Recruitment of technical adviser for development of Universal Service framework

Source: World Bank — Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT)

Country: Ethiopia

Project: Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project (P171034)

Assignment Title: Technical Advisor to Develop Universal Service Framework

Reference No.  ET-MOFEC-COPCU-144731-CS-INDV

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Finance (MoF), has applied for financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Ethiopia Digital Foundation Project (“Digital Ethiopia”) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The Ministry wants to engage qualified and experienced technical advisor consultant to develop a universal service framework for rural and low income telecommunication market

The objective of the service is to assist the ECA in building its capacity to determine the characteristics of the rural and low-income telecommunication market in the country; evaluate the different methods and arrangements to allow for private operators to deliver services to rural and low-income households, and determine the cost implication and the level of cost to be borne by the rural and low income users; and the structuring of a levy which is needed for cross-subsidy.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the following but not limited to:

• Develop an understanding of the characteristics of the rural and low-income telecommunications market so as to be able to determine the appropriate methods of meeting this demand, including the appropriate institutional arrangements. Undertake overall rural environment analysis including density , income level & distribution, nature of economic activities ...etc
• Determine the cost of providing telecommunications to rural and low-income users and s what proportion of the cost should be borne by these users and what proportion should be subsidized by the Universal Service Fund; regulatory requirement for operation of USF and the mechanism as to how private sector participate in the delivery of telecom service for rural and low income users and its regulatory requirements to monitor service delivery
• Recommend the institutional and regulatory requirements for the operation of the fund.

Contract Term: The service is expected to be completed within 6(six) months effective from date of contract signing

Qualification and experience: The qualification and experience required for consultants who would like to apply for the service should possess the following minimum criteria

• An advanced degree in a field relevant to telecommunications and universal service, such as Engineering, Law, Economics, Telecommunications, International Development, Geography,sociology etc.;
• At least 10 years of experience relevant to the field of USF, for instance, working in an ICT regulatory agency, an international organization, a consultancy, a telecommunications operator etc.;
• Significant previous experience in carrying out studies in the delivery of telecommunication services by private operators to rural and low income users in a developing country environment;
• Previous practical experience in establishing subsidy fund for financing rural utility services.
• Previous experience of working in Africa is essential and experience of working in Ethiopia, or a good knowledge of the country, is desirable;
• Experience of similar projects in the draft, revision or analysis of USF legislation, regulation, or other relevant documents;
• Specific experience in the field of USF, whether in a regulatory body, international organization, or telecom operator or broadcaster;
• The ability to supplement personal experience by consulting specialists, as required, in fields such as technology, privacy, security, interconnection, etc.;
• Excellent communications skills; and willing to work under pressures to meet required deadlines

The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should send expressions of interest, together with information demonstrating that they have the required qualification and relevant experience to perform the service (description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, qualifications, and so forth) by providing CVs, and supporting documents 

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016  (“Procurement Regulations” ) revised November 2017 and August 2018 , setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant

(Section V) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained, by email at the address below during office hours from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Addis Ababa time

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below in person, or by mail, on or before December 13, 2019, but preferably by e-mail.

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Finance

Attn: Minister’s Office

Address: Arada Sub city, Woreda11/12, MoF building, 4th Floor,

                      Room No 404, Sidist Kilo in front of Lion Cage park,

                       P.O.Box 1905,1037, E-mail: EOI2019MoF@gmail.com; aberag11@gmail.com

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia