Financial Management Specialist

Background

The Palestine Liberation Organization, for the benefit of the Palestinian Government has received financing from the World Bank, International Development Association towards the cost of Health System Efficiency Improvement Project (the Project). The Project aims to improve the efficiency and accountability of Palestinian health financing. Through development of strategies, rules, and improved governance, the Project will help the Palestinian Authority contain costs and develop a sustainable healthcare system that provides equitable access to appropriate and needed care for Palestinians while protecting them from financial hardship when paying for them.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the implementing agency for this Project. A Project Management Unit (PMU) was established within MOH and will be composed of a Project Coordinator, Procurement Specialist Financial Management Specialist and Administrative Assistant, as well as consultants in various technical fields, to manage the overall implementation and coordination of the project.

Assignment Objective

MoH is considering the appointment of a qualified Financial Management Specialist, knowledgeable in both World Bank Financial Management and Disbursement Guidelines and PA financial arrangements, to be responsible for all financial management aspects of the project.

Scope of Work

The selected Financial Management Specialist will be required to familiarize him/herself with all aspects of the execution of the project and to be responsible for processing all aspects of project financial management in accordance with the World Bank Financial Management and Disbursement Guidelines, and the procedures set out in the Project Financial Management Manual, Grant Agreement, and in line with the Palestinian financial system.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

a)Maintain adequate financial management arrangements to supports the deployment of project resources in an economic, efficient and effective manner to achieve the desired objective;
b)Develop and determine financial strategy;
c)Ensure compliance with Bank’s financial management requirements and Government’s regulations;
d)Coordinate periodic reports, (i.e., monthly/quarterly/annually) in the agreed formats;
e)Manage budget and vigorously control project costs;
f)Ensure that all accounting records and bank accounts are up-to-date;
g)Establishing/enhancing systems of internal control (goods, consulting services, fixed assets);
h)Preparing cash flow forecasts in consultation with the project coordinator;
i)Preparing quarterly interim financial reports and annual financial statements for the project;
j)Follow up on prompt release of funds, once approved, to beneficiaries;
k)Process and review payments requests and bills related to the project, ensuring proper supporting documents, and prepare withdrawal applications. 
l)Ensure relevant books and records are maintained for the project;
m)Prepare monthly bank reconciliation statements for all banks;
n)Together with the PMU management, maintain, develop, and update the Financial Procedures Manual on a regular basis;
o)Liaise with the internal/external auditors and follow up any audit queries/management letters; and
p)Performing other related duties as may be assigned by the Project Coordinator.

The Financial Management Specialist will be hosted within the MoH Finance Department in Nablus with frequent travel to Ramallah, and will be accountable to the Project Coordinator.

Essential Required Qualifications, Skills, knowledge and Competencies:
-Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration; CPA or equivalent is highly desirable. 
-At least 5 years of previous relevant experience in Financial Management or Auditing of which at least 3 years of experience with a World Bank financed project.
-Good knowledge of financial accounting software and familiarity with Bisan accounting system is a plus.
-Strong supervisory, interpersonal and staff support skills. 
-Fluency in English and excellent report writing.
-Excellent computer skills. 
-Ability to work under pressure within team work arrangement.
-Ability to transfer knowledge to the finance department.

Time Frame and Contract 
    
The duration of the assignment is one year on a full-time basis, extendable to the full length of the project (4years). The expected start date for the position is mid August 2015.

Interested candidates are requested to send their CVs and Qualifications to the following address no later than August 06, 2015.

International Cooperation Unit
Ministry of Health

e-mail: amalatieyhhotmail.com