Republic of Liberia Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Western African Regional Digital Integration Project – Series of Projects 2 Liberia (WARDIP SOP2-Liberia). Project ID: P500628 Terms of Reference For Digital Infrastructure Specialist Post Title: Digital Infrastructure Specialist Location of Post: Monrovia, Liberia Contract Duration: 12 months Reporting Line: WARDIP Liberia/PIU through the PIU Coordinator Recruitment Type: Local Type of Contract X Individual Consultant Consulting Firm (QCBS, CQS, LCS) Non-Consulting Service (Competitive Bidding) PROJECT BACKGROUND The Government of Liberia (GoL) has received financing from the World Bank for the preparation of the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Project – Series of Projects 2 Liberia (WARDIP SOP2-Liberia). This project, which will be implemented at the national level, seeks to facilitate increased broadband access and usage in preparation for regional digital markets integration in West Africa. WARDIP SOP2-Liberia is the second phase of the Western Africa Regional Development Integration Program series of projects (DTfA – WARDIP), which builds consensus and momentum around the vision for achieving a Single Digital Market (SDM) in Africa. It is envisioned that the project will lead to an increased secure flow of digital services within and between participating countries in Western Africa. By the end of the SOP, foundations of a SDM in Western Africa in line with the AU SDM are expected to be in place. WARDIP SOP2 builds on, and will run parallel to, investments in DTfA/WARDIP SOP1, further extending cross-border and backbone connectivity, data markets and online market environment in additional countries. It aims to increase broadband access and usage in participating countries and to advance the integration of digital markets in Western Africa and is structured to have 5 components. Component I. Connectivity Market Development and Integration: This component aims to provide infrastructure financing and support for an enhanced enabling environment to develop the regional broadband connectivity market. Component II: Data Market Development and Integration: This component aims to build trust in online transactions and strengthen the security and resilience of digital infrastructure and systems, focused on focuses on enabling secure, cross-border data exchange, storage, and processing to support regional access to data-driven services, innovation, and infrastructure. Component III. Online Market Development and Integration: This component aims to support the development of a robust regional online market, with a focus on boosting service uptake for an integrated SDM. Component IV. Project Management and Implementation Support. This component would provide technical assistance and capacity support for program preparation and implementation. Component V. Contingent Emergency Response. The component is included to help participating countries respond swiftly to eligible crises and emergencies, in case of urgent need of assistance or capacity constraints. In view of this, the GoL, through the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MoPT) intends to set up a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) as a starting point to kick start the activities entailed in this fund and, as thus, seeks to recruit for the position of Digital Infrastructure Specialist as a main Component 1 Coordinator. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT The objective of the assignment is to obtain expertise to assist the PIU in coordination of day-to-day operations to ensure the preparation and implementation of the Component 1 of the Project, in line with the objectives outlined Financing Agreement signed between IDA (World Bank) and the Government of Liberia as well as in compliance with the Project Operations Manual (POM). As part of these activities, the Digital Infrastructure Specialist shall implement the Connectivity Market Development and Integration Component, which has the following sub-components: 1) Legal, regulatory, and institutional capacity for the telecom sector and digital economy, and 2) International and national backbone network infrastructure. The Digital Infrastructure Specialist will work with the PIU and relevant stakeholders in supporting the implementation of all project activities. In particular, he/she is expected to work closely with the Government and ACE consortium members in the planning, deployment and operationalization of the envisaged second submarine cable system. SCOPE OF WORK The Connectivity Specialist will be in charge of advising the Project, the Government, and other stakeholders, as well as assisting with the implementation of all connectivity-related activities under the project. Given that the second submarine cable in Liberia is a major project component, the Connectivity Specialist will be responsible for advising the project, government, and other stakeholders on all connectivity-related activities under the project, particularly those relating to submarine cable deployment and operationalization. This includes, but not limited to the following: Technical Advisory Support Assess and advise the PIU on the network design and technology choices for alignment with international trends and good practices and to ensure technology improvements and current industry thought-leadership around first and middle-mile network deployment have been reflected; Appraise technical choices and network design for opportunities to increase the value-for-money, while ensuring quality and adherence to international standards; Assist with internal process management and improvements across multiple teams and functions, including planning, sourcing/procurement, engineering, operations, external vendors/suppliers of submarine cable systems, SLTEs and backhaul/IP equipment. Support the procurement of goods, works and services, including drafting of tender specifications for consultants and technical assistance needs as well as evaluation of the procurement documents, in accordance with the procurement provisions applicable for the Project; Conduct detailed reviews of technical contract specifications and deliverables for the implementation of the sub-projects under Component 1; Design and oversee the sub-projects under Component 1; where needed, perform adjustments to the design based on the first sub-projects’ results and circumstances to ensure best possible outcomes; Support the development and update of the POM, including when modifications or supplements to them are needed; Liaise and coordinate with the Government agencies and private companies involved in the implementation of the Component 1 of the Project, as delegated by the Project Coordinator; Participate in meetings, seminars, conferences, and other events and programs organized by the Government of Liberia, the Bank, other development partners and other organizations with respect to questions that are related to the Component 1 of the Project and the wider Bank-financed program and projects. Oversight and Supervision Coordinate and manage all key activities related to the
