-Ready findings to guide regulatory and institutional reforms.

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/2026/06/ToR-B-Ready-Focal-Point-ToR.pdf

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:

•             Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Public Administration, International Relations, International Development, Accounting and Finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

•             Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with government institutions or international development organizations.

•             Experience in business environment reform, regulatory reform, or investment climate work.

•             Familiarity with business regulatory frameworks and diagnostic tools, including World Bank Doing Business or B-Ready methodology.

•             Proven ability to coordinate stakeholders across government departments and development partners.

•             Strong report writing, communication, and organizational skills.

•             Fluency in English and Somali is required.

•             Previous experience with World Bank or similar internationally financed projects is strongly preferred.

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

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.

Skills Required

Attachment

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