Financial Management Specialist

HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING FOR HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Title of Assignment: Position of Financial Management Specialist

Reference Number: SZ-MOH-455103-CS-INDV

• Background

The Government of Eswatini (GOE) through the Ministry of Health (MOH) is undertaking the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project (Eswatini COVID-19 ERP; P173883) and Health System Strengthening for Human Capital Development in Eswatini Project (HSS4HCDP; P168564) with support from the World Bank.

• Project Context

To meet the National Health Sector Strategic Plan’s (NHSSP II 2019-23) policy objective – “build an efficient, equitable, client-centered health system for accelerated attainment of the highest standard of health for all people in Eswatini” – the MOH recognizes the need to invest in health system strengthening to improve the coverage of essential services and the quality of care. Modernizing the foundations of the health system and applying evidence-based improvements are key to achieving better quality care and, through that, reduced child and adult mortality and stunting for human capital formation.

To address key sector challenges in the health sector, the MOH is implementing the HSS4HCDP with the aim of improving the coverage and quality of key reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH), nutrition and non-communicable disease (NCD) services (hypertension and diabetes) in Eswatini. The project focuses on strengthening the health system and ramping up investments in RMNCAH, nutrition and NCD services to address critical human capital challenges, including stunting and child and adult mortality, applying a life course approach. The project includes the following components: Component 1: Improve health service delivery to increase the coverage and quality of health services to build human capital; Component 2. Increase community demand for RMNCAH, nutrition and NCD services; Component 3. Strengthen the MOH’s stewardship capacity to manage essential health and nutrition services and project activities; and Component 4: Contingent Emergency Response Component.

The project is complementary to the Eswatini COVID-19 ERP and is designed to deepen and extend its investment impact through focusing on medium-term structural changes and the modernization of the health sector.

• OBJECTIVES:

To maintain appropriate financial management responsibilities for the two projects (HSS4HCDP - P168564 and the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project - P173883). In particular to ensure that: (a) funds for the Projects are used efficiently and for their intended purposes, and (b) all financial requirements and obligations specified in the Government regulations, rules and guidelines and the World Bank Financing agreements and Disbursement and Financial Information letter (DFIL) requirements are observed.

• DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Specific responsibilities, working in collaboration with the Project Accountant and Assistant Project Accountant, will include, but will not be limited to:

Programming, Planning & Budgeting:

• Assist in the development of the project work plan and budget.

• Monitor and review the work program, budget, (e.g., monitoring of projects), chargeback, etc., identify issues, and discuss them with the PIU.

• Monitor implementation of and compliance with procedures and systems for financial management.

• Provide information and analyses with respect to the management of project resources (e.g., budget, work program, unit costs/performance measures, etc).

• Collect budgetary information required as inputs for sectoral quarterly reviews (including collecting, integrating, and analyzing data , as relevant).

• Contribute to capacity building of MOH staff in Financial Management

Financial Control, Reporting and Communication:

• Maintain internal controls by monitoring expenses, revenues, and administrative transactions to ensure that all project-related activities, adhere to the applicable Government and World Bank policies and procedures.

• Maintain adequate financial management arrangements to support the deployment of project resources in an economic, efficient, and effective manner to achieve the desired objective.

• Monitor and review the work program and identifying issues and preparing reports for management as needed.

• Manage projects cash flows and ensure timely submission of disbursement requests to IBRD for replenishment of the Loan proceeds.

• Review and approving monthly Bank Reconciliation Statements – to be prepared by the Assistant Project Accountant.

• Proactively establish and maintain interface with internal technical unit clients, including the provision of analysis to Project Coordinators, PIU and Technical Leads on the management of resources, as well as participate in the meetings with the unit management, as needed.

• Advise staff in technical units to improve knowledge, awareness and compliance with respect to budget policies and internal control procedures.

• Coordinate the preparation of quarterly interim financial reports and annual financial statements and ensure timely submission to relevant stakeholders.

• Provide inputs to internal and external progress reporting and monitoring of the program in accordance with the terms of donor agreements and Bank policies.

• Liaise with the internal/external auditors, prepare for audits, and respond to audit team as required.

• Assist with any other relevant duties assigned.

• Add the role of supervising Assistant Project Accountant and how to engage with the Senior Accountant.

• QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, economics, or commerce.

• A professional accounting qualifications (CA, CPA, ACCA, CIMA).

• At least five (5) years of experience in accounting and financial management and must have served articles.

• Preference will be given to candidates with managing donor funding

• Relevant knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

• Knowledge of the application of accounting, auditing and financial reporting systems and software packages;

• Knowledge and experience of the World Bank's financial management arrangements will be a preference.

• Knowledge of/and skills in applying work programming, budgeting and financial management tools and techniques to support effective and efficient resource management and business planning.

• Work experience in preparing and monitoring budgets, as well as experience in monitoring expenses relative to planned allocations.

• Ability to research, analyze and synthesize information, interpret data, retrieve information from computerized accounting systems, and to summarize results clearly and concisely.

• Capacity to function as a member of a diverse and multi-disciplinary team.

• Strong quantitative skills and attention to details.

• Strong communication skills with ability to prepare presentations and discuss findings in written and oral form. Demonstrated ability to learn new technology quickly and effectively use it for maximum productivity.

• Results-oriented personality with proven problem-solving skills.

• Resources to be provided

The FMS will be provided with the following resources:

• Office space, Data management tools and equipment

• Duration of Service

The duration of engagement is up to 14 months with possibility of extension.

• Reporting Arrangement

The FMS will report to the Project Coordinators and provide continuous updates to the MOH Financial Controller.

• Duty Station

Ministry of Health Office in Mbabane.

• Remuneration and payment schedule

In accordance with the applicable Kingdom of Eswatini remuneration guidelines

• APPLICATIONS:

Submit a detailed copy of updated curriculum vitae (duties inclusive), references and scanned copies of notarized academic or professional certifications. Terms of Reference to this consultancy are available on request.

Application should be addressed to:

The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health; 2nd Floor Ministry of Justice Building, Mbabane. Postal address: The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health P.O. Box 5; Mbabane, Eswatini.

Electronic applications should be sent to Project Coordinator; [email protected] & [email protected] copy [email protected] no later than 11.00 hours on 1st November 2024. All applications will be acknowledged but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Contacts: (00268) 24045514; (00268) 24042431