FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

Country: Federal Government of Somalia (FGS)

Name of the Project: Somalia Capacity Advancement, Livelihood and Entrepreneurship, through Digital Uplift   Project (SCALED-UP)

Assignment Title: Communications Specialist (Individual Consultant)

Project ID: P168115

Individual/Firm: Individual Selection

Deadline for submission of EOI: 10th October 2024 4:00PM

Ref No. SO-MOF-442739-CS-INDV

1.   Background: The Federal Government of Somalia has recently passed a new data protection law, the Somali Data Protection Law (DPL) 2023 that requires the establishment of Somali Data Protection Authority (DPA) to oversee the implementation of the law. The Authority will be the lead Federal Government body mandated to implement and enforce compliance with the DPL and formulate national regulations related to data protection and privacy. Its mandate also includes: protecting data subjects from risks related to their personal data processing, promoting secure data practices, ensuring fair and lawful processing, and facilitating the secure transfer of personal data from international organizations to government entities for public services, establish a secure framework for government data processing to enhance citizen welfare and to increase the beneficial use of personal data within Somalia's digital economy and its integration into regional and global markets.

The DPA is a beneficiary of a World Bank-financed investment operation, the Somalia Capacity Advancement, Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship through Digital Uplift Project. The Project, inter alia, seeks to strengthen the FGS’ capacity to provide wider access to digital services, for which ensuring that a robust enabling legal and institutional framework is in place is critical. In this regard, the Project seeks to bolster the FGS’ capacity to ensure that people’s data is protected and responsibly managed by both the public and private sectors. As part of the support provided by the

Project, the DPA seeks the services of a Communications Specialist (individual consultant) to help streamline and promote communications activities and enhance stakeholder engagement

2.    Responsibilities: The Communication Specialist (“Consultant”) will play a critical role in enhancing the communication and outreach efforts of the DPA. The Consultant will be responsible Strategic Planning for DPA Communications through developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy to promote the DPA’s activities, engage stakeholders, and raise awareness about the importance of the DPA and the DPL. The Consultant will contribute to building DPA’s brand, ensuring effective internal and external communication, and supporting the organization's goals and objectives through monitoring media trends and industry developments to identify opportunities for proactive communication and thought leadership, and evaluate the effectiveness of communication initiatives through analytics and feedback mechanisms to guide continuous improvement. All other specific tasks detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: https://mof.gov.so/publications/terms-reference-communication-specialist

3.  Duration: The proposed duration for the assignment is Twelve (12) calendar months from the start date.

2.   Selection Criteria: The selection shall be based on qualification, experience and skills of the candidate and followed by an interview. The qualifications, experience and competencies include:

•      Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, international relations, public relations, or another related field.

•      At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in public relations and communications.

•       Proven experience working in developing and implementing communication strategies and policies, preferably in the public sector or with international development organizations (e.g., government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners.)

•      Experience in media relations and establishing relationships with key media contacts in Somalia.

•      Understanding of branding and messaging principles.

•      Familiarity with methodologies, tools, and techniques related to measuring the effectiveness of communications and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

•      Fluency in English and Somali languages (both written and spoken).

3.    The Ministry of Ministry of Finance now invites eligible consulting (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services and furnish the Curriculum Vitae (CV).

6. Attention of interested Consultants is drawn to section III, para 3.14,3.16 & 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Projects

Financing Goods, Works, Non -Consulting and Consulting Services dated in September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

7. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations.

 How to apply

8.   Interested Consultant may obtain further information (in person or by e-mail) at the address below during office hours from 8.00 a.m.– 4.00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday except on public holidays.

9. Deadline for submission: Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by 10th October 2024 4:00PM

Attention

Project Coordinator, SCALED-UP Project,

Ministry of Finance, Federal Government of Somalia, Shangani District, Mogadishu, Somalia Email Address: bid.scaledup@piu.mof.gov.so