Hiring of a Project Manager for PIU — Support for Preparation of the Modernizing Ethiopia’s Statistical System Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI) Individual Consultant Selection (INDV) Ethiopian Statistical Service (ESS) Project:-Modernizing Ethiopia’s Statistical System Project (MESSP) – Preparation Grant for Modernizing Ethiopia’s Statistical System Project Project ID:-P516394 Grant No. E6970-ET Assignment Title:- Hiring of a Project Manager for PIU Reference No.ET-ESS-574077-CS-INDV 1. Background The Ethiopian Statistical Service (ESS) has received financing from the World Bank and intends to apply part of the proceeds to recruit an individual consultant under the Individual Consultant Selection (INDV) method. The project aims to improve the availability, quality, timeliness, and use of official statistics for evidence-based policymaking in Ethiopia. ESS will establish a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) responsible for day-to-day implementation, including coordination, procurement, financial management, monitoring and evaluation, environmental and social risk management, reporting, annual work planning and budgeting, procurement planning, and liaison with the World Bank and key stakeholders. 2. Assignment Objective The Project Manager will provide overall leadership and management of the PIU to ensure effective, efficient, and compliant implementation of project activities in accordance with the Financing Agreement, Project Implementation Manual, annual work plans, procurement plans, fiduciary requirements, environmental and social commitments, and World Bank procedures. 3. Scope of Services / Duties and Responsibilities The Project Manager shall, among other duties: - Provide overall strategic leadership, direction, and management of the project. - Coordinate the preparation and implementation of annual work plans, procurement plans, training plans, ICT modernization plans, and project budgets. - Ensure timely implementation of project activities in accordance with approved project documents, financing agreements, and implementation schedules. - Lead and coordinate digital transformation and ICT modernization initiatives under the project, aligned with ESS strategic priorities and national digital transformation agendas. - Coordinate technical, fiduciary, safeguards, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), ICT, and administrative functions of the PIU. - Serve as the primary liaison between ESS and key institutions including the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD), sector ministries, development partners, and the World Bank. - Ensure compliance with World Bank procurement, financial management, environmental and social safeguards, digital governance, cyber security, and reporting requirements. - Supervise consultants, specialists, and support staff recruited under the project, including ICT and digital transformation specialists. - Facilitate coordination with sector institutions to strengthen data integration, interoperability, and administrative data systems. - Lead the preparation and submission of quarterly, semi-annual, and annual project progress reports. - Organize and coordinate Steering Committee and Technical Committee meetings. - Monitor project implementation progress and recommend corrective actions where necessary. - Identify project risks (including ICT-related risks) and oversee mitigation measures. - Ensure stakeholder engagement, communication, and change management activities. - Perform any other related duties assigned by ESS management. 4. Duration and Duty Station Duration:-18 months, full-time, subject to satisfactory performance and project requirements. -Duty Station:-ESS Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The project preparation phase will be up to eighteen (18) months from the date of hiring. Implementation is expected to commence upon Project Effectiveness and continue for approximately five (5) years, with possible overlap between preparation and implementation phases.) 5. Minimum Qualifications and Experience Education:- - Master’s degree or above in Statistics, Economics, Information Systems, Computer Science, Public Administration, Project Management, Development Studies, ICT for Development, or related field. Professional Experience: - Minimum ten (10) years of relevant professional experience, including at least five (5) years in project coordination/management/program management roles. - Demonstrated experience managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder, donor-funded development projects. - Proven experience coordinating and implementing World Bank-financed projects is mandatory (experience with other multilateral/bilateral donors is an added advantage). - Demonstrated experience in ICT modernization, digital transformation, e-government, statistical modernization, or data system strengthening initiatives. - Strong understanding of digital technologies, data ecosystems, information systems, administrative data integration, interoperability frameworks, and digital governance principles. - Proven experience working with PIU and managing multidisciplinary teams (procurement, financial management, safeguards, ICT, and M&E). - Strong knowledge of World Bank operational policies and procedures including procurement, financial management, safeguards, M&E, and reporting requirements. - Experience with national statistical systems and public sector institutions is highly desirable. 6. Selection Method The consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers – Selection of Individual Consultants (INDV) method. 7. Submission of Expression of Interest Interested candidates shall submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and an updated CV including relevant qualifications and experience, electronically no later than: Deadline: November 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM (Ethiopia Time) Subject:-Expression of Interest – Project Manager – ET-ESS-574077-CS-INDV Procurement Contact Ayalew Dejene Ethiopian Statistical Service (ESS) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Email: ayalewdejene69@gmail.com Tel: +251 962331133 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.