ABH Partners Plc is a leading consultancy and human resources sourcing firm in Ethiopia with about 15 years of experience in supporting the implementation of development programs and projects. ABH exists to fuel synergistic societal growth by harnessing local knowledge and international standard. Dedicated to the betterment of societal development, technical assistance, and knowledge management, ABH has gained credibility and industry experience in the development sector in general. ABH partners would like to invite applicants who meet the below requirements to apply for the position of National Financial Management Specialist.

Required Number: Two

Duty station: Federal MoH

Salary: Attractive 

Level: NOC

Duration: 18 months 

Reporting to: MOH, Finance and Procurement Directorate.

Expected Start Date: Immediately after concluding the contract agreement

1. Background and Justification

World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, WHO’s highest level of urgency. On 11 March, WHO made the assessment that COVID-19 could be characterized as a pandemic? On March 13, the first confirmed COVID-19 case was declared by the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia. The Government of Ethiopia has received COVID-19 Emergency response project Additional financial support from the World Bank. MOH is responsible for the administration of the project fund which needs considerable efforts to plan, administer, and follow-up. The project implementation Unit at MOH is responsible for the administration of the project fund, and procurement activities which need considerable efforts to plan, prepare TORs, evaluate-tenders, award contracts and follow-up implementations. For the effective implementation of this project, MOH is looking for a Financial Management Specialist who will be responsible for the overall financial management of the project, ensure the maintenance of sound financial arrangements in consistent with agreements, manuals and project document throughout the life of the project. The Financial Management Specialist will work closely with project team and MOH Finance and Procurement Directorate. The Financial Management Specialist will provide the overall supervision and guidance to the project and MOH on finance issues and she/he will be the focal person responsible for finance aspects of the project. The scope of work broadly includes procurement of goods and non-consulting services, works and consultancy services, 

   2. Purpose 

The objective of this post is to ensure that the financial management arrangements of the projects are providing assurance that the funds of the project are used for intended purposes and that the financial management arrangements continue to be adequate. This will contribute to the success of the project as a whole. To this end, MOH wants to recruit Financial Management Specialist for one year with possibility of extension depending on performance.

   3. Specific Tasks

• The Financial Management Specialist is responsible for the overall Financial Management arrangements of the projects and will ensure the maintenance of sound arrangements throughout the life of the project consistent with agreements, manuals and project document and will work closely with project team and MOH Finance department. The Financial Management Specialist will provide the overall supervision and guidance to the project and MOH on FM issues and she/he will be the focal person responsible for FM aspects of the project. He/she will support, supervise, and guide other federal level implementers and regional health bureaus and implementers.
• The Financial Management Specialist will be accountable to Finance and Procurement Directorate and shall carry out the following activities:
• Responsible for the financial management aspects of the project liaising with the system of MOH; Supervise, follow up and provide overall guidance on the financial management aspects of the project;
• Maintain adequate financial management arrangements including (a) budgeting, (b) flow of funds; (c) accounting policies to be followed; (d) accounting systems; (e) chart of accounts; (f) internal controls (g) reporting mechanism; (h) auditing arrangements; and (i) staffing requirements aimed at producing accurate and reliable information regarding project resources;
• Monitor the overall project performance from the financial management point of view including on the fund flow mechanisms of the Project
• Carry out prudent accounting and reporting on the use of financial resources in compliance with the requirements of the Government of Ethiopia and the World Bank.
• Use government internal control procedures and where there are gaps, design and install internal control systems to help guide the management of project to achieve program objectives. Adhere to or follow up the adherence there of the internal control procedures,
• Prepare a financial manual in accordance with the guidelines and procedures of the Government of Ethiopia and the World Bank.
• Introduce a computerized accounting system, develop code classifications and prepare periodic financial reports.
• Develop a contract management system and follow-up on contracts signed with suppliers and consultants on payments.
• Support the project in budgets and budget monitoring (Reviewing, justifying, strengthening and approving budget utilization report). Support the project in the preparation of revised project cost estimates by project categories, components and activities.
• Understand and implement World Bank disbursement procedures for the Project; Follow up on disbursement issues timely with the World Bank;
• Ensure that proper Withdrawal applications are prepared and submitted to the Bank; Reconcile regularly with the World Bank’s and the project’s records; Monitor and control all disbursements to ensure effective project implementation
• Review designated accounts and other bank accounts and ensure that Bank reconciliations on time for all accounts;
• Review World Bank disbursement database “client connection” for the project’s disbursement activities
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual cash flow projections and monitor effective disbursement of funds. Prepare all relevant financial reports to the government and the World Bank. For the government based on the requirements of government procedures. For the Bank as per the agreements signed. The World Bank requires quarterly interim unaudited financial reports which have to be submitted to the Bank within 45 days end of the quarter. The expert will ensure that the acceptable quality reports are submitted to the Bank on time;
• Have project accounts audited- Make sure that all accounting information is made available to internal and external auditors and answer queries regarding accounting and financial records and statements; ensure audit report is delivered  on time to the World Bank (within six months of the end of the reporting fiscal year).
• Maintain relevant documentation including Project documents like PAD, PIM, financing agreements, disbursement letter, etc; In addition, ensure availability of accounting documents like Payment Vouchers, Cash Receipt Vouchers and Journal Vouchers, Goods Receiving  Vouchers,  Goods/Store Issue  Vouchers, and Goods Return Vouchers; Working formats like store control cards, bin cards and Fixed Assets registers, etc.
• Ensure that outstanding audit issues (as per audit findings) and recommendations are well taken and the appropriate corrective actions are taken at all implementing entities.
• Prepare and submit status report for actions taken on all audit findings to the World Bank
• Carry out any other tasks on financial management as may be required by the Finance and Procurement Directorate
• Provide assistance as required by other projects and government regular work

   4. Expected Deliverables and Time frame

The expert will work closely with the Finance and Procurement Directorate to assist in the financial activity and improve the efficiency /quality of work in accordance to Government of the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia regulations & procedures and World Bank guidelines and procedures.

   5. Reporting

The consultant will be directly recruited by third party HR firm, and reports to the FMOH finance and procurement Directorate

   6. Payment Modality and Schedule        

The fees for this contract shall paid on monthly basis based on the submission of monthly reports against the deliverables indicated above.