Consultancy Services for Provision of Digital Connectivity Expert — Regional Program for Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Solutions Phase 1

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION) West and Central Africa Regional Program for Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Solutions (Regional DARES) Project ID: P507938 Credit No.:8080-LR Assignment Title: Consultancy Services for RCU Digital Connectivity Expert. Reference No .: LR-RCU-DARES-557732-CS-INDV The Governments of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Benin, and Central Africa Republic have received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Regional Program for Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Solutions (Regional DARES) and intend to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services ("the Services") lead the design, development, and implementation of activities related to digital connectivity and digital service integration under Regional DARES. The Expert will be responsible for ensuring that electricity access investments are systematically combined with connectivity and digital services, thereby maximizing socio-economic impact across households, enterprises, and public institutions. The duration of the assignment is approximately five years, with an expected start in October 2026. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following link: https://lecliberia.com/wp-content/uploads/R-DARES-TOR-POE-Digital-Connectivity-Expert-FINAL.docx The RESPITE Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) now invites eligible and selected Individual Consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI), including their CV with information demonstrating that they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.), educational and professional qualification certificates. The shortlisting criteria are: Advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in Telecommunications, Engineering, ICT, Energy Systems, Economics, or related field. At least 8–10 years of relevant professional experience in digital connectivity, telecommunications, ICT systems, or related sectors; Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, or assessing digital connectivity or digital service interventions, particularly in rural or underserved markets; Experience analyzing digital ecosystems and identifying commercially viable connectivity and digital service models, including last-mile delivery solutions; Excellent knowledge of digital connectivity infrastructure and service delivery models (e.g. broadband, telecom networks, community connectivity, and enterprise services); Experience working with private-sector actors, including telecom operators, ISPs, digital service providers, and infrastructure developers; Experience structuring or supporting results-based or performance-based programs is an advantage; Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa, including fragile environments, is highly desirable; Familiarity with World Bank or other MDB-financed operations is a strong advantage. The shortlisted candidates will be informed via email and invited for a virtual interview. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.13 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2025 (Procurement Regulations”) as available on https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/c84273d1b230aeb2b0b8134de5dc8cd7-0290012025/original/Procurement-Regulations-7th-Edition-Sep-2025.pdf, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection (ICS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, 0900 to 1700 hours GMT. Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below by email or by physical mail on or before Friday, August 7, 2026. RCU PROJECT COORDINATOR RESPITE Coordination Unit 15th Street & Warner Avenue Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia Email: f.kyere@respite-rcu.org and copied s.hedd-williams@respite-rcu.org