UNDP Jobs - 55800- Consultation Services on Public Financial Manageme

Consultation Services on Public Financial Management System in

Location :

Basra, IRAQ

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jun-2015

Application Deadline :

30-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

60 days spread over three months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNDP is aiming to support the local government in Basra to enhance and modernize the PFM system in the governorate and transfer it from its existing structure to more efficient, transparent and modern structure through introducing a state-of-art-technology in this field. The objective of the assignment is to review and analysis the existing PFM system in the governorate and provide entry points for possible enhancement. This development intervention shall be made in close collaboration and coordination with the local bodies in the governorate.

In light of above, and pursuant to the preliminary objective of this assignment, the proposed intervention shall be started with series of consultative meetings and workshops with relevant local government entities and officials. It will also lead to identify current shortfalls, obstacles and challenges with the PFM system in the governorate that shall support proposing a framework of action and focused implementation strategy that would be concurrent with results reached from consultations.

Henceforth, the assignment will have the following specific objectives:

Review the as-is situation of PFM practices and identify the shortfalls and obstacles related to that and identify local point/task force;
Analyze the findings and related challenges that are incorporated with the required change to a modern PFM system;
Consensually agree on a common vision and specific scope of PFM system reform within the local government and pinpoint required institutional and legal tools and frameworks;
Research for possible solutions to enhance the existing system that significantly change it to efficient, modernized and highly beneficial automated system that assure reliable and consistent financial transactions and data follow and reporting.

Estimate the cost of required change that includes:

The software solution application and its licenses (if applicable);
Infrastructure for the introduced solution;
Capacity building and training programmes for the cadre that shall operate the proposed PFM system as well as those staff who shall administrate the system;
Operation, maintenance and security;
Development, research and technical support.

Propose and design a change management framework to move from existing PFM system to the proposed solution. It shall include the capacity building and training programmes. The framework also shall include also well-defined risk management strategy and achievement / performance indicators to be assessed during and after implementation for course correction and results assessment. The mentioned framework needs to be well coordinated with the local government and agreed upon.

Interest candidate has to access procurement notice http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=21833.

Please do not send your application through this website and send the complete application to IC1.undp.iq@undp.org (only application with complete supporting document received in IC1.undp.iq@undp.org before or at the closing date will be proceed).

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the leadership and direct guidance of UNDP, the national consultant will be required to undertake the following tasks in support of proposing reliable and beneficial PFM system solutions to Basra Governorate.

Task 1: Perform desk reviews and develop the consultative workshops and interviews guiding questionnaires. This would include but would not be limited to:

Review and analyze existing PFM system in the governorate and any related documentation, reports at local and federal levels as well as other relevant resources that are available with the Ministry of Finance in Baghdad and also the World Bank reports related to PFM system in Iraq;
Identify the shortfalls and obstacles of existing system and analyze the findings and related challenges that are incorporated with the required change to a modern PFM system;
Prepare guiding questionnaires for interviews and consultation meetings;
Lead the implementation of the consultative workshops with guidance from UNDP.

Task 2: Fine-tune PFM change envisioning and devise specific intervention represented by proposing reliable and modern solution that would come in line with:

Build consensus and national ownership of envisioned change strategy and pinpoint required legislative and procedural requirements to be undertaken by the local government;
Ensure that indicators and milestones of impact at the Output, Purpose and Goal levels are measurable and updated, and verify assumptions.

Task 3: Research and propose feasible solutions to enhance the existing system by transferring it to an automated system that assure reliable and consistent financial transactions and data follow and reporting. This task shall also include estimating the cost of required change that cover:

The cost of software solution application and its licenses (if applicable);
The cost of required infrastructure for the introduced solution;
The cost of capacity building and training programmes for the cadre that shall operate the proposed PFM system;
The cost of operation, maintenance and security;
The cost of development, research and technical support,

Task 4: Propose and design a change management framework to move from existing PFM system to the proposed solution, which shall include, but not limited to:

Capacity building and training programmes;
Well-defined risk management strategy;
Achievement / performance indicators to be assessed during and after implementation;

Task 5: Develop Work-plan:

Prepare a detailed work plan for the implementation;
Identify implementation partners based on the consultative process performed and pinpoint them within the work-plan.

Task 6: Prepare an assessment/proposal report that takes into account all analysis and updates as indicated above.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

Demonstrates integrity;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional competencies:

Excellent interpersonal skills;
Focuses on impact and results and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors, at the senior levels;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines;
Ability to develop innovative solutions – encourage and contribute creative solutions to address challenging situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

At least master degree or Equivalent in Public Financial Management or related field [Public business administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics etc..).

Work Experience:

Past experience in public administration systems, public financial management and processes, preferably within the Iraqi public service, 7-10 years of experience on average;
Proven track record in undertaking complex and comprehensive field assessments, including national consultations;
Experience in developing developmental programming and exposure to human development/governance thematic and software solutions;
Proven ability to coordination with team of international organization and senior national stakeholders;
High level of communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Language:

Knowledge of the English language is a distinct advantage.

Application:

Interest candidate has to access procurement notice http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=21833.