Quality Infrastructure Expert (Individual Consultant), Mogadishu, Somalia

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ((REOI)

Country: Federal Government of Somalia (FGS)

Name of the Project: De-Risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement of pastoral economies in the Horn of Africa Project (DRIVE) project

Assignment Title: Quality Infrastructure Expert (Individual Consultant)

Project ID: P176517

Individual/Firm: Individual Selection

Deadline for submission: 2 May 2024 4:00PM.

Ref No.: SO-MOF-392159-CS-INDV

1. Background: The Republic of Somalia has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the De-Risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement of pastoral economies in the Horn of Africa Project (DRIVE) projects; and intends to apply part of the proceeds of the above project to finance the position of Quality Infrastructure Expert to provide technical expertise and guidance to the Somali Bureau of Standards (SOBS) in strengthening the national quality infrastructure system for the livestock sector. The consultant will work closely with SOBS to enhance the quality infrastructure, harmonize standards, improve testing and certification services, and build capacity for quality assurance in the livestock sector.

The project development objectives are to enhance pastoralists’ access to financial services for drought risk mitigation, include them in the value chains, and facilitate the livestock trade in the Horn of Africa.

2. Responsibilities: Technical Guidance: Provide technical expertise and guidance to the Somali Bureau of Standards in strengthening the national quality infrastructure system for the livestock sector. Standards Harmonization: Work closely with SOBS to harmonize standards for livestock products, ensuring alignment with international best practices and facilitating the export of live animals and processed livestock products. Capacity Building: Oversee the development and implementation of capacity-building programs for SOBS staff and other stakeholders in the livestock sector. This includes training on quality infrastructure, product certification, and testing services. Quality Infrastructure Enhancement: Assist in the identification of facilities for accreditation and appropriate equipment for product certification and testing services of livestock products. Support the establishment of an effective and efficient operation of the laboratory. Collaboration and Coordination: Foster collaboration between the Somali Bureau of Standards and Pan-African, Arab League, and other international quality bodies. Facilitate knowledge exchange, collaboration, and alignment of standards and practices. Testing and Certification: Support the conduct of a number of tests for livestock products in Somalia in line with international practice. Assist in the development of robust certification processes for livestock products. Reporting: Prepare regular reports on the progress of the quality infrastructure enhancement activities, detailing achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Carry out other functions related to the project that will, from time to time, be agreed upon between the funding partner or with SoBs management. The full Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: https://sobs.gov.so/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Terms_of_Reference_-_Quality_Infrastructure_final.pdf

3. Duration: The proposed duration for the assignment is Twelve Months (12) calendar months from start date.
4. 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:
5. i. Academic Qualifications: A Master’s degree or equivalent, in one or more fields related to standards and conformity assessment.
6. Experience: At least 10 years of practical experience at a national, regional or international standards or conformity assessment body, and exposure to TBT and SPS issues. At least 5 years’ experience in the management and/or implementation of projects related to trade, preferably donor-funded. Experience in working with high-level government officials and fostering collaboration between different stakeholders is required.

• Skills and Competencies: Strong understanding of the policy environment and strategic goals of the Somali Bureau of Standards. Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, project management skills, capacity building skills, risk management skills, reporting skills, and a commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusivity. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English. Proficiency in Somali is an added advantage.

1. Other Requirements: Willingness to travel within the country and region as required for the role. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and challenging environment. Strong commitment to the principles of sustainable development and the specific goals of the project.
2. 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).
3. 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

7. 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.
8. Deadline for submission: Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by 2nd May 2024 4:00PM. local Time.

Attention

Project Coordinator, DRIVE Project,

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