Technical IT Assessment Consultant

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). ITC seeks to engage a qualified IT Technical Assessment Consultant to conduct technical assessments of shortlisted institutions and provide evidence-based recommendations to support procurement and allocation decisions.

Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a technical assessment of shortlisted institutions identified through the READY Salone EOI process and provide recommendations to guide equipment specification, procurement planning, infrastructure readiness verification, institutional capacity assessment, digital equipment allocation, and sustainability analysis.

Scope of Work

The consultant shall undertake the following activities:

• 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.
• Assess existing ICT equipment inventory, training infrastructure, internet connectivity, power supply, network readiness, physical security, accessibility, software systems, and technical staffing.
• Validate proposed equipment and infrastructure requests.
• Recommend fit-for-purpose equipment specifications and identify implementation risks.
• Prepare institution-level assessment reports and a consolidated technical assessment report.

Deliverables

• Inception and Technical Assessment Report including methodology, assessment tools, desk review, and individual assessment findings.
• Final Consolidated Procurement and Allocation Report including consolidated findings, procurement recommendations, final procurement list, and an allocation plan.

Qualifications

• 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 with UN agencies, development partners, or donor-funded projects; knowledge of digital learning environments; experience integrating accessibility and inclusion considerations.

Application Instructions

Interested consultants should submit a Technical Proposal (understanding of the assignment, methodology, workplan, experience, references, and CV) and a Financial Proposal (lump-sum offer, breakdown by deliverable, and cost assumptions).