Tender Detail

Source: World Bank — Ethiopia Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project

Request for Expression of Interest

(Consulting Services – Individual Selection)

Selection of Legal Advisor for Ethiopian Communication Authority

Country: Ethiopia

Project: Ethiopia Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project

Project ID: P179040

Assignment Title:  Legal Advisor for Ethiopian Communication Authority

Reference No.: ET-NIDP-502547-CS-INDV

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Finance (MoF), has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Ethiopia Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project.  National ID Program, the ultimate project implementer intends to apply part of the proceeds for selecting of individual consultants.

National ID Program as part of the project implementation program is looking for an Individual Consultant that supports the ECA (one of the key implementing partners for this Digital ID Project and has been identified as the entity to implement the PDP Law and act as the “Authority” of and as defined in the PDP Law).  Experienced individual consultants who have experience, passionate and innovative ideas for the position of Legal Advisor are invited to express their interest for the assignment.

The Legal Advisor will lead the development and execution of legal and regulatory instruments and processes under the PDP Law. This role involves preparing comprehensive legal and regulatory instruments and processes under the PDP Law and that align with regional and international best practices. Key responsibilities also include drafting such instruments and processes, consulting the draft documents with stakeholders, preparing legal opinions, providing ongoing training to the public and key sectors about their legal rights and obligations concerning personal data protection, and managing complex legal assessments related to data the collection and processing of personal data. The Legal Advisor will also address any legal challenges that arise from the enforcement of rights and obligations under the PDP Law.

Specific responsibilities for the Legal Advisor will include, but are not limited to, the following core activities:

• Develop and review data protection legal and regulatory frameworks, tools, reports, and guidelines.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on emerging issues in data protection law and practice.
• Work together with an international legal advisor to ensure that any proposed instruments or processes under the PDP align with good international practice.
• Draft subsidiary instruments and process under the PDP Law.
• Provide legal advice and guidance on personal data protection laws, regulations, and policies.
• Support ECA to conduct public consultations with government and non-governmental stakeholders.
• Develop, as requested, technical briefing papers and presentations on key legal issues related to personal data protection.
• Facilitate legal related workshops, meetings, and other logistical issues specific to legal activities.
• Participate in training sessions and workshops to educate stakeholders about data protection rights and responsibilities.
• Engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, and civil society, to promote understanding and compliance with personal data protection laws.
• Draft and produce regular progress reports and event-based reports as requested.

National ID Program, Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest to provide the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services for a period of one year with possibility of extension for additional period subject to outstanding performance of the consultant and availability of budget. The qualification criteria include the following;

• Master’s Degree or equivalent, in Information Technology and Telecommunication Law, Cyber Law, Data Protection Law, Human Right Law, International Law or other relevant area is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in data protection, privacy right, cyber-security, Digital Rights, Human rights and other related issues is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of data protection legislation and relevant local laws.
• Demonstrated skills of legal drafting.
• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in Amharic and English languages is desirable.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• The candidate must be able to work under pressure to meet demanding deadlines.

The selection method is based on para 7.36 and 7.37 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulation. The attention of interested individuals is drawn to Section III, paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers,” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”) revised November 2017, August 2018, and February 2025 setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

An individual will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant (Section V) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Expressions of interest (CV, cover letter and documentary evidence for fulfilling the qualifications) must be delivered in a written form to the address below by E-mail on or before September 8th, 2025. Further information can be obtained, by email at the below address during office hours from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Addis Ababa time: 

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,

National ID Program (NIDP)

Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project

Attn: Project Management Unit (PMU),

Address: Welosefer Bole, Ethio-China St, INSA Building, 14th Floor, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

E-mail: mesfin@id.gov.et and copied to zelalem@id.gov.et and nejmedin@id.et

Website: https://id.gov.et/

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia