Recruitment of Environmental Specialist — Regional Digital Integration Project (FGS Somalia)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

COUNTRY: Federal Government of Somalia (FGS)

NAME OF PROJECT: Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP)

PROJECT ID: P176181

ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Environmental Specialist

REFERENCE NO.: SO-MOCT-FGS-417009-CS-INDV

PLACE OF ASSIGNMENT: Mogadishu, Somalia

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: July 24, 2024, at (3.00pm Local Time).

Project Background:

The Federal Government of Somalia has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank toward the cost of the Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP). The Ministry of Communications and Technology (MoCT) intends to apply part of the proceeds of these Grants to finance for the position of Environmental Specialist.

The Ministry of Communications and Technology is looking to hire a qualified Environmental Specialist to identify, characterize and manage environment risks under the Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), while also ensuring that the project complies with environmental regulations, standards, and best practice.

The Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP) addresses connectivity needs for countries in the Horn of Africa region. The program aims to advance the regional integration of digital markets in 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). The EA-RDIP project has four components, as briefly described below:

• Component 1. Connectivity Market Development and Integration.

• Component 2. Data Market Development and Integration.

• Component 3. Online Market Development and integration.

• Component 4. Project Management and implementation.

Scope of Work:

The Environmental Specialist will be responsible for conducting environmental risk assessments (screening and scoping, as appropriate) to identify potential environmental risks to the project, and develop strategies to address them effectively, while consulting with the PIU and the client, MOCT; and ensuring that the project adheres to the World Bank's ESF provisions, policies and guidelines, as enumerated in the project’s Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). She/he will monitor the implementing partners’ teams to ensure that all social safeguard commitments are incorporated into the project activities and work processes. The Environmental Specialist will report to the Project Coordinator. The assignment will be conducted with substantial engagement with Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States (FMS) and institutions, including the project implementing entities with substantial participations by local experts, the private sector, NGOs and development partners. For more details refer to the Terms and Reference (ToR).

Qualifications and Experiences:

Selection Criteria

The Environmental Specialist should have the following minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in environmental sciences or a closely relevant degree (including Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Geosciences, etc.)

• Minimum Five (5) years relevant professional work experience in environmental risk management in development projects, preferably with internationally funded projects.

• Proven ability to advise and support project environmental assessment and preparation.

• Have very good communication skills (written and oral) in English. Good knowledge of Somali will be an advantage.;

• Have well developed planning and organization skills and good ability in working productively in a team environment of diverse backgrounds.

• Familiarity and experience with World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, including the Environmental and Social Standards is an advantage.

• Quantitative and analytical skills, (ii) Working knowledge of Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), (ii) Ability to manage priorities and be detail-orientated within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, (iv) Work in a team environment to determine and or review ideas to find solutions to problems, (v) Ability to work independently with little or no supervision, (vi) level of efficiency and still upholding a team mentality.

• Ability to identify implementation issues and operational challenges and provide recommendations to remedy these issues to accelerate project delivery.

• Related work experience of carrying out similar assignment, in project participating countries, including Somalia would be an asset.

• Conversant with relevant Somalia national and state environmental laws.

• Knowledge of local dynamics and legal system is advantage.

• Excellent proficiency in English is required.

Duration of the Assignment: The Environmental Specialist will be engaged for a period of one (1) year subject to renewal on an annual basis based on satisfactory performance certified by MoCT and availability of funds.

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

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) can be found at the following website: https://moct.gov.so/en/jobs/ or it can be forwarded to the applicant upon written request to the project generic email address indicated below.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Financing - Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services dated July 2016 and revised in November 2017, August 2018, November 2020 and September 2023, (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

The selection will be conducted in accordance with the procedures for selection of Individual Consultants set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations for Investment Project Financing (IPF) Borrowers dated September 2023 (Procurement Regulations).

Interested Consultant may obtain further information in a written communication to the below project generic email address during office hours from 8:30am to 3.30pm local time (Excluding public holidays).

A Complete application of Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover letter should be submitted electronically (by e-mail) to the address below on, or before July 24, 2024, at 3.00pm, (Local Time) marked clearly as “Expression of Interest for Environmental Specialist; SO-MOCT-FGS-417009-CS-INDV)”

To: Procurement Office, EA-RDIP

Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

The Ministry of Communications and Technology (MoCT)

E-mail: [email protected]

Jamhuuriya road, Boondheere district,

Mogadishu, Somalia

Copy to: The Office of the Director General

Ministry of Communications and Technology (MoCT)

Federal Government of Somalia

E-mail: [email protected]

Jamhuuriya road, Boondheere district,

Mogadishu, Somalia.