Selection of Finance Management Specialist for PIU - New

Source: World Bank — Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project

Request for Expression of Interest

(Consulting Services – Individual Consultant Selection)

Selection of Finance Management Specialist for the Ethiopian Digital Foundations Project – Ministry of Innovation and Technology

Country: Ethiopia

Project: Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project

Project ID: P171034

Credit No.  IDA – 68560

Salary: Based on the new directive of MoF Project staff Salary Scale

Assignment Title:  Finance Management Specialist for Ethiopian Digital Foundations Project at the Ministry of Innovation and Technology

Reference No.: ET-MINT-328207-CS-INDV

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ministry of Finance (MoF), has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project (“Digital Foundations”).  The Ministry of Innovation and Technology, the host of the project intends to apply part of the proceeds for selecting of individual consultants.

Ministry of Innovation and Technology as part of the project implementation program is looking for a finance management specialist that undertakes the finance related matters for the effective and efficient execution of the project under the Project Implementation Unit.  Experienced Finance Management Specialists who have relevant experience in the area of finance management (knowledge and experience in the World Bank financed projects is a plus) are invited to express their interest for the assignment.

The Finance Management Specialist is mainly responsible for the overall Finance Management of related issues of the project/subproject and will ensure the compliance of the project/subproject to the World Bank and government finance rules, regulations and guidelines throughout the project/subproject life cycle. 

Specific responsibilities for the Finance Management Specialist will include, but are not limited to, the following core activities:

• Be responsible for the overall Financial Management arrangements of the project/program and will ensure the maintenance of sound arrangements throughout the life of the project/program consistent with agreements, manuals and project document;
• Coordinate with relevant beneficiaries and implementing entities in regard to the set up and maintenance of financial management arrangements including budgeting, accounting, internal controls, fund flows, reporting, and audit reporting.
• Manage and/or participate on the preparation of the project/program annual or other budget in consultation with relevant stakeholders;
• Ensure that the project/program budget is proclaimed in government budget;
• Ensure that budgets are disseminated to all relevant stakeholders on time;
• Maintain budget discipline; report to management on variances from the established budget, and the reasons for those variances;
• Submit budget and secure the No objection of the development partners as appropriate;
• Assist PIU management in the formulation of its overall strategic direction.
• Design and implement adequate Financial Management systems and procedures to govern implementation of the project;
• Ensure that books of accounts are maintained; Maintain up to date and documented accounting system and policies and procedures;
• Ensure the existence of adequate and capable FM staffing;
• Produce periodic financial reports for development partners as well as for the government as per reporting requirements and formats. Follow up on the preparation of acceptable financial reports from implementing entities; Ensure that unaudited financial reports are sent to the financiers on time and up to standards;
• Ensure that audited financial statements of the program/project are sent to development partners on time.
• Ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet ongoing project/program and operational requirements; Ensure that resources are available to beneficiaries/implementing entities; Forecast cash flow positions;
• Mitigate financial risks and maintain close liaison with key Government counterparts involved in the project;
• Understand and implement development partners disbursement procedures for the Project/program as per agreements/requirements; Follow up on disbursement issues timely with the development partners; Ensure fund requests are made as per procedures and agreements;
• Manage project/program bank accounts; Conduct bank reconciliations on time.
• Ensure internal control arrangements are maintained consistently throughout the life of the program/project including proper controls in regard to approval and authorization; segregation of duties; cash and bank management; safeguarding of assets and properties (including fixed assets and inventories); payroll management; taxes obligations; contract management; advances and prepayments; payables are in place; reconciliations, etc.
• Ensure that internal and external audits are arranged as per the agreements; Ensure relevant accounting information is made available to them; Address their queries.
• Review financial performance of the program/project and report on key issues to the respective management body and project/program stakeholders;
• Review administrative bottlenecks and recommend changes to improve efficiency. Create additional analyses and reports as requested by management.

Ministry of Innovation and Technology now invites potential Financial Management Specialists to indicate their interest to provide the Services. Interested Candidates should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services for a period of one year with possibility of extension for additional period subject to outstanding performance and availability of budget. The shortlisting criteria include the following;

• The candidate should have an Advanced Bachelor’s degree (Master’s is preferred) in finance or accounting, and minimum of 6+ years of progressively responsible experience for a major Company, government or non-government institution. The candidates should have prior experience in implementing World Bank funded project/programs for at least 4 years.
• Preference will be given to candidates with the Chartered Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designations, and.
• Excellent communication skills are essential, particularly in regard to presenting results of analyses to management,
• Specific technical knowledge related to World Bank related projects,
• Proficient use and knowledge of electronic spreadsheets and database.
• Fluency in English and Amharic languages
• The candidate must have the highest levels of personal integrity, and a reputation for a transparent and systematic work style; and
• The candidate must be able to work under pressure situations, in order to meet demanding deadlines.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant (Section V) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Expressions of interest (CV, Cover letter and documentary evidence for fulfilling the qualifications) must be delivered in a written form to the address below in person, or preferably by email on or before February 28th, 2023. Further information can be obtained, by email at the below address during office hours from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Addis Ababa time: 

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,

Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MInT)

Ethiopia Digital Foundations Project

Attn: Focal Person, Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

Address: Arada Sub-city, off Churchill Road, behind Lycée Guebre-Mariam,

E-mail: digital.foundation@mint.gov.et or zelalem.tadesse@mint.gov.et

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia