Resident Technical Advisor to support Central Bank's Digital Transformation Agenda

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT Resident Technical Assistant to support the Central Bank's Digital Transformation Agenda

Finance Agreement Reference: IDA-E0730

Project No. P177158

Assignment Title: Resident Technical Assistant to support the Central Bank's Digital Transformation Agenda

Reference No . 50/C/DSTP/2026 The Government of the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe (GoSTP) has received a grant from the World Bank toward the cost of the Digital São Tomé e Príncipe Project (DSTP) whose objective is to improve equity and sustainability of and to strengthen data governance, data systems and statistical capacity. The Central Bank of São Tomé and Príncipe (BCSTP) recently acquired an ATS+ system—integrating three critical payment and clearing systems—to modernize its financial infrastructure. These systems are now in the implementation phase and constitute essential components of the national payment infrastructure. Their smooth operation is critical to the stability of the financial system and public confidence in payment systems. The Central Bank requires a service provider (individual consultant) to deliver continuous, expert, and high-quality operational support to ensure the smooth functioning of RTGS, ACH, and IFT systems, guarantee service continuity, and progressively build the capabilities of BCTP’s internal teams toward autonomous and optimized operations. The duration of the assignment will be for a period of 12 months renewable for an additional period of 6 to 12 months, depending on service requirements. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained by sending a request to the address email: [contact details removed] / cc [contact details removed] . DSTP invites qualified individual consulting (“Consultants”) to express their interest in providing the services sending a Letter of intent, Curriculum Vitae and proof of training and skills as stated in the Curriculum Vitae. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services according to the TOR. Interested candidates should meet the following minimum requirements:

Education: University degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.

Professional Experience : At least 5 years of professional experience in the operational support or management of critical payment systems, including ACH, RTGS and/or IFT. Payment Systems Knowledge : Strong knowledge of payment system standards and processes, including RTGS/ACH/IFT, BCBS, CPMI and ISO 20022, as well as clearing and netting mechanisms. Critical Operations and Incident Management : Proven experience in critical incident management, troubleshooting and rapid problem resolution, including experience providing 24/7 operational support and managing operational emergencies.

Financial Sector Experience: Sound knowledge of operational processes within central banks or major financial institutions.

Technical Skills : Knowledge of system administration, databases, monitoring and alerting tools, service continuity and disaster recovery, as well as information security standards and diagnostic/troubleshooting tools.

Languages: Fluency in French and English, both written and spoken.

Based on the requirements above, the evaluation criteria are as follows: Required training and certification (20%); Mandatory professional experience (35%);

Relevant technical skills (30%): RTGS/ACH/IFT, payment systems, technical infrastructure, tools and standards;

Behavioral and interpersonal skills (15%): Communication, teamwork, adaptability.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.13, 3.15, and 3.16 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, i.e., from 08:00 17:00 hours. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to address below or in pdf format sent to the e-mail address below, by September 07, 2026, midnight (local time) and should mention “ INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT TO PROVIDE the Technical Assistance to support the Central Bank's Digital Transformation Agenda ”.

STP Digital Project Implementation Unit

Attn: [contact details removed]

C. P. 130 Avenida 12 de Julho, Sao Tome, Sao Tome e Príncipe

E-mail: [contact details removed] / cc: [contact details removed]

STP Digital Project Implementation Unit, 17 August 2026.

Project Coordinator,

_____________________ Daniel Neto Vaz