Financial Management Specialist

(Note: This is being done to update the system; the advertisment was already published last 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

FINANCIAL SPECIALIST 01

Job Summary

The Financial Management Specialist will be responsible for ensuring sound financial management of the PIU and implementing financial systems that ensure transparency, accountability and compliance with the financial management policies and guidelines. He /She shall ensure effective use of project finances and that the financial management related to planning, budgeting, fund flow accounting, internal control (including internal audit), financial reporting, and external auditing are adequate. The position shall also be responsible for monitoring and identifying emerging risks.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement financial management policies and systems.

• Prepare and monitor the programme’s budget, ensuring funds are allocated efficiently.

• Ensure that financial plans align with the programme’s objectives, disbursement plans, and operational needs

• Prepare accurate financial reports for internal stakeholders, donors, and government authorities.

• Provide timely financial updates to programme management for informed decision-making.

• Maintain a comprehensive financial management system for the SWL Programme ensuring that all financial activities are recorded accurately and on time;

• Ensure regular preparation of withdrawal applications for replenishment of the Designated Account or direct payment.

• Complete the Control 99 monitoring tool for tracking movement of funds from the US$ DA to the project operational account.

• Monitor the distribution of funds to ensure there are no leakages or mismanagement

• Ensure compliance with donor agreements, local laws, and programme guidelines.

• Coordinate external and internal audits and respond to audit queries.

• Implement recommendations from audits to improve financial management practices

• Coordinate with the SWL Payment Specialist to ensure that funds for productivity grants are disbursed accurately to beneficiaries

• Ensure that funds are used for their intended purposes and in line with donor and national guidelines

• Provide training and capacity-building support to regional and district finance teams to ensure that they understand and follow the financial guidelines of the SWL Program

• Offer technical support to provincial and district staff on financial matters

• Work closely with the SWL Manager, SWL Payment Specialist, and other key staff within the PIU to ensure seamless integration of financial management within the overall programme framework.

• Collaborate with cooperating partners, including the World Bank, to address financial management concerns and provide updates on financial matters

• Identify financial risks, fraud, or mismanagement risks within the programme.

• Develop and monitor financial procedures and guidelines to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of SWL Program funds

• Conduct regular risk assessments and implement appropriate mitigation measures

• Ensure that any irregularities in financial transactions are identified and addressed in a timely manner

TASKS AND ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION

• Full Grade 12 Certificate or Equivalent

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/ finance and a holder of a professional accounting qualification such as ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), (ZICA) Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants or an equivalent.

• Should be a registered member of a recognized professional accounting body.

• Should have at least five (5) years post qualification professional experience in financial accounting and financial management.

• At least 2 years working experience as an accountant at a middle or senior management level in the public sector and at least another 2 years of experience working on projects financed by the world Bank or other Internal Financial Organizations is preferable.

• Competence in use of computerized financial management systems such as IFMIS, Navision etc.

• Excellent leadership, technical competence and professional skills for timely implementation, coordination and management of activities.

• Proven ability to effectively coordinate activities involving multiple discipline and organizational units, as well as to maintain high service standards under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Full English fluency, including report writing skills.

• Computer literary.

• Experience working with donor-funded projects, including those funded by the World Bank or other multilateral organizations is desirable.

• Strong knowledge of World Bank financial management guidelines and familiarity with public financial management principles.

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

• Experience working in social protection programs is desirable.

• Excellent skills in financial management software and/or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

• 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.

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