Recruitment of replacement of Telecommunications Advisor

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-Djibouti

Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project

Grant No: IDA- IDA-E1670

Project ID No: (P176181)

Assignment Title: Recruitment of Telecommunications Advisor

Reference No.: DJ-IGAD-372187-CS-INDV

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has received financing in the amount of US$ 10 Million equivalent from the World Bank/IDA toward the cost of Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for consulting services.

Background

The regional Series of Projects (SOP) development objective is to promote the expansion of an integrated digital market across Eastern Africa by increasing cross-border broadband connectivity, data flows and digital trade in the region. The Phase I development objective of the SOP is to advance digital market integration in the Eastern Africa region by increasing affordable access to regional broadband connectivity and strengthening the enabling environment for cross-border digital services.

To achieve this objective and to deliver the mandate of the project, IGAD seeks the services of Telecommunications Advisor.

IGAD now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested individual consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services of Telecommunications Advisor (i.e., updated CVs with description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, and availability of appropriate skills. Interested Individuals should send their applications in PDF format enclosed with a cover letter, CVs, academic documents, with three reference persons including the last employer.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 3.14 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers "Procurement in Investment Project Financing, Goods, Works, Non-Consulting, and Consulting Services,” Fourth Edition, November 2020; the World Bank’s “Guidelines on Preventing and Combatting Fraud and Corruption” revised July 1, 2016.

I. Objectives of the Position

The Telecommunications Advisor will provide expert guidance and support in the field of telecommunications. He/she will develop and implement strategic plans, provide advisory services on technologies and policies, collaborate with stakeholders, assess emerging technologies, support capacity building, manage risks, oversee projects, monitor performance, and prepare reports.

The advisor will report to the Project Coordinator and work with cross-functional teams to ensure effective telecommunications strategies and operations. Based within the Division of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration (ECRID) at the IGAD Secretariat in Djibouti, He/she will provide expert advice and guidance on telecommunications technologies, networks, and infrastructure to support decision-making and ensure efficient and effective telecommunications operations. He/she contributes to the development of telecommunications policies, regulations, and standards to ensure compliance, security, and optimal use of telecommunications resources. More specifically, the Telecommunication Advisor will manage activities under Component 1 of the Project for IGAD as described in detail in the Terms of Reference.

II. Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of the Project Coordinator, the Expert will be responsible for the successful implementation of the activities under EARDIP’s component 1 for IGAD: Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans for telecommunications initiatives aligned with organizational goals.

• Technology Advisory: Provide expert guidance on telecommunications technologies, networks, and infrastructure.

• Policy Development: Contribute to the development of telecommunications policies, regulations, and standards.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to foster partnerships and enhance telecommunications capabilities. Organize and contribute to workshops, conference, or other events relevant to telecoms, with support from EAC staff;

• Technology Assessment: Evaluate emerging telecommunications technologies, trends, and innovations.

• Capacity Building: Conduct training and knowledge sharing sessions to enhance telecommunications skills and competencies.

• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare reports and documentation on telecommunications activities, achievements, and challenges. Provide inputs for Component 1 to the Quarterly Progress Reports and provide monthly updates on the same; Prepare inputs into the realistic annual budget and work plan.

III. Deliverables

• Finalize the Terms of Reference for the consultancies under Component 1;

• Finalize the bidding documents for the above consultancies;

• Develop project implementation schedule for Component 1 activities;

• Provide inputs into the Quarterly Progress Report and prepare monthly updates on Component 1 activities;

• Provide inputs and review M&E for Component 1.

IV. Required Qualifications and Experience:

The applicant should possess a combination of general, leadership and technical competencies, including:

General Competencies

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as Telecommunication Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience at a senior level in a relevant public institution, private sector or in an international organization, with proven skills cyber security principles, technologies, methodologies, governance frameworks, policies, and best practices.

• Proven experience in working in the Greater Horn of Africa region and ability and experience in management of partner funded projects such as United Nations and multilateral development projects.

• Demonstrated understanding of the telecom market in Eastern Africa;

• Provide Expert Advice: Serve as a subject matter expert in the field of telecommunications, offering guidance and recommendations to clients or internal stakeholders. Understand client requirements, assess their current telecommunication infrastructure, and propose suitable solutions.

• Certification of Telecommunications Network Specialist (CTNS) is preferable.

• Knowledge of emerging trends and advancements in the field of governance and cyber security.

• Prior work experience with international organizations, regional bodies is a plus.

Leadership Competencies

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Develop Telecommunication Strategies: Collaborate with clients or internal teams to develop telecommunication strategies aligned with business objectives. Design and implement plans to address telecommunication needs, including network architecture, technology upgrades, and service providers.

• Project Management: Oversee telecommunication projects from initiation to completion. Develop project plans, establish timelines, allocate resources, and manage budgets. Coordinate with stakeholders, vendors, and technicians to ensure smooth project execution and timely delivery.

• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of French is an added advantage.

• Should demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and integrity.

Technical Competencies

• Technical Support: Provide technical assistance and support to clients or end-users regarding telecommunication systems, equipment, and services. Troubleshoot issues, diagnose problems, and propose solutions. Guide users in the configuration, usage, and maintenance of telecommunication devices and software.

• Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Keep abreast of the latest trends, advancements, and regulatory changes in the telecommunications industry. Continuously update knowledge of emerging technologies, such as 5G, IoT, cloud-based services, and unified communications, to provide relevant advice and recommendations.

• Documentation and Reporting: Prepare comprehensive reports, documentation, and presentations related to telecommunication projects, assessments, and recommendations. Maintain accurate records of client interactions, project progress, and technical specifications. Provide detailed documentation to support decision-making and ensure knowledge sharing.

• Compliance and Security: Adhere to regulatory requirements and industry standards related to data protection, privacy, and security in telecommunication operations. Implement and enforce policies and procedures to safeguard sensitive information and mitigate risks.

V. Duration of the assignment

Telecommunications Advisor shall be contracted for an initial one-year period, with possibility for extension for additional 4 years based on performance and Project needs.

VI. Location of the assignment

The duty station is Djibouti City, Djibouti with frequent travels within the Horn of Africa region.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office working hours from 09:00 am to 16:00 pm, Monday-Friday, EAT. Expressions of interest must be delivered by e-mail on or before 23 March 2025 to the address below:

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

Mohyeldeen Eltohami Taha (Ph.D.)

Director,

Economic Cooperation & Regional Integration Division

IGAD Secretariat-Djibouti

P.O Box 2653, Djibouti, Ave. Georges Clemenceau

E-mail address: [email protected], cc [email protected] with subject line “IGAD-TA (DJ-IGAD-372187-CS-INDV)”