Payment Specialist

(Note: This is being done to update the system; the advertisement was already published in last year in December 2024.)

COUNTRY: ZAMBIA

NAME OF PROJECT: GIRLS' EDUCATION AND WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT AND LIVELIHOODS FOR HUMAN CAPITAL PROJECT

Credit No: P181391

Assignment Title: Selection of Individual Consultants

Reference No.: MCDSS/SWL/C/2024

PAYMENT SPECIALIST x 01

Job Summary

The Payment Specialist will be responsible for ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of SWL productivity grants to beneficiaries 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 SWL payments to beneficiaries 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, Economics, 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

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

Location

• The consultant will be based at the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in Lusaka, with occasional travel to Provincial and district Offices.

Performance Evaluation

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

Procurement method

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

Performance Evaluation

Annual performance evaluations will be conducted at the end of each year using established key performance indicators (KPIs) 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 action.

Procurement method

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

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services through the GEWEL 2 – SWL and Beyond, now invites eligible “Consultants” to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are: Educational qualification, experience (general & specific) and knowledge in project management of World bank projects.

The Consultants will be selected through the ‘Open Competitive Selection of Individual Consultants’ method in accordance with World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations, Revised September, 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”).

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn in particular to:

• Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the Procurement Regulations setting forth the World Bank’s policy on Conflict of Interest, and

• Section III, paragraphs, 3.21-3.24 of the Procurement Regulations setting forth the World Bank’s policy on Eligibility, including the specific pre-requisite conditions to be met for the eligibility, on exceptional basis, of Government officials and civil servants of the Borrower’s country under consulting contracts in the Borrower’s country.

Individuals who are currently working as consultants on another World Bank-financed project may also compete in this selection process, but if they are selected they will be required before signing the proposed contract to provide documentary evidence of having satisfactorily complied with their existing contract’s requirements with respect to early termination of the contract by the consultant, including advance notice period, to avoid disruption in implementation of that project.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours [i.e. 08;00 to 17;00 hours].

Expressions of interest must be delivered in hard copy to the address on or before 22nd November 2024 17:00 hours to the address below.

The Permanent Secretary,

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services

Private Bag W252

Community House

LUSAKA-ZAMBIA