Public Financial Management (PFM) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to help people survive, reclaim control of their futures, and strengthen their communities, the IRC employs a workforce dedicated to delivering lasting impact and hope to millions worldwide. The organization has been active in South Sudan since 1989, providing multi-sectoral programming across various states and administrative areas, addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Public Financial Management (PFM) Specialist will be seconded full-time to the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) in South Sudan, serving as the technical lead on financial management and public finance matters under the Education for All South Sudan (EFASS) programme. This senior technical position requires extensive expertise in public financial management systems, particularly within fragile and conflict-affected contexts. The PFM Specialist will engage in hands-on capacity building and provide technical advisory support to MoGEI, focusing on enhancing budget planning, execution, financial reporting, and accountability mechanisms. A significant aspect of the role involves operationalizing the Education Transfers Monitoring Committees (ETMCs) and ensuring transparent management of education-linked cash transfers and grants. The position demands strong strategic engagement between programme delivery and government financial systems, aiming to increase the proportion of education financing managed through government systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Institutional Capacity Building and MoGEI Support: Provide day-to-day technical advisory support to MoGEI on public financial management systems, strengthen capacity in budget planning and execution, improve financial management and accountability systems, coach MoGEI staff on financial reporting and compliance, and develop financial management tools suitable for MoGEI's context.
• Fiduciary Oversight and Education Transfer Management: Design and oversee ETMCs, ensure compliance with fiduciary standards, develop financial controls and risk mitigation measures, monitor financial accountability mechanisms, and support compliance with financial management standards.
• Public Finance Reform and Government Ownership: Lead engagement on public finance reform, support increased domestic budget allocation to education, mobilize domestic resources, facilitate dialogue on fiscal sustainability, and contribute to system strengthening workstreams.
• Coordination, Reporting, and Adaptive Management: Serve as the liaison between MoGEI and EFASS, participate in coordination structures, contribute to adaptive management frameworks, prepare technical inputs for reports, and engage with donors on PFM-related synergies.
• Safeguarding, Compliance, and Value for Money: Ensure compliance with safeguarding protocols, promote Value for Money principles, conduct fiduciary risk assessments, and ensure financial management approaches are inclusive and responsive to marginalized learners.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree in Public Financial Management, Economics, Public Administration, Finance, International Development, or a closely related field. A professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CPA, or CIMA is highly advantageous. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in public financial management or related roles in international development contexts, with at least 3 years in fragile and conflict-affected states. Proven experience in providing embedded technical advisory support within government ministries, particularly in education sector financial management, is essential. Familiarity with donor-funded programmes and government financial systems is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Financial Management, Economics, Public Administration, Finance, or International Development. A professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CPA, CIMA) is considered a strong advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for this technical position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in public financial management or related roles, with at least 3 years of experience in fragile and conflict-affected states. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of providing embedded technical advisory support within government ministries or public institutions, ideally in a secondment or liaison arrangement. Experience in education sector financial management and navigating complex government and donor relationships is highly desirable, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa or similar contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Arabic or a local South Sudanese language is considered an advantage, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and government counterparts.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent on the outcome of the bid. All staff must comply with IRC South Sudan security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-policies" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policies and procedures. The role is full-time and involves working closely with government officials and ministry counterparts, requiring strong relationship-building skills and cultural sensitivity. The IRC emphasizes safeguarding principles and is committed to creating a safe environment for all individuals involved.