Cybersecurity Capacity Development Specialist for NCA

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

COUNTRY: Federal Government of Somalia (FGS)

NAME OF PROJECT: Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP)

PROJECT ID: P176181

ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Cybersecurity Capacity Development Specialist

REFERENCE NO.: SO-MOCT-FGS-557030-CS-INDV

PLACE OF ASSIGNMENT: Mogadishu, Somalia

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: August 20, 2026, at (2.00pm Local Time).

Project Background:

The Federal Government of Somalia has received a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank toward the cost of the Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP). The Ministry of Communications and Technology (MoCT) intends to apply part of the proceeds of these Grants to finance for the position of Cybersecurity Capacity Development Specialist in support of the implementation of the National Communications Authority (NCA) in the Federal Government of Somalia. To support the National Communications Authority's (NCA) mandate to promote fair competition, consumer protection, investment, and sustainable growth in the telecommunications sector, the NCA seeks to engage a qualified Cybersecurity Capacity Development Specialist to support the implementation of national cybersecurity initiatives, institutional capacity development, workforce enhancement, cybersecurity awareness programs, and cyber resilience initiatives in Somalia. The Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP) addresses connectivity needs for countries in the Horn of Africa region. The program aims to advance the regional integration of digital markets in Eastern Africa through supporting cross-border connectivity, harmonization of data and e-commerce regulations and policies, and removal of trade barriers, with the vision of establishing a Single Digital Market (SDM). The EA-RDIP project has four components, as briefly described below: Component 1. Connectivity Market Development and Integration. Component 2. Data Market Development and Integration. Component 3. Online Market Development and integration. Component 4. Project Management and implementation.

Scope of Work

The client, National Communications Authority (NCA) requires a dedicated Cybersecurity Capacity Development Specialist to support the implementation of national cybersecurity initiatives, institutional capacity development, workforce enhancement, cybersecurity awareness programs, and cyber resilience initiatives in Somalia. The Specialist will serve as the National Communications Authority’s focal point for engagement with global digital and social media platforms, supporting the establishment and maintenance of effective relationships with major online service providers operating in Somalia. For more details refer to the Terms and Reference (ToR).

Required Qualifications and Experiences:

The shortlisting criteria for the Cybersecurity Capacity Development Specialist for position are as follows: Postgraduate degree in Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Digital Transformation, or related field. Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in in cybersecurity capacity development, cybersecurity awareness, SOMCIRT/CERT operations, or ICT security leadership roles in either the public or private sectors. Relevant experience in cybersecurity capacity-building initiatives, ICT development programs, digital transformation projects, telecommunications, regulatory institutions, academia, international organizations, or consultancy assignments. Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing cybersecurity awareness campaigns, workforce development programs, institutional strengthening initiatives, and cybersecurity training activities. Proven experience in organizing cybersecurity trainings, workshops, CyberDrills, conferences, stakeholder engagement programs, and cybersecurity awareness events. Demonstrated capability to coordinate with government institutions, academia, development partners, regional organizations, private sector stakeholders, and international cybersecurity communities. The Candidate should have work experience and in-depth knowledge of Somalia generally and a sensitivity to the underlying state of fragility and prevailing challenges in particular. Proven experience in cybersecurity-related assignments at high-level Government institutions, NGOs, regulatory authorities, international organizations, and various other stakeholders.

Duration and Reporting of the Assignment: The Cybersecurity Capacity Development Specialist will be engaged for a period of one (1) year to renewal on an annual basis based on satisfactory performance certified by NCA and availability of funds. The consultant will report to the client, the National Communications Authority (NCA), through its Director General as a supervisor; the consultant should submit written monthly and quarterly progressive reports with the review and satisfactory approval of the client. The Ministry of Communications and Technology now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested Individual Consultants must submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter indicating that they are qualified to perform the services. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) can be found at the following website: https://nca.gov.so/jobs/ or it can be forwarded to the applicant upon written request to the project generic email address indicated below. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Financing - Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services dated July 2016 and revised in November 2017, August 2018, November 2020 and September 2023, (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. The selection will be conducted in accordance with the procedures for selection of Indi