Closing date

24 January 2024

IT/IS International Consultant for Developing a long-term technology strategy and Technical Specifications of the Irrigation Management Information System (IMIS) for ALRI

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Republic of Tajikistan

Tajikistan Strengthening Water and Irrigation Management Project

Assignment Title: IT/IS International Consultant for Developing a long-term technology strategy and Technical Specifications of the Irrigation Management Information System (IMIS) for ALRI

Reference No. (as per Procurement Plan): SWIM-CS-INT-014

The Republic of Tajikistan has applied for financing from the International Development Association and the European Union towards the cost of the IT/IS International Consultant for Developing a long-term technology strategy and Technical Specifications of the Irrigation Management Information System (IMIS) for ALRI.

The main task carried out by IT/IS International Consultant for Developing a long-term technology strategy and Technical Specifications of the Irrigation Management Information System (IMIS) for ALRI is:

  • Contribute to designing a methodology of effective collaboration for needs assessment and implementation of the tasks for development of the ToRs and technical specifications for the IMIS.
  • Contribute to a needs assessment in collaboration with stakeholders to understand the unique requirements and challenges of the irrigation management information system. Based on an initial assessment by the World Bank team, in consultation with ALRI, identify critical gaps in IT infrastructure of main stakeholders.
  • Conduct an analysis of national legislative and regulatory documents related to development of the IT systems to identify regulatory requirements for IT systems.
  • In collaboration with an expert team and stakeholders assess the dataflow in the sector and identify and categorize missing data (type, source) for the functioning the IMIS (input data, processed data, output data).
  • In collaboration with an expert team assess and analyze requirements and develop a list of expected system functions and business functions
  • In collaboration with an expert team compile a table indicating the necessary data indicating the source and provide the necessary reference tables for the compatibility of distributed databases.
  • In collaboration with an expert team analyze requirements including generated outputs and design robust, scalable, and efficient system architecture description including description of technical solutions.
  • Support the International IMIS Consultant in specifying data collection methodologies, including telemetry systems, GIS integration, and real-time monitoring capabilities.
  • Contribute to presentation of the case studies with best practices of implementation of an irrigation management information systems.
  • In close collaboration with stakeholders and a team of experts, conduct a technical assessment (IT capacity, connectivity capacity, regulatory technological requirements/restrictions) of the possibility of implementing best practice case considering the real obstacles in the client side. Develop a set of remedial actions to be considered in the specifications of the proposed IMIS.
  • Make recommendations on automation options, e.g. for water metering, irrigation delivery, billing and payments based on the technical capacity assessment in the sector. Assess the economic long-term feasibility of the recommended options.
  • Define standards for data validation, verification, and system performance to meet international benchmarks.
  • Participation in the development of technical specifications in terms of forming requirements for the hardware configurations, system architecture, choosing a development methodology, choosing modeling, and coding standards, testing, and terms of commissioning, maintenance, and continuous improvement methodology.
  • Assist the ALRI and other stakeholders in developing a long-term technology strategy aligned with IMIS goals and perspectives. This includes assessing current infrastructures, identifying areas for improvement, and planning for future technology needs.
  • Assist the ALRI in developing a guidelines for the design, deployment, and maintenance of IT infrastructure that responds to IMIS requirements. This includes managing servers, networks, databases, and other critical components.
  • Assist the ALRI to develop a customer support policies and procedures including a recommendation to deploy a first, second and third lines of customer support.
  • Provide an estimate of the financial resources required to develop, implement and maintain the IMIS.
  • Provide support to the ALRI in pre-contract services – finalization of bidding documents for the IMIS (following the WB SBDs for IT systems), assisting the ALRI team in evaluation of technical proposals and contract negotiations.

The Terms of Reference for the assignment can be found at the following link:  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ut3wjq7po5JNjBPlzLuwUtXg27ciyDa3/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109767526260894161767&rtpof=true&sd=true

Qualification requirements:

  • Educational Qualifications: A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology. Certification in ITIL, PMI or PRINCE2 is mandatory.
  • Technical Experience: System Architecture and Design: At least 10 years of experience designing complex IT systems. This includes understanding business requirements, selecting appropriate technologies, and creating robust architectures. Good understanding of cloud architecture, micro services, and scalability are essential consideration.
  • Programming and Development: Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, Python, C#, or JavaScript. Experience with full-stack development, web applications, and API design.
  • Networking and Infrastructure: Understanding of network protocols, routing, and firewalls. Managing servers, databases, and virtualization.
  • Security and Compliance: Knowledge of cyber security, encryption, and access controls. Ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
  • Project Management: Leading IT projects, managing timelines, budgets, and resources. Collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • Customer support: at least 10 years of experience working in ITSM in a leadership, management, or advisory level. good knowledge of ITIL V3 and above.
  • Language and communication skills: The Consultant is expected to have excellent knowledge of English language. Knowledge of Russian would be an advantage.

The Tajikistan Strengthening Water and Irrigation Management Project now invites eligible individual consultants to express their interest in providing the services. Interested Consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (CV, copy of documents evidencing appropriate qualifications and skills, experience and competence related to the task, description of similar tasks performed, references, etc.).

The attention of interested Consultants 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 and revised November 2017, August 2018, and November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the selection of Individual Consultants (IC) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.

Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours 09:00 to 17:00 hours of Dushanbe/Tajikistan time.

CVs must be delivered to the address below by January 24, 2024 (17:00 p.m.).

Tajikistan Strengthening Water and Irrigation Management Project

5/1, Shamsi Str., 9 th floor, 734064, Dushanbe

Tel: +992 (372) 36-62-08

Fax: +992 (378) 81-11-85

E-mail: fvwrmp@mail.ru