Afghanistan: Senior Financial Management Specialist

No. Positions: 1 – International

Reference: THRCP/RFP/HR/06

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:

The Senior Financial Management Specialist (SFMS) 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 provide advice to the Team Leader on 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.

• Leading THRCP’s finance business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal standard operating procedures in the Finance Unit; control of the workflows in the Finance team.

• Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for the project.

• Elaboration of the framework and conditions of contribution within the project mobilization efforts.

• Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies;

• Provide on-the-job training, guidance and leadership to the THRCP national staff on the application and execution of financial management procedures within the Programme

• Any other task assigned by the Team Leader.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

Advanced degree in business administration, economic, Master’s Degree or equivalent in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, data management, financial management or relevant field.

A first level University Degree with combination of additional 7 year of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of Advanced University Degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 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;

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of project budget management, financial data management;

• Familiarity with government finance systems and procedures is desired;

• Strong computer Knowledge MS Office and ability to operate existing Management Information Systems and web based data base; Previous work experience in Afghanistan or similar conflict/post-conflict environment is an asset.