Legal Advisor (Individual Consultant) – Federal Government Of Somalia

Job Description

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

Country: Federal Government of Somalia (FGS)

Name of the Project: Somalia Capacity Advancement, Livelihood and Entrepreneurship, through

Digital Uplift Project (SCALED-UP)

Assignment Title: Legal Advisor (Individual Consultant)

Project ID: P168115

Individual/Firm: Individual Selection

Deadline for submission of EOI: 7th May 2025 4:00PM

Ref No. SO-MOF-482227-CS-INDV

1. Background: The Federal Government of Somalia has recently enacted the Somali Data

Protection Law (DPL) 2023, mandating the establishment of the Somali Data Protection Authority

(DPA). The DPA will serve as the primary federal institution responsible for the implementation,

enforcement, and oversight of the DPL, ensuring compliance and developing national regulations

on data protection and privacy.

The DPA is currently a key beneficiary of a World Bank-financed investment operation, the

Somalia Capacity Advancement, Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship through Digital Uplift Project

(SCALED-UP). The Project, inter alia, seeks to strengthen FGS’s capacity to support wider access

to digitally enabled services and ensure that the enabling legal frameworks are in place to support

said scale up in digital services. DPA intends to use part of the proceeds to hire an Embedded

Legal Advisor (Individual Consultant).

2. Responsibilities: The role encompasses Legal Advisory, Policy and Framework Development,

Capacity Building, Stakeholder Engagement, and Monitoring and Compliance; Under Legal

Advisory, the individual will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and updating data protection

regulations and policies to align with international best practices. This includes identifying key

legal gaps, recommending improvements, and providing legal opinions on issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI governance; The role also requires ensuring that all internal rules,

procedures, and regulations are consistent with Somalia’s Data Protection Act and related

legislation; In the area of Policy and Framework Development, the focus is on creating and

implementing legal structures to enhance data protection and cybersecurity. This includes drafting

ethical and legal guidelines for the use of Artificial Intelligence and working collaboratively with

various stakeholders to address emerging data governance challenges; Capacity Building involves

organizing and leading training sessions on data protection laws and international best practices

for both staff and stakeholders. It also includes developing tools, resources, internal notes, and

presentation materials to raise awareness about cybersecurity and AI-related risks.

The Consultant will be based in Mogadishu, Somalia. All other specific tasks detailed in the Terms

of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website:

https://mof.gov.so/publications/rms-reference-terms-reference-legal-advisor-dpa

3. Duration: The proposed duration for the assignment is for Seven (7) Months. 3 Three Months

trial period from start date.

Experiences and Qualifications

Selection Criteria: The selection shall be based on qualification, experience and skills of the

candidate and followed by an interview. To support its mission of promoting transparency,

accountability, and public awareness regarding data privacy rights and obligations, the DPA seeks

to engage a qualified Legal Advisor. The Legal Advisor should possess a combination of relevant

education, experience, and skills. The following qualifications are required:

I. Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) is mandatory and Master’s degree in Law,

Cybersecurity, or related fields is a must.

II. Minimum of 10 years of experience in legal data protection and privacy, advisory roles,

including with a strong track record of providing legal and policy formulation advisory

support to governments and governance.

III. Proven expertise in data protection, cybersecurity laws, and legal aspects of Artificial

Intelligence.

IV. Experience working with government agencies, international organizations, or private

entities on data governance.

V. Demonstrated experience in supporting organizational development in public sector

settings with strong understanding of and experience in building institutional capacities

related to data governance.

VI. Privacy certifications from recognized international organizations are a plus.

VII. In-depth knowledge of international and regional data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, AU

Convention on Cybersecurity). Familiarity with international best practices such as the

EU GDPR, Convention 108+ and data protection legislations in other African countries is

an added advantage;

VIII. Experience in developing and implementing data governance frameworks and privacy

strategies, with strong knowledge of relevant laws, regulations Proficiency in drafting

legal frameworks, policies, and agreements.

IX. Strong understanding of cybersecurity and AI ethics (ideally in developing country

context).

X. Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills coupled with an ability

to quickly synthesize, analyze, and effectively present legal materials to high-level

technical and non-technical audiences.

XI. Experience working with a variety of legal and non-legal stakeholders, including

government officials, policymakers, regulators, consultants, and academics.

XII. Excellent research, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

XIII. ICT proficiency, including legal research tools and office software.

XIV. Familiarity with cybersecurity tools and technologies is an added advantage

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.