Recruitment of a Consultant to Develop Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign Strategy and a National Cybersecurity Skills Strategy and Action Plan.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(Consulting Services – Firm Selection)

Date of Issue: 8th November 2024

Country: Republic of Sierra Leone

Name of Project: Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project

Consulting Services: Recruitment of a Consultant to Provide Technical Assistance to Develop National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Skills Strategies and Action Plans.

Reference No: SL-MOFED-358262-CS-CQS

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• Introduction

The Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) has committed to transforming its economy based on a more inclusive and human-centric digital growth and development approach. A high-level vision for the digital economy is articulated in the new National Digital Development Policy (NDDP), which was approved by the Cabinet in December 2021 setting the GoSL’s vision to transform Sierra Leone into an inclusive digital economy and society and to leverage digital technology to support the GoSL to deliver on its national development plan effectively and efficiently. The Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDTP) aims to expand access to broadband internet, increase digital skills and improve government capacity to deliver public services digitally. The project will support the development of a strong enabling environment for the nation’s digital transformation and digital development agenda as articulated in the National Digital Development Strategy.

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• Objectives

This general objective of this assignment is to recruit a consultancy firm to develop a national multi-faceted cybersecurity public education and awareness campaign strategy and its action plan and provide strategic advice on effectively implementing the campaign and enhancing communication activities for the National Cybersecurity and Coordination Centre (NC3). The assignment will also include the development of a national cybersecurity skills strategy and action plan to create a vibrant cybersecurity skills development and training ecosystem that can weave in both the formal education curricula and the informal training opportunities.

This assignment aims to create a cyber-aware and resilient society that can effectively mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats and contribute to the overall security of the country's digital ecosystem. Moreover, it seeks to develop skilled cybersecurity human capital that can effectively address the cybersecurity risks that come with digital transformation, including effectively defending against cyberattacks, protecting critical infrastructure, and safeguarding sensitive data.

The specific objectives include but are not limited to the following:

• Promote good cybersecurity culture and digital hygiene for different target groups.

• Increase public awareness about the risks and challenges posed by cyber threats, including educating individuals, government institutions and private organisations about the potential consequences of cyberattacks, data breaches, identity theft, and other cybersecurity incidents.

• Promote best practices by encouraging certain behaviours such as using strong passwords, regularly updating software and devices, practising safe online browsing, avoiding phishing attempts, and securely managing personal information.

• Empower children and youths to safeguard their online presence and safely navigate the Internet and parents to protect children’s online safety.

• Foster collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organisations, educational institutions, and the general public, to collectively combat cybercrimes.

• Enhance Sierra Leone’s ability to protect its critical information infrastructure and digital assets from cyber threats and attacks.

• Position the nation as a leader in the global cybersecurity market, creating economic opportunities and job growth.

• Create a pipeline of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals to meet the growing public and private sector demand.

• Address the existing gaps in cybersecurity skills and competencies within the workforce.

• Encourage research and development in cybersecurity technologies and practices.

The Project Coordination Unit of the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate 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 shortlisting criteria are: core business and years in business, relevant experience, technical and managerial capability of the firm. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section 111 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers July 2016 Revised November 2017, August 2018, November 2020, September 2023, and National Public Procurement Act 2016, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant’s Qualification-based Selection (CQS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information and detailed Terms of Reference can be obtained at the link below:

https://nccc.gov.sl/adverts/reoi-to-develop-a-national-cybersecurity-awareness-campaign-and-skills-strategies-and-action-plans/

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below by e-mail on or before 22nd November 2024 at 12:00 GMT.

Project Coordination Unit

Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project

Attn: The Project Coordinator

8th Floor,

Youyi Building

E-mail: [email protected] CC: [email protected]; [email protected]

Please indicate clearly the Name of the Assignment in the email subject heading and attachment as only electronic submission will be accepted.