Engagement of the Payment Specialist for Gewel 2 for the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) for 2 years

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6.0 PAYMENT SPECIALIST x 01

Job Summary

The Payment Specialist will be responsible for ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of SCT and nutrition top – up funds to beneficiaries either directly or via payment service providers given that funds are made available, adhering to banking industry financial and procuring regulations and guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of available SCT bi- monthly payment, nutrition top-ups to beneficiaries either directly or via payment service providers adhering to banking industry, financial and procuring regulations and guidelines;

• Preparing regular reports on payment activities, funds disbursements, and related financial transactions to provide accountability and transparency.

• Ensuring that all financial activities comply with organizational policies, local laws related to payments and anti-fraud measures and the World Bank project requirements;

• Collaborating with the programme management team to monitor the budget, track expenses, and forecast future financial needs relating to beneficiary payments;

• Maintaining accurate financial records of beneficiaries’ payments and transactions for auditing purposes;

• Coordination within the PIU, other Ministry personnel and with beneficiaries where appropriate, payment service providers and other stakeholders to promote smooth payment processing and resolve any payment-related issues in a timeous manner;

• Training staff and beneficiaries where appropriate on digital payments, or cash management as needed to support the programme implementation.

• Facilitating the engagement of Payment Service Providers through training activities;

• Identifying and mitigating risks related to payment fraud, funds mismanagement, or other payment errors;

• Utilizing and (to the extent possible) design the digital payment systems or platforms to promote secure and efficient payment processing

Qualification, Experience and Key Attributes

• Full Grade 12 Certificate or Equivalent.

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, Computing or a related field.

• A Master’s degree in a related field is desirable.

• At least 7 years of experience in banking, electronic money, mobile money and /or electronic payments.

• Experience working with Donor funded project or Public Sector Programme is desirable

• Knowledge in Public and Donor Financial management guidelines is desirable.

• Proven track record in budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and fund disbursements.

• Experience working in social protection programs is desirable.

• Knowledge working with digital payment platforms.

• Strong organizational, communication and leadership skills.

• Ability to manage teams and work in multidisciplinary teams.

Duration and Location

• The assignment is expected to last for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and programme needs.

• The Payment Specialist will be based at the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Headquarters in Lusaka, with occasional travel to Provincial and district Offices for financial oversight.

Performance Evaluation

• Annual performance evaluations will be conducted at the end of each year using established key performance indicators (KPI) based on targets as set out in the AWPB, Project document and Individual work plans.

• The consultant will be expected to meet the performance standards as agreed. Failure to meet these standards may result in performance improvement plans or other disciplinary actions.

Reporting

The Payment Specialist will report directly to the Assistant SCT Coordinator

Procurement/Hiring method

The Consultant will be hired and contracted as per the “Individual Consultant (IC)” Selection method of World Bank Procurement Regulation (PR), September 2023.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (i.e. 09:00 to 1700 hours).

The Permanent Secretary,

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services

Private Bag W252

Community House

Lusaka.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form (hard copy) / E-mail to the address below by 17:00 hours on 22nd November, 2024.