Context:

US CT funded program: “Enhancing the Capacity of Somali Immigrations to Use Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS)” – TC.1065

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Somalia and direct supervision of the Immigration and Border Management Programme Manager/ Officer (IBM PM/ PO); and, in close collaboration with the Commissioner of the Somaliland Immigration and Border Control (SIBC) in Hargeisa, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for managing the MIDAS/ IT functions within the SIBC HQ in Hargeisa.

Nature of the consultancy:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been assisting the Somaliland authorities in capacity building for migration management. One of the key activities under the border management programme is the installation and maintenance of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), the border management and information system developed by IOM. MIDAS registers travellers with biometric data at ports of entries (POEs) to assist immigration authorities in data collection and analysis.

The number of POEs using MIDAS have significantly increased and so has the need for associated ITC support. MIDAS is regularly being upgraded with new features and troubleshooting requests from POEs increase. For example, the Visa system needs to be upgraded (E-Visa). Furthermore, there is a need to adequately link and maintain the connection between the HQ and the various POEs.

Objective

The objective of the consultancy is to build the capacities of the SIBC IT Unit and its related functions

Target

This is a 9-month consultancy (1 February – 31 October 2022). Within this time frame all outputs as stated under below mentioned point 4 must be completed.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

a) Coordinate the activities of the IT unit in SIBC offices, ensuring that all requests are addressed timely and accurately with efficient allocation of resources. Assist the administration in the adequate planning and provision of IT resources.

b) Coordinate with SIBC IT Unit, plan and advise required systems upgrades and improvements on IT infrastructure and provision of systems and services as required for the efficient functioning of operations.

c) Implement a backup solution for SIBC for data protection. Ensure that all local data is properly backed-up using proper backup solution. Monitor and confirm adequate completion of backups.

d) Install systems, network components, and software and suggest optimal technical solutions to achieve required standards.

e) Monitor daily SIBC critical applications such as the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), Visa Management System, Passport processing system. Liaise effectively with technical counterparts for the proper functioning and availability of those systems. Assist with end-user training when required.

f) Ensure the required performance, security and stability of network services and servers (LAN, WAN, messaging, Internet and, VPN, etc.), to prevent and minimize downtime or service interruptions.

g) Mentor and train IT staff in order to increase the IT capacities of SIBC staff by conducting an on-the-spot training on immigration IT, Visa and MIDAS systems and other processes.

h) Provide remote technical support to all SIBC offices. Conduct on-site visits when necessary.

i) Submit monthly progress reports to IBM PM in order to monitor the process on SIBC IT development by following the deliverables as mentioned in the workplan.

j) Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Tangible and measurable output of the work assignment:

One data centre room has to be established in which all SIBC main systems (MIDAS, VISA, Passport) are controlled including one dashboard. The consultant is responsible for the completion of an adequate needs assessment, including recommendations (incl. costs) for such room.

Backup system opportunities have been assessed and back up recommendation plan for SIBC is developed

Visa management system is upgraded with new features (e-Visa system)

Network components have been developed to connect HQ with various POEs

Realistic delivery dates and details as to how the work must be delivered:

The consultant will draft a workplan (activities per week) based on the below example and including the outputs as mentioned under point 4 (see example below – to be updated) The workplan will be discussed with the IOM supervisor following signing the contract:

Key milestones / Timeframe (from signing of a contract)

-Briefing with IOM Somalia Office/ SIBC – 1st week

-Detailed work plan finalized – 2nd week

-Daily IT tasks as above for outputs under point 4

-All major outputs under point 4 of this TOR are completed – (4 weeks before end of contract)

-Final report at end of assignment – (last week of contract)

Payment terms and conditions

Payments will be done on a monthly basis after submission of a fully approved monthly progress report including achievements, challenges, lessons & learned and recommendations against the approved workplan.

Facilities to be provided by IOM:

a) IOM Somalia offices will conduct a briefing with the consultant at the beginning of the assignment.

NB. All activities need to be confirmed with IOM prior implementation. Costs made as a result of a training or related activity that has not been agreed with IOM-IBM will not be reimbursed.

Facilities to be provided by SIBC:

a) Offer the consultant the best possible conditions for the execution of his or her assignment including facilities to carry out the training sessions, adequate support from the department’s directors or the institution’s senior staff availability for dialogue and support in IT.

b) Providing a conducive environment with few interruptions to enable the consultant and staff conduct a fruitful on-the-spot training for the duration of the consultancy.

c) Access to personal computer facilities and working space shall be provided by the department to the best ability of the institution.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

a) Master’s degree in Computer Science/ Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or

b) University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

c) Professional certification like CCIE, CCNP, CCNA will be a distinct advantage.

Experience

· Progressive experience in networking environment and Windows server software in a multi-site environment

· Experience supervising the development and implementation of IT procedures

· Excellent demonstrable working experience in:

a) Developing full stack systems

b) Installing firewalls/ system and network security

c) Debugging & troubleshooting systems

d) SQL server database experience, Python, JAVA and C#

e) Programming languages and databases.

Languages

Fluency in English is required (Oral and Written). Somali speaking is desirable.

Required Competencies

Values

· Inclusion and respect for diversity respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

· Integrity and transparency: maintain high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

· Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent, and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies

· Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

· Delivering results produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

· Managing and sharing knowledge continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

· Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

· Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this call for applications is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.