Digital Infrastructure Specialist

SMART ZAMBIA INSTITUTE (SZI)
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (Curriculum Vitaes – Cvs)
(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)

COUNTRY: Zambia
NAME OF PROJECT: The Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP)

Loan No./Credit No./ Grant No.: P505094
Name of Implementing Agency: Smart Zambia Institute (SZI)
Position: Digital Infrastructure Specialist
Reference No.: ZM-SZ-501752-CS-INDV

Background

The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) has received financing from the International Development Association of the World Bank to accelerate country-wide digital transformation. The “Digital Zambia Acceleration Project” (henceforth referred to as the ‘the project’) will drive digital transformation throughout the country by enhancing access to technology and improving service delivery. The project will address key barriers that hinder demand for digital services, such as inadequate digital infrastructure, low digital literacy rates, access to digital devices and affordability issues. The project in addition, will enable Zambia to leverage critical enabling digital platforms and data-driven solutions to improve the efficiency of public service delivery and expand the adoption of digitally enabled services.

The Project will be coordinated through the Electronic Government Division (EGD) Smart Zambia Institute (SZI). A dedicated Project Implementation Unit (PIU) is thus being set up and operationalized at SZI that will have overall responsibility for supporting project preparation and implementation.
SZI seeks to hire a high-performing and qualified Digital Infrastructure Specialist, as individual consultants who will drive the successful and effective preparation and delivery of this project.

Summary of Needed Technical Expert

The Digital Infrastructure Specialist should have a solid understanding of telecommunication, broadband and internet services and must be well acquainted with the Zambian environment. The Expert will help the Government of Zambia through this project to plan for extension of connectivity to unserved and underserved areas to close the connectivity gap.

Objective of the Assignment for the Digital Infrastructure Specialist

To provide consultancy services and contract management for designing, implementing, and optimising scalable, secure, and efficient Digital Communications Infrastructure, ensuring system reliability, performance, and alignment with organizational goals and digital transformation strategies.

General Scope of Work

Advise the PIU and SZI and MOTS on digital infrastructure matters related to the project.
Any other assignment within the scope of digital infrastructure that may be assigned by the PIU Coordinator.

Specific Scope of Work

Assist in recruitment and contract management of firms to design scalable, secure and efficient digital public infrastructure solutions to support project goals and digital transformation strategies.
Contracts to be managed include consultancy contracts for Commercial Transaction Manual (CTM), selection of cell sites and fiber routes that will benefit from project interventions, greening of digital infrastructure, connectivity contracts etc.
Recommend optimal performance, reliability and security of IT systems, networks and infrastructure, identifying and resolving potential issues or inefficiencies.
Support the project on planning and architecture of digital infrastructure, including servers, storage, networks and cloud services, ensuring that they meet current and future needs.
Work closely with stakeholders, in the public and private sectors to integrate infrastructure solutions with business systems and applications.
Advise the project on the management and optimisation of cloud infrastructure solutions to ensure scalability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness in digital services.
Support the project to enhance the sustainability of ICT infrastructure by implementing environmentally friendly practices and technologies.
Support the development of disaster recovery plans, backup strategies, and business continuity protocols to safeguard infrastructure against disruptions.
Review digital infrastructure under the project and assess compliance with industry standards, security protocols, and regulatory requirements.
Support the project to ensure that social and environmental safeguards aspects are integrated into infrastructure planning and execution, as well a energy efficiency and climate resilient standards.
Provide training and support to technical teams and stakeholders on infrastructure tools, best practices and new technologies.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer/Network Engineering, Information, and Communication Technology (ICT), Information Systems or equivalent.
Master’s Degree, or higher, in Computer /Network Engineering, Information, and Communication Technology (ICT), Information Systems will be an added advantage.
Relevant Industry certifications such as MCIP, MCSA, MCSE, CCNA, CNNP are added advantage.
Demonstrated knowledge of key regulatory and policy issues related to the telecommunication sector and broadband market development-e.g. competition, affordability, quality of service (QoS), local content, spectrum management, and infrastructure sharing etc.
Familiarity with the digital inclusion and universal access agenda of Zambia.
Demonstrated knowledge of network infrastructure and related solutions used in middle mile and last mile solutions, including the use of low-earth orbit satellite technology.
Must be abreast with latest trends on the deployment and maintenance of digital infrastructure and emerging telecommunication technologies.

General Competences

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong analytical, reporting, and writing abilities.
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.
Ability to solve complex problems and provide solutions to difficult issues.
Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.

Experience

At least 7 years of relevant work experience in designing, implementing and managing complex network infrastructure including experience of contract management.
Experience of working on Government / ICT Infrastructure-related projects preferred.

Institutional Arrangements

The Digital Infrastructure Specialist will report to the PIU Coordinator and will work closely with the relevant beneficiary agencies, including Smart Zambia, MOTS and ZICTA.

Duration of Contract

The Digital Infrastructure Specialist will be contracted for an initial period of one year. The contract will be renewed based on the Experts’ performance and needs of the project.

Invitation for Expression of Interest

The SZI now invites eligible Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services by submitting Expressions of Interest (EOI). Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are educational qualification, experience (general & specific) and knowledge in procurement.

A Consultant will be selected through the ‘Individual Consultants Selection’ method using Open National Market Approach” in accordance with provisions in the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, Revised September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”).

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 revised September 2023 “Procurement Regulations”, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 08:00 hours to 13:00 hours and 14:00 hours to 17:00 hours Central African Time (CAT) or by email.

Expressions of Interest must be delivered in written form and deposited in the tender box at the address below (in person) or electronically submitted via the following link: dzap_procurements@grz.gov.zm by Friday, 8th August, 2025 at 10:00 hours CAT to the address indicated below:

The National Coordinator

Office of the President, E-Government Division,

SMART Zambia Institute,

Corner of Nationalist Road and Independence Avenue

P. O. Box 31998,

Lusaka, ZAMBIA.

City: Lusaka

ZIP Code:10101

Country: Zambia

Telephone: +260-211-254478, 253438,
253652, 254599,254657