Senior Financial Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Established with 189 member countries, the organization operates over 120 offices worldwide, focusing on providing funding and knowledge to developing countries. The World Bank aims to tackle urgent global challenges through innovative projects, data-driven research, and technology. Its mission is to improve the living conditions of people in developing nations, particularly in regions like Eastern and Southern Africa, which face significant development challenges due to conflicts and gaps in education and health.

Job Overview:
The Senior Financial Management Specialist position is crucial for the World Bank's operations in Angola and Sao Tome and Principe. The role involves overseeing financial management arrangements throughout the project cycle, ensuring compliance with the Bank's policies, and providing support for ongoing projects. The specialist will work closely with the Governance Practice Manager and other team members to assess financial management systems, provide training, and contribute to public financial management issues. This position is designed for professionals who are passionate about making a significant impact in the governance sector and improving the lives of people in developing countries, particularly in the context of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The selected candidate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: conducting financial management assessments for new projects, providing implementation support for ongoing projects, monitoring compliance with financial management policies, assessing audit firms' independence and competence, and offering training and guidance on financial management aspects to both external and internal clients. Additionally, the specialist will contribute to analytical work on public financial management, assist in developing professional accountancy institutions, and participate in country-level portfolio activities such as performance reviews and risk meetings. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a professional accounting qualification (such as CPA, CA, ACCA) and a Master's degree in accounting, public financial management, finance, or a related field. They should have at least 8 years of relevant experience in fiduciary or audit assurance services, with a strong background in public financial management. Experience working with international development institutions or public sector audit clients is essential. The ability to mentor junior staff and work effectively in a team is also required, along with strong communication skills in both Portuguese and English.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in accounting, public financial management, finance, or a related field is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates must hold a professional accounting qualification from an internationally recognized body, which demonstrates their expertise in financial management and accounting principles.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of directly relevant experience in providing fiduciary or audit assurance services. Candidates should have a solid understanding of public financial management, ideally gained through roles in international development institutions or public sector audit engagements. Multi-country experience, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, is highly valued, as is experience in mentoring and supervising junior staff.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this role, as it is the primary language of communication in Angola. Proficiency in English is preferred, as it facilitates communication with international colleagues and stakeholders. Strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages are essential for effective collaboration and reporting.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 3 years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics.