PIU Communications Specialist

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

COUNTRY: Federal Republic of Somalia

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

PROJECT ID: P176181

ASSIGNMENT TITLE: PIU Communications Specialist

REFERENCE NO.: SO-MOCT-FGS-575152-CS-INDV

PLACE OF ASSIGNMENT: Mogadishu, Somalia

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: October 15, 2026, at 1.00pm, Eastern Africa Time (EAT)

BACKGROUND

The Federal Republic of Somalia, situated on the Horn of Africa, faces deep economic and environmental vulnerabilities. The country’s economy depends heavily on remittances— accounting for over 31 percent of GDP—and on traditional livelihoods such as pastoralism, which supports about half of Somalia’s 16.3 million people and contributes around 60 percent of GDP. However, climate shocks, including floods, droughts, and locust infestations since 2019, have devastated livelihoods and left 5.2 million people in need of humanitarian aid. With nearly 70 percent of the population living below the international poverty line, poverty and food insecurity remain critical challenges. Somalia’s digital infrastructure is underdeveloped, further constraining economic growth and regional integration. Through World Bank’s support, The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration operation (EA- RDIP)’ (2023-2028) is being prepared to address connectivity needs for countries in the Horn of Africa region. The proposed program aims to advance the regional integration of digital markets Eastern Africa through supporting cross-border connectivity, harmonization of data and ecommerce regulations and policies, and removal of trade barriers, with the vision of establishing a Single Digital Market (SDM). It is proposed for the project components to follow the SDM framework and for participating countries (Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan in phase 1) to tailor each component for its investment and technical assistance needs. Specifically, Somalia’s $80 million EA-RDIP investment will focus on expanding broadband access, bridging infrastructure gaps, and aligning digital regulations with regional standards—laying the groundwork for greater economic inclusion and integration within the Horn of Africa. 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.

A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) is set up at the Ministry of Communications and Technology (MoCT), which is responsible for overall implementation, fiduciary and Environment and Social Framework (ESF) compliance for the project. The PIU is supported by technical committees (TCs) bringing together key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and federal member states (FMS), reports to a Project Steering Committee (PSC), and coordinates with the regional PIUs at the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). To support the effective and efficient delivery of EA-RDIP activities, MoCT intends to hire a highly motivated and dynamic Communications Specialist within the PIU to develop and implement the project communication strategy and action plan, expand the visibility of the project and its development results, and ensure that the project is branded in a way that is consistent with its intended development outcomes.

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The Communications Specialist will work with the PIU team to design and manage all aspects of internal and external project communications, including the EA-RDIP Communication Strategy and annual Communication Plans, project branding and messaging in English and Somali, the project website and social media, multimedia content, media engagement and community feedback. He/she will develop high-quality knowledge products and learning content, such as data visualizations, success stories and case studies, coordinate communication with the regional PIUs at EAC and IGAD, and provide demand-driven communication training to project beneficiaries. The Communications Specialist will report to the PIU Project Coordinator.

SHORTLISTING CRITERIA:

The shortlisting criteria for PIU Communications Specialist position are set out below. A minimum of a Master’s degree or equivalent higher education in communications, journalism, public relations, social sciences or international relations. Minimum of 7 years of working experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, with relevant experience in mass media, journalism or multimedia production and communications for a public-sector institution at national or international level. Experience in developing and implementing project or institutional branding and messaging, and in managing social media content and presence on appropriate platforms and messaging services. Demonstrated experience producing digital and multimedia content (videos, photography, infographics, audio) and managing project websites, including content management, social media and analytics tools. Experience leading similar assignment(s) in Somalia or similar contexts, with knowledge of public and private media houses in Somalia, and experience coordinating communication with regional or multi-country institutions, preferably in a regional integration program. Excellent command of written and spoken English, with excellent communication and negotiation skills. Knowledge of the Somali language (spoken and written) and experience with World Bank-financed projects, including the Environment and Social Framework and citizen engagement requirements, is an advantage.

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT: The PIU Communications Specialist will be engaged for a period of one (1) year subject to renewal on an annual basis based on satisfactory performance, assessed against the performance indicators in the ToR, and availability of funds. The Ministry of Communicatio