Communication Consultant for PIU SPRING Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

Background: In May 2025, the Federal Republic of Somalia, through its Ministry of Finance (MoF) launched the Somalia Productive, Resilient, and Inclusive Growth (SPRING) project. The project development objective is to promote private sector-led growth and job creation by improving the business-enabling environment, strengthening the financial system, and enhancing access to finance.

The SPRING project is organized around four components (three mutually reinforcing and one supporting): (i) Component 1: Improving the enabling environment for the private sector; (ii) Component 2: Deepening financial sector reforms and strengthening institutional capacity; (iii) Component 3: Enhancing access to finance and resilience for MSMEs; and (iv) Component 4: Project Management. A wide range of activities will be implemented as part of this project to reach its development objective, such as improvements to regulatory/institutional frameworks, the rollout of the digital ID system, financial sector reforms, the creation of a risk-sharing mechanism, and the provision of business development services for micro, small and medium enterprises in select economic sectors, among others.

The MoF received US$105 million from the World Bank, including US$10 million from the Somalia Multi-Partner Fund to implement the SPRING project. As part of this initiative, under Component 2, the MoF intends to apply part of the proceeds from the World Bank to finance the position of Communications Specialist for SPRING PIU. The Communications Specialist will enhance the visibility of the project to key stakeholders, the people of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and the international community. She/he will guide the PIU on how to disseminate press releases and other forms of communication. She/he will give recommendations on effective communication strategies that enable the project to speak with one voice and clarity under the Somalia Productive, Resilient, and Inclusive Growth (SPRING) Project.

1. Responsibilities: The Communications Specialist develops and implements the project communication strategy, ensures consistent messaging across stakeholders and media, produces key communication materials, coordinates engagement and events, supports reporting and visibility of results, and provides guidance on media relations and communication practices.

All other specific tasks detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website link: https://mof.gov.so/publications/tor-communications-consultant-spring-piu

3.Skills and qualifications

Selection Criteria: The selection shall be based on the qualifications, experience and skills of the candidate and followed by an interview. The qualifications, experience and competencies include:

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, international relations, business administration, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience in communication, journalism, or related areas
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and Somali
• Proven ability to develop communication strategies and produce multimedia content
• Experience in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and network building
• Experience in delivering media training and managing public communication
• Solid project management, analytical, and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and negotiation abilities
• Experience working with government institutions and donor-funded projects in fragile contexts
• Proficiency in MS Office, design software, and social media platforms

4. Duration: The proposed duration for the assignment is Twelve Months (12) calendar months from starts date.

5. The Ministry of Ministry of Finance now invites eligible consulting (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services and furnish the Curriculum Vitae (CV).

6. Attention of interested Consultants is drawn to section III, para 3.14, 3.16 & 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Projects Financing Goods, Works, Non -Consulting and Consulting Services dated in September 2023 (Procurement Regulations), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

7. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations.

8. Interested Consultant may obtain further information (in person or by e-mail) at the address below during office hours from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday except on public holidays.

9. Deadline for submission: Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by May 16, 2026, at 4:00pm (Somalia Local time)

Attention; Project Coordinator

SCALED-UP Project

Ministry of Finance

Federal Government of Somalia

Shangani District, Mogadishu, Somalia

Email Address: bid.scaledup@piu.mof.gov.so