Recruitment of a Spectrum Management Consultant — Fiscal Management Development Project in The Gambia

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Name of Project: The Gambia Fiscal Management Development Project (P166695)

Grant No.: IDA-D6190

Assignment Title: Recruitment of A SPECTRUM MANAGEMNT CONSULTANT to assist in the implementation of the radiocommunications instruments

Reference No. GM-PPPPE- 346049-CS-INDV

Introduction

The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) was established in 2001 by an Act of the National Assembly and ascended to by His Excellency, The President of The Republic of The Gambia.

PURA has issued licenses to Mobile operators, ISPs, Radio and Television Broadcasters, VSATs, amongst others. These Licensees have deployed several Base Stations and antennas countrywide to provide the much-needed services to their customers. These Base Stations and antennas are located on roof tops, in buildings, private and residential areas.

The radio-frequency spectrum that is assigned to stakeholders supports many applications and services that provide economic, social and cultural benefits to society. The availability of new technologies and products in the electronic communications sector and the increasing portability of personal communications devices have had a significant impact on the use of the radio spectrum. An increasing proportion of the population use communications services and devices in their personal and business lives, which are dependent on the availability of radio spectrum. Yet, as a developing country, significant efforts are needed to bring the capabilities and use of ICT, to the populace broadly. It is vitally important that The Gambia’s spectrum management and planning system exploit to the maximum extent possible the economic and social benefits of this national resource for our economy and society.

There is a need to ensure that the spectrum planning and management regime in The Gambia is sufficiently responsive and adaptable in this fast-changing environment and that it supports and promotes competition, innovation, research and development in new spectrum-based services and applications and contributes to sustainable economic growth and social development.

Scope of Services:

This position is recruiting an individual consultant to assist PURA in the implementation of the Radio communications instruments of the Act, Regulations and Guidelines, and to provide specific assistance in the field of Spectrum Management.

Specific tasks to be carried out for this position include:

• Advise PURA on implementing the IC Act 2009, or the new IC Act 2023 (depending on its adoption timeline) that specifically pertains to spectrum management.
• Review the existing policies, regulations as well as guidelines and suggest necessary updates or adjustments in view of recent advancements in spectrum technology, changing international standards with the advent of new technologies and applications.
• Guide the development of a strategic vision and long-term plan for spectrum management in both access and microwave frequencies. This should incorporate trend analysis and strategies for upcoming technologies.
• Design a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan to enhance transparency and trust in spectrum management decisions.
• Develop tailored training programs for staff members of the ICT Directorate to enhance their spectrum management skills and knowledge.
• Provide technical training on ITU Spectrum Management System for Developing Countries (SMS4DC) for existing and new staff of the ICT Directorate. Deliverables

The primary deliverables (to be updated at different stages during the process) are to be prioritized as shown below:

• Guidance Report for Spectrum Management Implementation Under the IC Act 2009.
• Strategic Vision and Long-term Plan for Spectrum Management.
• Regulatory Guidance and Draft Regulations.
• Training Materials and Training Sessions on Spectrum Management.
• Technical Training for Software Tools. Qualifications:

The Individual Consultant should be able to offer all or most of the following qualifications and experiences:

• An advanced degree in the field relevant to the study of spectrum management, such as BSc and or MSc in Radio communications, Telecommunications, Electronics/Electrical and other related technical fields;
• At least ten years’ experience in the relevant field of spectrum management, for instance, working in a spectrum management function within an ICT regulatory agency, an international organization such as the ITU, similar spectrum consultancy, a telecommunications operator, etc.;
• Previous experience of working in spectrum management in Africa, especially in the ECOWAS region is essential and experience of working in The Gambia on related issues, or a good knowledge of the pertinent issues and challenges of spectrum management in the sub region is desirable;
• Must have experience in relevant policy and regulatory initiatives that are necessary for the development of spectrum management in the region.
• Similar Executed Projects with Regulators in the ECOWAS region with associated references (Minimum 5). Reference letters of clients must be attached for ease of reference;
• Experience of similar projects in the draft, revision or analysis of spectrum legislation, regulation, or other relevant documents.
• Must be conversant with the relevant ITU software for spectrum management such as ‘Spectrum Management System for Developing Countries (SMS4DC)’, BRIFIC and other ITU Online Platform software for Telecoms/ICT Services.
• Must have experience providing training in relevant ITU spectrum management software for regulators in the region.
• Specific experience in the field of spectrum management, whether in a regulatory body, international organization, or telecoms/ICT sector. Submission of Expressions of Interest:

The Gambia Fiscal Management Development Project now invites eligible individual consultants to express their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated July 2016 and revised November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants (IC) selection method set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 12h30 on Friday.

Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail) on or before 21 July 2023 at 12h30 GMT

Gambia Fiscal Management Development Project GFMDP

Royal Insurance Building, Bertil Harding Hwy.

2nd Floor, KMC

The Gambia

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]