Financial Management Speсialist for the Expansion and Modernization of Public-School Infrastructure

17 Января

Партнерские Вакансии

Компания "ГУ O‘ZBEKISTON RESPUBLIKASI MAKTABGACHA VA MAKTAB TA'LIMI VAZIRLIGI ДАВЛАТ МУАССАСАСИ"

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

1. BACKGROUND

The Government of Uzbekistan (GoU), in collaboration with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB, the Bank), is undertaking the Expansion and Modernization of Public-School Infrastructure in Uzbekistan Project (the Project) to enhance the quality of education through the upgrading of school facilities across the country.

The Project tentatively comprises two phases as below:

• Phase I: Involves upgrading the infrastructure and classroom capacity of existing schools.
• Phase II: Involves developing new school infrastructure in unserved and underserved regions.

The two phases of the Project will be underpinned by a comprehensive technical, legal, environmental, and other feasibility studies (collectively, the Feasibility study), covering education sector analysis, infrastructure gap analysis, investment priorities on the national and regional levels, financing modalities, cost estimation, and environmental and social analyses, etc. The Feasibility study will inform site-specific investments for The Project Phases 1 and 2.

To ensure effective project preparation, coordination among stakeholders, and the development of high-quality feasibility study, the Ministry of Pre-School and Secondary Education (MOPSE) of the Republic of Uzbekistan will establish a dedicated Project Office to oversee Project preparation and structuring. The Project Office is seeking a Financial Management Specialist who will support the Project Coordinator on daily operations of the Project Office, ensuring alignment with GoU objectives as outlined in Project Operational Manual (POM) and with the objectives and undertakings in the Grant Agreement No. S0881A, overseeing the Feasibility study development, and ensuring timely execution of all project preparation-related activities.

2. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The Financial Management Specialist will be responsible for overseeing all financial, accounting, and reporting activities related to the AIIB Grant, ensuring compliance with AIIB guidelines and national regulations, and maintaining robust financial systems.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The Financial Management Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks:

Financial Management:

• Establish and maintain financial management systems in compliance with AIIB’s General Conditions and national regulations.
• Develop and manage the project budget, including monitoring expenditures and ensuring budgetary control.
• Oversee the implementation of accounting software to streamline financial operations.

Accounting and Reporting:

• Prepare financial statements and ensure their compliance with AIIB’s reporting requirements.
• Submit accurate Interim Unaudited Financial Reports (IFRs) on a semi-annual basis.
• Provide inputs for the preparation of audit-ready financial statements.

Disbursement and Reconciliation:

• Manage disbursement processes, including the verification and submission of withdrawal applications to AIIB.
• Reconcile bank accounts and financial records regularly to ensure accuracy.

Audit Coordination:

• Facilitate annual audits of project accounts and address recommendations from audit reports.
• Ensure timely submission of audit findings to AIIB and other relevant entities.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure adherence to the Grant Agreement’s financial policies and procedures.
• Monitor financial risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure the integrity of financial operations.

Coordination and Communication:

• Work closely with MoPSE, AIIB, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth financial operations.
• Act as the main point of contact for all financial management matters with AIIB.

4. DELIVERABLES

The Financial Management Specialist will deliver the following:

• Annual project financial statements.
• Interim Unaudited Financial Reports (IFRs).
• Audit reports and responses to audit findings.
• Monthly activity reports on financial management activities.
• Updated financial records and reconciliations.

5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Higher education degree in economics, accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in financial management or accounting in projects financing with IFIs such as World Bank, Asian Development Bank and AIIB.
• Fluency in Uzbek and Russian; working knowledge of English is required with the ability to produced financial management report in English.
• Knowledge of National Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Proficiency in financial management software, including 1C accounting software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

6. OTHER TERMS

Duration of assignment: The contract is valid for 12 months with the possibility of extension, subject to the grаntavailability. With probation period of three months.

Reporting: The Consultant will report to the Project Office Coordinator and provide updates to MoPSE and AIIB.

The Financial Management Specialist will adhere to the following guidelines:

• Terms of the Grant Agreement and AIIB’s financial management policies.
• National accounting and taxation regulations.