Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT) would like to make a request for an Expression of Interest for Consulting Service for the Digital Business Program Specialist Position for the Digital Foundations Project

Request for Expression of Interest

(Consulting Services - Individual Selection)

Consulting Service for Digital Business Program Specialist Position for Digital

Foundations Project - MINT

• Country: Ethiopia
• Project: Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project
• Project ID: P171034
• Credit No: IDA-68560
• Assignment Title: Digital Business Program Specialist to support the Program Implementation Unit at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology.
• Salary: Based on the directive of MoF Project staff Salary Scale
• Reference No: ET-MINT-301263-CS-INDV

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Finance (MoF), has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project ("Digital Foundations"). The Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the host of the project intends to apply part of the proceeds for selecting individual consultants.

Ministry of Innovation and Technology as part of the project is looking for an Individual Consultant that provides technical assistance that supports the Project Implementation Unit.

Experienced individual consultants who have experience, passion, and innovative ideas for the position of Digital Business Program Specialist are invited to express their interest in the assignment.

The Digital Business Program Specialist is mainly responsible for the overall implementation support and management of Component III - Digital Business and Entrepreneurship. Specific responsibilities for the Digital Business Program Specialist will include but are not limited to, the following core activities.

Preparing and planning the implementation of the grant/incentive programs in line with the Manual and in close coordination with the PIU, the Project Steering Committee, and further stakeholders. Aspects related to transparency in the selection process, prevention, and management of conflicts of interest, and confidentiality are paramount. Task include, in particular:

• Developing timelines and implementation plans (considering findings of implementation support studies by third-party consultants);
• Forming partnerships with local actors for selection, communication, and supervision activities;
• Defining the call for applications and establishing the selection criteria (in collaboration with a core selection team to be determined);
• Setting up a system for tracking applications and managing requests for information, clarifications, and complaints;
• Preparing templates for applications and grant/incentive management; and
• Coordinating a communication and dissemination strategy.

Implementation of the grant/incentive selection and award process

• Launching calls for applications, providing support to applicants, and tracking grant/incentive applications.
• Scheduling of meetings and documenting selection processes
• Announcing winners of the grant/incentive programs
• Preparing funding agreements and contracts
• Informing not selected applicants and providing feedback
• Engage with stakeholders including the Development Bank of Ethiopia (DBE) for the proper implementation of the windows under the component

Portfolio management and monitoring

• Serve as the primary contact point and liaison between the project implementers and program/project manager of all beneficiaries,
• Documenting the progress of implementation, contractual agreements, and financial disbursements.
• Providing or coordinating mentoring, coaching, and technical assistance during the implementation of business plans.

Evaluation and continuous improvement

• Identifying areas of improvement in the preparation and implementation of the grant/incentive programs;
• Evaluating the achievement of program objectives, indicators as well as financial plans with particular attention to compliance with environmental, social, and governance standards in line with the principles and requirements of the Government of Ethiopia and the World Bank Group:
• Overarching quality control (e.g., review of templates and documents).

Ministry of Innovation and Technology now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest to provide the services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services for a period of one year with the possibility of extension for an additional period subject to the outstanding performance of the consultant and availability of budget. The shortlisting criteria include the following:

• Advanced University degree (e.g., Bachelor's or Master's degree) in business administration, economics, and social sciences or in a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of professional experience, including four (4) years of specific experience in the management of grants/incentives and business plan competition,
• Proven experience working with MSMEs, start-ups, digital businesses, industry associations, entrepreneurship support organizations (e.g., innovation hubs, incubators, accelerators), international donors, and further relevant institutions
• Knowledge and previous experience working on donor-funded operations is a plus
• Knowledge of opportunities related to the adoption of digital technologies by the private sector as well as major trends in the digital economy
• Ability to think strategically and adapt to changing project demands and needs, remaining focused on goals and objectives
• Highly proficient and knowledgeable in the use of current computer software tools applied for contract management,
• Highly facilitative and collaborative leadership style and ability to develop relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Good communication and project management skills
• A strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty, and a desire to be of service
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Amharic

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to the World Bank's Procurement in Investment Project Financing, Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services dated November 2020 ("Procurement Regulations"). Expressions of interest (CV, Cover letter, and documentary evidence for fulfilling the qualifications) must be delivered in a written form to the address below in person, or by mail, or by fax, on or before August 10, 2022, but preferably by email. Further information can be obtained, by email at the below address during office hours from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Addis Ababa time:

Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project

Atta: Focal Person, Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

Address: Arada Sub-city, off Churchill Read, behind Lycée Guebre-Mariam,

E-mail: digital.fendation@mintgus.at  or zelalem.tadesss@mintgaz.at

Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT)