Technical Assistance for a Change management assessment to identify challenges faced by political leaders and senior civil servants; developing an action plan to mitigate the identified challenges

Date of Issue: 8th January 2025

Country: Republic of Sierra Leone

Name of Project: Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project

Consulting Services: For Recruitment of a Consulting Firm to conduct a change management assessment to identify challenges faced by political leaders and senior civil servants; developing an action plan and communication plan to mitigate the identified challenges. Reference No: SL-MOF-461434-CS-QCBS.

•

• 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.

•

• Objectives

Change can be challenging due to several factors. Resistance to change is common, as people often prefer the comfort of familiar routines and fear the unknown. Communication barriers can also hinder the process, especially if the reasons for change are not clearly explained. Additionally, lack of resources such as time, money, or skills can impede successful implementation. Cultural differences within an organization or community can create misunderstandings and conflict. Finally, emotional responses like anxiety and stress can affect individuals’ ability to adapt, making the transition period difficult for everyone involved.

Because Change Management helps address the human side of change, which includes managing resistance, fostering a culture of adaptability, and ensuring that employees are adequately trained and supported throughout the process. By integrating change management, organizations can minimize disruptions, enhance employee engagement, and increase the likelihood of successful adoption of new technologies and processes. Ultimately, this leads to a more resilient and agile organization capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

To realize this vision, it is crucial to assess the change management challenges faced by political leaders and senior civil servants, who are key stakeholders in driving this digital transformation.

The General Objective of this activity is to identify challenges faced by political leaders and civil servants in deploying public services digitally and develop an action plan to mitigate those challenges to ensure the implementation of the change across the board.

Specific Objectives

• Specifically, the assignment focuses on conducting a comprehensive change management assessment by identifying challenges faced by political leaders and senior civil servants in implementing the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDTP).

• Develop a tailored change management strategy by creating a strategy that addresses potential resistance, aligns project goals with stakeholder expectations, and mitigates risks associated with organizational and cultural shifts.

• Build stakeholder buy-in by engaging proactively with key stakeholders to build support and commitment for the digital transformation initiatives.

• Enhance digital competencies with a focus on improving the digital skills and competencies of political leaders and senior civil servants to facilitate the smooth adoption of new technologies and processes.

• Ensure sustainable and effective adoption of digital transformation by developing strategies that promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with the broader goals of the National Digital Development Policy (NDDP).

• Mitigate risks of resistance and project delays by identifying and addressing potential areas of resistance to change, reducing the likelihood of reduced effectiveness and project delays.

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, and 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 III 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 Quality and Cost Base Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information and detailed Terms of Reference can be obtained at the link below: https://mocti.gov.sl/recruitment-of-a-consulting-firm-to-conduct-a-change-management-assessment-to-identify-challenges-faced-by-political-leaders-and-senior-civil-servants-developing-an-action-plan-and-communication-plan/

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below by e-mail on or before 24th January 2025 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]

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