EOI for Senior Financial Management Specialist – RISE 364 views

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 

Assignment Title: Recruitment of Senior Financial Management Specialist 

(For Gambian Nationals Only)

Reference No. GM-CPCU – MOFEA-478573-CS-INDV

Project Description

The Gambia, with its vibrant youth population and commitment to development, is poised for a promising future, yet faces several challenges. In the realm of basic education, the focus is on improving learning outcomes, particularly in the early grades, to ensure every child acquires necessary foundational skills. Especially for the youth, technical and vocational education, and training (TVET) must be of higher quality and relevance to meet labor market demands, a challenge recognized and prioritized by the Government of The Gambia. For the large population living in poverty, the goal is to provide a second chance through access to social protection measures, skills training, and income-generating opportunities. These challenges, while significant, are being addressed with determination and a vision for a resilient, inclusive, skilled, and equitable Gambia.

To address these challenges, The Gambia Resilience, Inclusion, Skills, and Equity Project (The Gambia RISE Project – P197233) is a multi-sectoral, five-year initiative of The Government of The Gambia, funded by the World Bank. The project aims to increase the foundational skills of students in early grades, provide job-relevant training to youth, and boost income-generating opportunities, including for the poor and vulnerable, in The Gambia. The planned activities are closely aligned with the Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) 2016-2030 and The Gambia National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) 2015-2025.  

The project will be implemented by multiple Implementing Entities (IEs): the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), and the National Nutrition Agency/National Social Protection Secretariat (NaNA/NSPS). Each of these IEs will lead technical activities within their respective domains.

A new Central Fiduciary Unit (CFU) under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs is being established to play a key role in this multi-sectoral project. The CFU is responsible for overall coordination, planning, fiduciary and safeguard support, and reporting for the operation while supporting the IEs. The CFU also ensures efficient collaboration across the education and social protection sectors.

OBJECTIVE OF THE ROLE

The main objective of the Senior Financial Management Specialist (SFMS) is responsible for supporting the project team in all aspects of financial management and monitoring of project funds with a view to ensuring a transparent and efficient financial management system for the Project. Under the supervision of the Project Coordinator, the SFMS will report directly to the Operational Manager and in collaboration with the technical coordinators, will be responsible for managing and monitoring effective maintenance of the books of accounts of the Project. 

He/she will carry out his/her responsibilities according to operating procedures as defined in the project’s manuals including the World Bank guidelines e.g., Procurement, Disbursements, Designated Accounts, etc., and liaising with all stakeholders on relevant financial matters.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE 

Education:

• A master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or related field
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant or chartered accountant such as ACCA, CPA, CA etc. is required. 

Work Experience

Required

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budget, treasury, compliance, or related field required.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in financial management of Donor funded projects preferably the World Bank 
• Experience in leading budget formulation, financial reporting to stakeholders is required. 
• Eight (8) years of supervisory experience managing a large team or heading a finance unit is required. 
• Working experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and trust fund accounting is required. 
• Working experience with an accounting system is required.

Desirable 

• Experience in managing cost recovery, cost reduction and efficiency in projects is desirable. 
• Experience setting up a finance unit/ department is desirable. 
• Experience working with other large-scale international or multi-national development organizations is desirable.
• Experience in project preparation, negotiation is desirable.  
• Experience in data analytics is desirable.

DELIVERABLES

• Quarterly and annual financial reports, including variance analyses and recommendations.
• Updated disbursement plans and timely submission of withdrawal applications.
• Compliance with audit and financial management standards.

REPORTING LINES

Under the supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Senior Financial Management Specialist shall report to the operational manager and work cross-functionally and closely with management, and development partners in execution of the project objectives.

Full TOR Availability Notice:

The full Terms of Reference (TOR) will be made available upon request. Please send your request via email to the address provided below.

DURATION AND DUTY STATION

The SFMS will be based at the CPCU in Kotu. The assignment shall be for a period of 1 year and renewable subject to satisfactory performance. The role may require overtime during critical phases of project implementation.

Submission of Expressions of Interest:

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) through the Gambia Inclusive Skills and Equity Project (RISE), now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services. 

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with Individual Consultants (IC) method set out in the Consultant Guidelines. Further information and Terms of Reference can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 12h30 on Friday.

Expressions of interest should be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail) on or before 27th March 2025 at 12h30 GMT

Central Project Coordination Unit

Royal Insurance Building

2nd Floor, Kotu Bertil Harding Highway

The Gambia  

Email: nsosseh@cpcumof.gm , mktouray@cpcumof.gm  and ygassama@cpcumof.gm