Industrial Development Advisor for MOCI — Somalia productive, resilient, and inclusive growth (SPRING) project

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. 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 1, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) is strengthening its role in Advancing regional trade integration through Somalia’s accession to the East African Community (EAC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). MoF intends to apply for part of the proceeds from the World Bank to finance the position of Industrial Development Advisor for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Industrial Development Advisor will support MoCI in implementing industrial policies, formalizing businesses, improving export readiness, developing Special Economic Zones, strengthening intellectual property administration, coordinating stakeholders, drafting regulatory instruments, delivering staff training, facilitating public–private dialogue, and preparing implementation plans and progress reports. Responsibilities: an The Industrial Development Advisor will support the implementation of Somalia’s industrial policies by developing work plans, regulatory instruments, standards, incentive frameworks, and procedures. The Advisor will promote business formalization, export readiness, and access to EAC, AfCFTA, and WTO markets. The Advisor will provide technical support for Special Economic Zones, intellectual property administration, investment facilitation, value-chain development, and environmental compliance. The role will also strengthen coordination between MoCI, government institutions, and the private sector, with attention to micro, small, and women-owned industries. The Advisor will train MoCI and SEZ staff and support public–private consultations on industrial and trade barriers. The Advisor will also prepare regulatory frameworks, implementation plans, training materials, progress reports, and strategic advisory documents. All other specific tasks detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website link: https://moci.gov.so/en/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ToR-Industrial-Development-Advisor-2.pdf 2. Skills and qualifications Selection Criteria: The selection shall be based on qualification, experience and skills of the candidate and followed by an interview. The qualifications, experience and competencies include: • Master’s degree in industrial economics, Development Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. • Minimum of 8 years of demonstrated experience in industrial development, investment facilitation, value chain development, or related regulatory reform work within government or international development contexts and supportive of business formalization and external trade. • Demonstrated knowledge of industrial policy design, business formalization and licensing systems, special economic zone governance, or productive sector development in sub-Saharan Africa or comparable fragile and conflict-affected settings. • Experience with intellectual property administration or quality and standards systems is an advantage. • Demonstrated ability to manage inter-ministerial coordination and facilitate multi-stakeholder consultation processes. • Experience with World Bank or international development projects is highly preferred. • Proficiency in English and excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Fluency in Somali is an advantage. 3. Duration: The proposed duration for the assignment is one year (12) calendar months from starts date. 4. 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). 5. 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. 6. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations. 7. 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. 8. Deadline for submission: Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) by 30th September 2026 4:00PM. Local Time. Attention; Project Coordinator SPTRING Project Ministry of Finance Federal Government of Somalia Shangani District, Mogadishu, Somalia Email Address: bid.spring@piu.mof.gov.so