In December 2023, the Government of Ethiopia and the World Bank Group signed a financial agreement to launch the Ethiopia Digital ID Project. This $350 million initiative spans five years (2023-2029) and aims to establish the Ethiopia Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project (P179040). The project will support the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) in implementing Fayda, a comprehensive and reliable digital ID system, along with other digital public infrastructure. The primary goal is to enhance access to public and private sector services and economic opportunities, particularly for the most vulnerable populations, thereby strengthening national resilience.
Position: 1 Financial Officer (Accountant)
Budgeting and Planning:
- Oversee the preparation of all budgets, including annual planning and budgeting.
- Ensure the project budget is incorporated into the government budget.
- Disseminate budgets promptly and maintain budgetary discipline.
- Report budget variances to management with explanations.
- Assist in securing ‘No Objection’ from development partners for budget submissions as needed.
Accounting and Reporting:
- Develop and implement robust financial management systems and procedures for the project.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date books of accounts, accounting systems, policies, and procedures.
- Ensure adequate financial management staffing.
- Produce periodic financial reports for development partners and government as required.
- Ensure timely submission of unaudited financial reports to financiers.
- Ensure audited financial statements of the project are sent to development partners on time.
Funds Management:
- Ensure sufficient funds are available to meet project and operational needs.
- Ensure resources are available to implementing entities and forecast cash flow positions.
- Mitigate financial risks and maintain liaison with key government counterparts involved in the project.
- Comprehend and implement development partners’ disbursement procedures as per agreements.
- Address disbursement issues with development partners promptly.
- Ensure fund requests comply with procedures and agreements.
- Collect bank advice and statements and prepare timely bank reconciliations.
Internal Controls:
- Maintain consistent internal control arrangements throughout the project lifecycle, including proper approval and authorization controls.
- Establish internal control systems and segregation of duties.
- Implement control systems for petty cash and bank management.
- Safeguard assets and properties, including fixed assets and inventories.
- Manage employee salary, income tax, and pension contributions.
- Oversee contract management handled by MInT/PIU.
- Ensure timely settlement of advances, prepayments, and payables.
- Report to the tax authority and other government organizations in a timely manner.
External and Internal Audit:
- Arrange internal and external audits as per agreements.
- Prepare documents for auditors as required.
- Support auditors during their assessments.
Financial Analysis:
- Review the financial performance of the project and report on key issues.
- Identify administrative bottlenecks and recommend changes for efficiency improvements.
- Prepare additional analyses and reports as requested by management.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in finance or accounting (Master’s degree preferred).
- At least 4+ years of progressively responsible experience in a major company, government, or non-government institution.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in implementing World Bank-funded projects/programs.
- Preference for candidates with Chartered Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designations.
- Excellent communication skills, especially in presenting analysis results to management.
- Proficiency in Accounting Software such as IFMIS, Peachtree, spreadsheets, and databases.
- Fluency in English and Amharic.
- High levels of personal integrity and a reputation for a transparent and systematic work style.
- Ability to work under pressure and willingness to take on additional assignments as needed by NIDP/PMU.
Position 2: Financial Management Specialist for the Program Management Unit (PMU)
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- A Master’s degree or higher in finance, accounting, or a related field.
- At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience with a major company, government, or non-government institution.
- A minimum of 4 years of experience in implementing World Bank-funded projects/programs, including sufficient knowledge of managing the World Bank’s Client Connection system.
- Preference will be given to candidates with Chartered Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designations.
- Excellent communication skills, particularly in presenting analysis results to management.
- Specific technical knowledge related to World Bank projects.
- Proficiency in electronic spreadsheets and database management.
- Fluency in both English and Amharic.
- Highest levels of personal integrity and a reputation for a transparent and systematic work style.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
Duration of Services:
- Full-time position initially contracted for twelve (12) months, with potential extension based on performance and budget availability.
Salary:
- Attractive/Negotiable, based on the new directive of the Government.
Reporting:
- The Financial Officer will report directly to the PMU Coordinator, National ID Program.
Selection Method:
- Selection will be based on para 7.36 and 7.37 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulation.
- Interested individuals should refer to Section III, paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” (July 2016, revised November 2017 and August 2018) regarding conflict of interest policies.
Selection will follow the Individual Consultant method outlined in Section V of the Procurement Regulations.
How to Apply
- Interested applicants should email their expressions of interest, along with CVs, formal application letters, and supporting documents, to the address provided. Applications should be submitted by July 20, 2024, preferably by email.
Contact Information: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, National ID Program (NIDP) Attn: Project Management Unit (PMU) Address: Welosefer Bole, Ethio-China St, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
