Financial Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Established with the mission to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, the organization has grown to include 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank Group focuses on investing in groundbreaking projects and utilizing data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. Its Eastern and Southern Africa Region encompasses 26 countries and aims to help these nations realize their development potential through economic growth and human development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Financial Management Specialist position is crucial for providing financial management support to the Somalia portfolio of projects funded by the World Bank. The role involves working under the supervision of the Eastern Africa Governance Unit Manager and coordinating with the Senior FM Specialist/Coordinator for Somalia. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring high-quality financial management fiduciary assurance services, assessing the adequacy of financial management arrangements, providing implementation support, ensuring compliance with financial management requirements, and conducting capacity-building activities. The position is primarily intended for residents of Kenya, emphasizing the importance of local expertise in managing financial operations effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Financial Management Specialist include supporting high-quality financial management fiduciary assurance services for the World Bank’s portfolio in Somalia. This involves assessing the adequacy of financial management arrangements for World Bank-funded operations, providing implementation support and supervision, ensuring compliance with financial management requirements, and conducting capacity-building activities. The specialist will also promote effective reliance on country systems, utilize technology for fiduciary due diligence, and streamline financial management and disbursement processes. Additional responsibilities include contributing to operational, policy, analytical, and advisory support to strengthen public financial management systems, generating and exchanging knowledge related to financial management, and providing high-quality inputs to portfolio reports and corporate tasks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in accounting, public financial management, finance, or a related field. A professional accountancy qualification such as CPA, CA, or equivalent from a professional accounting organization that is a member of IFAC is also required. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of directly relevant professional experience in financial management, particularly in operations funded by the World Bank or other multilateral lending institutions. A strong understanding of financial management fiduciary services and public financial management systems is essential, along with excellent relationship-building skills and strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Financial Management Specialist position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as accounting, public financial management, finance, or a closely related discipline. Furthermore, candidates must hold a professional accountancy qualification from a recognized accounting body, which demonstrates their expertise and commitment to the field of financial management.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5 years of directly relevant professional experience in financial management. This experience should preferably include work on projects funded by the World Bank or other multilateral lending institutions, showcasing the candidate's familiarity with the operational aspects of financial management in such contexts. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of financial management fiduciary services and their application in various projects.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which is essential for communication within the World Bank and with stakeholders. Additionally, candidates who can communicate in Somali are preferred, as this would enhance the ability to engage with local partners and stakeholders in Somalia, thereby improving the effectiveness of financial management support provided to the Somalia portfolio.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a term duration of 2 years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The closing date for applications is set for February 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM UTC.