E T Consultant - Financial Management

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution dedicated to providing funding and knowledge to developing countries. Established with a mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, the organization comprises five institutions and has a membership of 189 countries. With over 120 offices worldwide, the World Bank collaborates with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and leverage data, research, and technology to address pressing global challenges. The Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) Region, which is home to approximately 700 million people, encompasses 26 countries and is characterized by its geographical, cultural, and economic diversity. The World Bank focuses on enhancing development potential in this region by prioritizing job creation through economic growth and human development. The Institutions Unit within the Eastern Africa region aims to build capable, efficient, and accountable institutions that support economic growth and poverty reduction, ensuring that citizens can trust their governments.

Job Overview:
The position of Financial Management (FM) Extended Term Consultant (ETC) is designed to provide essential FM support to the Zambia portfolio of projects funded by the World Bank. The consultant will operate under the supervision of the EAEG1 Unit Manager and coordinate with the Senior FM Specialist/Coordinator for Zambia. This role is specifically tailored for nationals and residents of Zambia, emphasizing the importance of local expertise in managing financial operations. The consultant will be responsible for delivering high-quality FM fiduciary assurance services, which include assessing the adequacy of FM arrangements for World Bank-funded operations, providing implementation support, ensuring compliance with FM requirements, and conducting capacity-building activities. Additionally, the consultant will engage in analytical work related to FM issues, promoting the effective use of country systems and technology to enhance fiduciary due diligence and streamline FM processes. The role also involves contributing to operational, policy, analytical, and advisory support aimed at strengthening public financial management systems and institutions, generating knowledge on FM and PFM subjects, and providing high-quality inputs for portfolio reports and corporate tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Financial Management Extended Term Consultant include:

• Providing high-quality FM fiduciary assurance services to the World Bank’s portfolio in Zambia, which involves assessing the adequacy of FM arrangements for World Bank-funded operations and the associated implementing entities.
• Offering FM implementation support and supervision, ensuring compliance with applicable FM requirements, and conducting capacity-building activities.
• Supporting analytical work on FM issues with a focus on quality assurance.
• Promoting effective reliance on country systems and the use of technology for fiduciary due diligence and implementation support.
• Streamlining FM and disbursement processes to enhance efficiency.
• Contributing to operational, policy, analytical, and advisory support to strengthen PFM systems and institutions through the Institutions Unit work program and sector interventions.
• Generating and exchanging knowledge related to FM and PFM subjects.
• Providing high-quality inputs to portfolio reports, country briefs, thematic notes, and knowledge and learning events.
• As needed, offering FM support to other countries covered by the Unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Financial Management Extended Term Consultant position must possess relevant operational experience in project financial management, ideally within operations funded by the World Bank or other multilateral lending institutions. A Master’s degree in accounting, public financial management, finance, or a related field is required. Additionally, a professional accountancy qualification such as CPA, CA, or equivalent from a professional accounting organization that is a member of IFAC is preferred. Candidates should have at least five years of directly relevant professional experience, with a strong background in FM fiduciary services or similar assurance/audit functions. A solid understanding of the various facets of World Bank-funded operations and public financial management systems is essential. The ability to work collaboratively as a team player, along with strong integrative skills and a proven track record of building excellent relationships within the organization and with clients, is crucial. Strong written and verbal communication skills are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Financial Management Extended Term Consultant position includes a Master’s degree in accounting, public financial management, finance, or a related field. This advanced degree is essential for understanding the complexities of financial management within the context of international development and the operations of the World Bank. Additionally, candidates are encouraged to hold a professional accountancy qualification, such as CPA or CA, which demonstrates a high level of expertise and adherence to professional standards in accounting and financial management.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of five years of directly relevant professional experience in financial management, particularly in the context of projects funded by the World Bank or other multilateral lending institutions. This experience should encompass a comprehensive understanding of financial management fiduciary services, as well as familiarity with assurance and audit functions. Candidates should also have a solid grasp of public financial management systems and their application in World Bank-funded operations, which is critical for effectively supporting the Zambia portfolio of projects.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is English, which is essential for communication within the World Bank and with stakeholders. Proficiency in English is necessary for preparing reports, conducting analyses, and engaging with clients and colleagues. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, knowledge of local languages may be beneficial in enhancing communication and relationship-building within the Zambian context.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity based in Lusaka, Zambia, and is intended primarily for nationals and residents of the country. The term duration for this appointment is one year, with the possibility of renewal at the discretion of the World Bank Group. However, it is important to note that there is a lifetime maximum for Extended Term appointments of three years. If an Extended Term appointment concludes before a full year, it will still be considered a full year toward this maximum. Additionally, former and current Extended Term staff who have completed any portion of their third-year appointment are not eligible for future Extended Term appointments. The World Bank Group is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.