Afghanistan: Financial Management Officer (Local)

No. Positions: 2 – Local

Reference: THRCP/RFP/HR/L6

Background:

ACE Moharram.Bakhoum is an international leading consultancy company known for its unrivalled engineering excellence, creative flair and technical proficiency. Backed by almost 60 years of consulting experience and employing almost 1,400 qualified professionals, ACE has impressive and distinctive credentials, encompassing public, private and internationally sponsored projects. ACE partners with governments and companies around the globe to help governments in developing nations improve systems, organisations and society. Through consultancy and supply chain management, we help countries grow their infrastructure, strengthen public procurement systems and improve financial management.

ACE is building a team in anticipation to support the Ministry of Public Works of the Government of Afghanistan implementing the Trans Hindukush Road Connectivity Programme (THRCP). The project aims to improve connectivity across the Hindukush mountains through: i) construction of Bamian – Baghlan Highway road; and ii) the rehabilitation of the Salang Pass/Tunnel. The project has strategic importance for the movement of goods and freight between the Northern provinces and Capital of the Country, and is considered part of the resource corridor which is already targeted as a priority to construct by the government of Afghanistan.

Scope of Assignment:

Under the supervision of Senior Financial Management Specialist (SFMS), the Financial Management Officer will be responsible for controlling all expenditures under the programme vis a vis the terms of the signed agreement, ensure the timeline financial administration of all transactions and undertake complex financial management issues involving government procedures and systems. He/she will also be responsible for liaising with the World Bank, MPW, and the Ministry of Finance on issues related to the financial management of the programme as well as establishing finance management capacity within the MPW’s PMT.

Specific Duties:

Specific responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

• Undertake all accounting/finance issues of ACE, including preparation of budget, internal controls and reporting in accordance to the ACE rules and regulations;

• Ensuring full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with ACE, WB and MPW rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system;

• Provide support to the overall aspects of finance, HR, procurement and logistics-related matters;

• Provide efficient grant and service contract administration services;

• Provide support on all issues relating to ACE financial management procedures, administrative guidelines, and SOPs;

• Prepare payment requests and necessary supporting documents (financial forecasts and Project Delivery Reports) for submittal in accordance with project agreements.

• Prepare and maintain the operational budget according to ACE financial management systems and ensure accuracy of supporting documents (project document, project budget, etc)

• Liaise with ACE support departments for project-related administrative and operational matters such as payments, contract management, recruitment of staff, procurement of goods and services and asset management

• Ensure all business processes are backed up by required supporting documents

• Ensure conformity of project disbursement requests with ACE financial rules and regulations, work plans and availability of resources for disbursement

• Raise requisitions for procurement, and facilitate requests for issuance of contracts and/or amendments

• Ensure conformity of project disbursement requests with procedures, the project work-plan and availability of budget

• Maintain records of project files and other support documents in accordance with ACE archiving guidelines

• Prepare updated financial reports in compliance with reporting requirements to donors, or as specified in the agreement (i.e. Project Delivery Reports; Financial Monitoring Reports, Progress Reports, etc.)

• Support overall implementation and compliance of Logistics with Financial Rules and Regulations, Assets Management, and related organization directives and administrative instructions;

• Any other task assigned by the Sr. Financial Management Specialist.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

First level university degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in the financial management of infrastructure development projects or similar field;

• At least 2 years’ of recent experience with international organizations and/or preferably in World Bank funded projects;

• Familiarity with government finance systems and procedures is desired.