Technical IT (E-Gov) Specialist

About Ministry of communication and IT

based on it services and electronic governmentThe Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan has received Project Preparatory Grant/Fund from the World Bank for execution of Digital CASA Afghanistan Projectand intends to apply part of the proceeds to hire aqualified Individual Consultant to work as Senior Technical IT (E-Gov) Specialist of the Project to carry out tasks related to the project.

This Consultancy Support will be provided to MCIT at Kabul, under the Project Fund of Digital CASA Afghanistan Project.

The aim of the Digital CASA Afghanistan Project is: (i) to expand and strengthen the Regional and National level broadband connectivity based on Optical Fiber Networks; (ii) to boost up digital society and economy through e-Governance initiatives and (iii) to prepare an enabling environment and Regulation for the growth of ICT Sector in Afghanistan. The project will do so by: (a) expansion and strengthening of broadband connectivity in Central Asia and South Asia Region; (b) expansion and strengthening of national broadband connectivity in Afghanistan; (c) Commissioning of a Network called “Govnet” to connect most of the Government Offices at Central and Provincial Government levels; (d) Automation of citizen-centric services through e-Governance initiatives; (e) Automation of e-Governance mechanisms and strengthening of e-Delivery Platforms; (f) framing up of Regulations, Policies, Strategies and Policies for growth of ICT Sector.
To contribute towards achievement of some of the above mentioned objectives of Digital CASA
Afghanistan Project, MCIT has decided to avail the consultancy services of an Individual
Consultant to work as Senior Financial Management Specialist.

Job Summary

Objectives of the Consultancy Assignment: 

The objective of this assignment is to support the PIU and the PICU in managing the preparation and early implementation of the“E-Gov” component ofthe «Digital CASA-Afghanistan Project»in a timely, effective, efficient and results-oriented manner and assist the relevant department staff members of MCIT to perform related tasks. 

Scope of Work and Tasks:

The activities of Technical Coordinator will include coordination and technical inputs for successful preparation and initial implementation of the following arrangements, included under «Digital CASA-Afghanistan» project:

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Sub-component Eurasia Cloud Regional Datacenter and G-Cloud is envisioned to finance: 1) Feasibility studies for establishing a regional Eurasia Cloud by leveraging PPP options; 2) Pre-purchase of hosting capacity from Eurasia Cloud; 3) Feasibility study for establishing mini-government cloud; 4) cost of upgrading the existing facilities, including equipment and related services for creation of the mini-governmental Cloud (G-Cloud). 
2. Sub-component Digital Platforms, Shared Services and Smart Solutions is envisioned to finance: (1) Feasibility studies and tender documentation for establishing Shared Digital Public Service Delivery Platform; (2) Procurement of shared services such as authentication and identity management, e-signature, unified notification and payment platforms, interoperability, cybersecurity and application/data-sharing platforms; (3) Development of a select number of Quick wins (smart, data driven services); 4) Development of national e-services portal as “one stop shop”; (5) Digitization of paper records; and (6) Development of a citizen engagement and beneficiary feedback platform. 
Specific responsibilities of Digital Government Technical Coordinator will include but not limited to: 
• Support the Project Team Leader by providing technical advice, comments, assistance in all aspects of digital government and technology-related issues;
• Support in the procurement of consultants/consulting companies, including support in drafting and finalization of all technical aspects of Terms of Reference, RFPs. This will include participation and technical advice during selection processes of consultants, and support in the award, negotiation, approval and signing of the respective contracts; 
• Support in the procurement of goods and services as well as PPP partners, among others, including the design and finalization of technical specifications, support in the preparation of bidding documents, and in the bidding process, including participation in the bid evaluation, award, negotiation, approval and signing of the respective contracts with the selected vendors, service providers and PPP partners;
• Coordinate the activities of the selected consultants, serve as technical counterpart on behalf of the SCITC, monitor progress and ensure the relevance, timeliness and quality of their outputs in accordance with the provisions of their respective contracts;
• Coordinate the activities of the selected vendors/providers/PPP partners, serve as technical counterpart on behalf of the SCITC, monitor progress and ensure the relevance, timeliness and quality of the implementation in accordance with the provisions of their respective contracts;
• Contribute to the finalization and periodic update, as necessary, of the Procurement Plan (PP) and Project Procurement Strategy Document (PPSD) for the Grant and for the project;
• Contribute to the development of the project implementation plan, monitor and report on progress or delays of all activities included under “Digital Platforms and Smart Solutions component”; 
• Provide technical inputs to the Project Team Leader on development of the reports to the government and the World Bank, reflecting: (i) the status of implementation progress, problems encountered, corrective actions needed, rationale for actions; and (ii) Results and recommendations coming out of preparation studies, estimated costs and implementation timelines. Coordinate project related work with the PIU. 
• Work with the Project Team Leader on monitoring the project’s indicators relevant to the digital platforms and smart solutions component and provide inputs as needed; 
• Review and report regularly to the Project Team Leader on the overall progress and results against operational and financial objectives. Participate in the development and update of the Digital CASA AfghanistanProject’s Operational Manual when modifications or supplements to them are needed;
• Liaise with the Government agencies and private companies involved in the implementation of activities included under “Digital platforms and Smart Solutions” component and coordinate joint activities
• Serve as a technical liaison in interactions with the World Bank and other development partners on matters pertaining to implementation of the “Digital Platforms and Smart Solutions” component, consultation and coordination, and the results of the preparation studies; 
• Provide guidance to the PIU staff and consultants, consultancy companies, organizations, contractors, suppliers, etc., as necessary, in order to obtain data required for preparation of draft management decisions as well as management of correspondence related to the Digital Platforms and Smart Solutions component as needed, based on the feedback received through periodic consultations with the WB team;
• Verify and attest interim and final certificates of payment, certifies the quantities of executed works, review and approve Variation Orders, contractors’ claims for extension of time, reviews and agrees to design changes; 
• Coordinate technical activities with the Open Data project, including but not limited to using open data for e-services development;
• Participate and present on a variety of digital government issues in meetings, seminars, conferences, and other events organized by the government, World Bank or other development partners. 



Selected Consultant will execute the following tasks: 


• Project procurement plan is developed and kept up-to-date;
• Procurement activities are conducted in accordance with the approved procurement plan;
• Advertisements, bidding documents, letters of invitation, draft contracts, evaluation reports for the procurement of goods, services and works are developed;
• World Bank no-objections are secured in timely manner 
• Reports and statements on procurement activities are prepared.
• Progress reports are submitted on a monthly basis.

Skills

Timing and Deliverables:
The Consultant should submit reports as requested to the Project Team Leader (PTL)of the World Bank funded Digital CASA Project.
This is a full-time assignment expected to commence in December 2017. The contract, envisaged as a long-term position, will be signed for an initial period of 6 months with a probation period of three months, during which the contract can be terminated. The contract can be extended beyond the original term subject to the specialist’s satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
The Consultant will be paid on monthly basis as per the government rules.
Support that will be given to the Consultant at Kabul:

MCIT shall provide the following support:
• A suitable working space inside the MCIT Complex.
• Internet connectivity in Office.

Qualifications

• Citizen of Afghanistan
• At least a Bachelor’s Degree in the field in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology. A Master’s Degree or other professional qualification will be an added advantage. 
• A minimum 5 years of practical or advisory experience in Digital Government (e-Government) and implementation of large scale government ICT infrastructure. A combination of prior experience in both public and private sectors would be an added advantage. 
• Demonstrated experience in engaging with international thought leaders on cutting edge technology and transformation issues related to ICT and e-Government;
• Technical expertise in a variety of ICT subject matters, including but not limited to cloud computing, disaster management and continuity of government, cyber-security, enterprise architecture, interoperability, data sharing, applications and data standards. 
• Ability to communicate complex technical matters to non-technical decision makers. 
• Excellent track record as coordinator, advisor or deputy/director level (at least 5 years) in relation to donor-funded projects and/or in governmental organizations interacting with international financial institutions. The track record shall be confirmed with three references from direct supervisor (e.g. Ministry/agency staff or the like).
• Excellent analytical, communications and technical writing skills.
• Fluency in English and in one of the national languages (Dari or Pashto) and good reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. 
• High integrity and accountability, good team work spirit;
• Good knowledge of business operations in Afghanistan, the Government’s accounting policies and procedures, and knowledge of and experience with World Bank financial management and disbursement procedures and policies.

Job Location

Afghanistan - Kabul

Education:

Bachelors Degree, IT

Submission Guideline

Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) by MCIT:

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) now invites eligible Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested Consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (CV, Brochures, Description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions and availability of appropriate skills etc.). 
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (January, 2011 edition).


Expressions of interest (Cover Letter and a detailed Resume) must be submitted by 30th of November 2017, 16.00 Kabul time to 

Applications sent later than the indicated date/time will not be considered.

Submission Email

.digitalcasa@mcit.gov.af cc: recruitment@mcit.gov.af