Consultancy Services for Designing of Spectrum Management and 5G Strategy

Request for Expression of Interest (REOI)

COUNTRY: Republic of South Sudan

PROJECT: Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP)

PROJECT ID: P176181

GRANT No: IDA-E180

CONSULTING SERVICES: A Consultant to design Spectrum Management and 5G Strategy

DUTY STATION: MICT&PS Project Building, Juba- South Sudan

Ref No: SS-MICT&PS-430636-CS-INDV

The Government of the Republic South Sudan (GoSS), through the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services (MICT&PS) has received a grant of US$67 million from the World Bank toward the cost of the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The project development objective is to address connectivity needs for countries in the Horn of Africa region. The project is structured around four main components: (i) Connectivity Market Development and Integration. This component will provide support to develop terrestrial cross-border connectivity and expand backbone and last-mile connectivity to rural and remote communities. (ii) Data Market Development and Integration. This component will provide support to the integration and development of the data market, to enable secure exchange, storage and processing of data across borders, including strengthening the environment for cybersecurity. (iii) Online Market Development and integration. This component will provide support to the integration and development of the online market, through targeted support for e-service enablers and digital skills. (iv) Project Management and implementation. This component will provide technical assistance and capacity support for project preparation and implementation.

The main objective of the consultancy is to; considering the ongoing global digital transformation and the increasing need for high-speed, low-latency communication systems, National Communication Authority (NCA) seeks to develop a comprehensive 5G strategy to ensure the authority can successfully implement, adopt, and leverage 5G technology for national economic growth, societal benefits, and technological innovation. The strategy will guide the rollout, deployment, and regulation of 5G infrastructure, address security concerns, ensure sustainability, and foster collaboration among relevant stakeholders.

Responsibilities: The Consultant is required to do everything necessary to develop a comprehensive 5G strategy that addresses the following: Infrastructure requirements for nationwide rollout; Key regulatory frameworks, guidelines, and standards for the deployment and use of 5G; The role of public and private sectors in the successful implementation of 5G technology; Measures to ensure security, resilience, and data protection; International best practices and alignment with global 5G standards; Socioeconomic impact and digital inclusion considerations. He/she provide technical guidance to ensure compliance and adhering to the general procedures and guidelines of the World Bank (WB) in order to ensure quality output of program interventions and all other tasks detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) that will be provided upon submission of application (in person or by E-mail) and can be found at the following website: www.mictps.gov.ss/eardip-south-sudan

Government officials or civil servants will not be considered unless: (i) they are on leave of absence without pay or have resigned or retired six months prior to the date of the advert; and (ii) their employment will not create Conflict of interest.

Duration: The assignment period is expected to take 13 weeks from the date of contract commencement.

Selection Criteria: The selection shall be based on qualification, experience and skills of the candidate and followed by an interview. The qualification, experience and skills should include: Advanced degree in telecommunications, information technology, public policy, or a related field; Proven experience of ten (10) years and above in national or regional strategies for 5G technology adoption, especially in developing countries; Deep knowledge of 5G technology, infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics; Experience in conducting stakeholder consultations and facilitating multi-sector collaborations; Strong analytical, research, and policy development skills; Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders; Familiarity with global best practices in 5G deployment and strategy development.

The MICT&PS now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified 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’ July 2016 revised November 2017, August 2018 and November 2020 [Procurement in investment Project Financing; Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services], setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

The Consultant(s) will be selected in accordance with the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, dated July 2016 and revised September 2023 (Fifth Edition) for selection of individual consultant Which can be found at the following website: www.worldbank.org/procurement

Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address given below from 9:00 to 16:00 Hrs. on working days (Monday through Friday). Interested Consultants are required to continually and constantly check the MICT&PS website: www.mictps.gov.ss/eardip-south-sudan for any additional information or clarification that may arise before the submission date.

Deadline for submission: The Expression of interest (EOI) and the CV completed in the prescribed form must be delivered to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by July 20, 2025, at 17:00 Hours (South Sudan Time)

Further details of this REOI are provided in the Terms of Reference (TOR), which may be obtained upon request in person or by e-mail to the address given below. Application through e-mail is highly encouraged.

Attention: Project Manager

Project Implementation Unit (PIU),

Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services

Location: Juba, Opp. Bank of South Sudan

Republic of South Sudan

E-mail: [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]