Stakeholder Engagement Specialist

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)

Republic of Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Digital Inclusion Project

Credit No.: 7425-UZ

Assignment Title: Stakeholder Engagement Specialist for the construction and renovation of ITES Centers

Reference No.: UZ-DIP-581365-CS-INDV

The Republic of Uzbekistan has received financing from the International Development Association toward the cost of the Uzbekistan Digital Inclusion Project. “Administration of Technology Park of Software and IT” LLC (IT Park), as the Implementing Agency, intends to apply part of the proceeds to engage an individual consultant as Stakeholder Engagement Specialist for Component 2.2 of the Project. Under Component 2.2, the Project finances the construction and the reconstruction of ITES Centers in the regions. To meet the requirements of the Project’s Environmental and Social Commitment Plan, IT Park will engage three individual consultants under separate contracts: an Environmental Specialist (including Occupational Health and Safety), a Social Specialist and a Stakeholder Engagement Specialist. This Request for Expressions of Interest concerns the Stakeholder Engagement Specialist. The Stakeholder Engagement Specialist will support IT Park as the lead specialist for stakeholder engagement, information disclosure and the Project Grievance Redress Mechanism for the construction sites, in line with World Bank Environmental and Social Standard 10, the Project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan and the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan on citizens’ appeals and access to information. The consulting services (“the Services”) include, but are not limited to: update of the SEP for Component 2.2, stakeholder mapping for each site and maintenance of the stakeholder register; planning, organization and documentation of public consultations on the site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans, including consultations with organizations of persons with disabilities on accessibility of the designs, and disclosure of the ESMPs and consultation results in Uzbek and Russian; informing neighbours and building users of the works schedule, expected disturbance, safety measures and grievance channels before and during works preparation of communication materials and site information board content; operation of the Project GRM for Component 2.2: publicizing the channels, registration and resolution of grievances within the GRM time limits, feedback to complainants, and six-monthly review of the GRM functioning;

The assignment is expected to start in December 2026 and to continue until the taking-over of the last of the construction sites and acceptance of the final report, currently expected in the first half of 2029. To obtain the Terms of Reference for the assignment, please send your request to the following e-mail address: udip@it-park.uz. “Administration of Technology Park of Software and IT” LLC now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services: a curriculum vitae in the English language, copies of diplomas and contact details of references.

The evaluation criteria are:

1) Education

University degree in social sciences, communications, journalism, public relations or a related field.

2) Experience

At least 5 years of experience in community engagement, public consultations, public relations or handling citizens’ appeals; Experience in implementing a SEP or GRM on projects financed by the World Bank or other international financial institutions is an advantage; Experience with construction projects and work with mahalla committees is an advantage.

3) Knowledge

World Bank ESS10 and good practice in stakeholder engagement and grievance management; Legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan on citizens’ appeals and access to information; Inclusive engagement of women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

4) Language

Fluent Uzbek and Russian; Working English (inputs to reports to the World Bank are prepared in English).

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”, Fifth Edition, September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest, and to paragraph 3.21 on eligibility. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Open Competitive Selection of Individual Consultants method set out in the Procurement Regulations, based on a comparison of qualifications and experience. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tashkent time. Expressions of interest must be delivered in writing (in person, by post or by e-mail) to the address below no later than November 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Tashkent time.

“Administration of Technology Park of Software and IT” LLC

Attention of: Mr. Azamat Karamatov, General Director

Uzbekistan Digital Inclusion Project 5th floor, 7/2, Muminov str. 100164, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tel.: [contact details removed] (1037), [contact details removed]

E-mail: udip@it-park.uz