Technical IT Assessment Consultant

Result of Service 5. DELIVERABLES The consultant will work under the supervision of the ITC Project team and coordinate closely with relevant project stakeholders. Progress updates shall be submitted periodically and key findings validated with ITC before finalization. Output 1: Inception and Technical Assessment Report, each bullet point below can be submitted as separate component: • Inception report with methodology and assessment tools • Completion of desk review and development of assessment schedule • Technical assessments of shortlisted institutions and individual assessment findings Timeline of Output 1: Week 2 after signing the contract Output 2: Final Consolidated Procurement and Allocation Report (Validated): • Consolidated assessment findings and procurement recommendations • Final procurement list (equipment specifications and quantities) • A plan for allocation of equipment to selected institutions • Final presentation and validated report Timeline of Output 2: Week 4 after signing the contract. Work Location Based in the Republic of Sierra Leone, Freetown with potential Travels to the provincial Expected duration 6 weeks Duties and Responsibilities 1. INTRODUCTION The International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is implementing the READY Salone – Empowering Youth through Digital Technologies Project (2024–2028). As part of project implementation, ITC intends to strengthen selected ecosystem institutions through targeted investments in digital devices, equipment and connectivity support interventions. Following the Expression of Interest (EOI) process, ITC seeks to engage a qualified IT Technical Assessment Consultant (IT Expert) to conduct technical assessments of shortlisted institutions and provide evidence-based recommendations to support procurement and allocation decisions. 2. BACKGROUND READY Salone aims to contribute to economic growth and job creation by increasing youth participation in the digital economy through: • Digital skills development; • Entrepreneurship and innovation support; • Strengthening the digital ecosystem; and • Improving inclusive access to digital opportunities. Support interventions may include digital equipment, connectivity solutions, training devices, accessibility technologies, and operational strengthening support. The technical assessment will ensure that procurement and support decisions are aligned with actual institutional needs, infrastructure readiness, sustainability capacity, and expected developmental impact. 3. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT The purpose of this assignment is to conduct an technical assessment of shortlisted institutions identified through the READY Salone EOI process and provide recommendations to guide: • Equipment specification and procurement planning; • Infrastructure readiness verification; • Institutional capacity assessment; • Digital equipment allocation decisions; and • Sustainability and operational feasibility analysis. As the consultant you will ensure recommendations are realistic, equitable, evidence based, and aligned with READY Salone project objectives. 4. SCOPE OF WORK The consultant will work under the supervision of the ITC Project team and coordinate closely with relevant project stakeholders. Progress updates shall be submitted periodically and key findings validated with ITC before finalization. The consultant shall undertake the following activities: Task 1: Desk Review and Assessment Preparation • Review EOI applications and supporting documents submitted by shortlisted institutions; • Develop assessment tools, checklists, and technical verification templates; • Define assessment criteria and scoring methodology in consultation with ITC. Task 2: Technical Infrastructure Assessment This includes the assessment of: • Existing ICT equipment inventory and condition; • Training and digital learning infrastructure; • Internet connectivity and bandwidth capacity; • Power supply and backup arrangements; • Network and digital infrastructure readiness; • Physical security and equipment safeguarding measures; • Accessibility for women and persons with disabilities; • Existing software and operational systems; • Technical staffing and maintenance capacity. • Capacity of the institution to sustain the devices Task 3: Needs Analysis and Procurement Recommendations • Validate proposed equipment and infrastructure requests; • Assess quantity justification and utilization feasibility; • Recommend fit-for-purpose equipment specifications; • Identify infrastructure gaps and implementation risks; • Recommend prioritization and phased support approaches where necessary. Task 4: Reporting and Procurement Inputs • Prepare institution-level assessment reports; • Develop a consolidated technical assessment report; • Provide procurement inputs including recommended technical specifications and indicative equipment categories; • Present findings and recommendations to ITC. Copyright The Consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. Qualifications/special skills University degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, ICT, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field; Minimum 5 years of professional experience in ICT infrastructure assessment, digital equipment planning, or technology advisory; Demonstrated experience conducting technical assessments and equipment specification development; Experience supporting procurement or digital infrastructure projects; Experience in Sierra Leone or similar development contexts. Preferred Experience • Experience with UN agencies, development partners, or donor-funded projects; • Knowledge of digital learning environments and innovation ecosystem infrastructure; • Experience integrating accessibility and inclusion considerations into infrastructure planning. Languages Not available. Additional Information Content of Proposal : Interested consultants should submit: Technical Proposal • Understanding of the assignment; • Proposed methodology and workplan; • Relevant experience and references; • Team composition (if applicable); • CV(s) of proposed expert(s). Financial Proposal • Lump-sum financial offer; • Breakdown by deliverable; • Any reimbursable cost assumptions. The deliverables should be completed within 5 weeks of the signature of the contract. The execution of the tasks may not start before the contract has been signed. The work is planned to start as soon as possible after signing of the contract. Payment: ITC will only make payment based on satisfactory achievement of specific deliverables. Also note that ITC does not make advance payment. As per ITC/UN standard terms of payment, payment is at 30 days following satisfactory delivery of the services and invoice receipt. Important Notes • Submission does not guarantee contract award. • ITC reserves the right to conduct clarification meetings and verification processes. • Final procurement decisions remain subject to project priorities and available resources. No Fee