Ghana Statistical Service: Financial Management Expert

The Government of Ghana has received a grant from the European Union (EU) and the Department for International Development (DFID) to support the implementation of the Ghana Statistical Service Institution Reform. The fund is being managed by the World Bank (WB) under the Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for Statistical Development Project. The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) intends to apply part of the funds under the project to engage Individual Consultants.

Carry out an internal audit of the existing Finanical Management Systems (FMS), procedures and practices and identify capacity gaps and areas which may require strengthening
Put in place the necessary procedures, practices and training to fill the capacity gaps and strengthen the existing FMS
Ensure proper management and disbursement of GSS funds following sound accounting, budgeting, financial control and audit procedures acceptable to the Government of Ghana
Preparing monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports for the GSS Project Director (head of PDMG) and arrange timely financial information for internal audits of GSS accounts
Maintaining accounts books in accordance with international accounting standards
Work with the FMS short term consultant to review and redesign the Financial Management System database to track funding and expenditure of the GSS and train GSS staff in its use
Undertake technical assessments of staff capacity in Finance and Administration at the beginning and end of the contract, provide necessary training to upgrade skills as and when required
Part of the Financial Management Expert’s duties will be to guide the Director of Finance and Administration on financial management of the WB Project(s) which involves:
Maintaining and operating the WB Project designated account and making payments to contractors and service providers and verifying and authorising payments for all activities under the project
Facilitating the training of staff members and other stakeholders on WB Policies and Procedures
Preparing a Financial Management Manual, establishing chart of accounts and having a computerised accounting system installed to carry out activities in accordance with the agreed procedures and provisions of the MDTF Grant Agreement, and the national laws and regulations
Maintaining proper accounting records and preparing finanical statements that provide a true and fair view and are in compliance with the WB Finanical Accounting, Reporting and Audit Handbooks
Duration: One year renewable
Required Skills or Experience

Minimum of 10 years in Public Administration, Business Administration, Organisational Development, Economics, Public Finance Management or related fields
Minimum of 10 years post graduate experience in financial management in the public sector
At least five (5) years of demonstrated work experience as a Technical Advisor in Financial Management
Good knowledge of financial management policies and procedures of the GoG, multilateral financial institutions (e.e. the World Bank) and development co-operation agencies
Excellent skills in project management
Computer proficiency is standard office applications and excellent communication skills
How To Apply

The Ghana Statistical Service now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services.

Interested consultants must provide information indicating they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, general qualification/academic background; and knowledge of local conditions, such as local language, culture, administrative systems and government organisations).
Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (revised May, 2010)
Interested Consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours 09:00 to 17:00 hours GMT, Mondays to Fridays. Expression of Interest must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Expression of Interest”. The position should be clearly written on the envelope and delivered by 10:00 hours GMT to the address below:

The Head of Procurement
Ghana Statistical Serivce
(2nd Floor, Room 241)
P. O. Box GP 1098
Accra

Detailed Terms of Reference for position can be found at the GSS website: (www.statsghana.gov.gh) and UN Development Business online (UNDB online) (www.devbusiness.com)

Offer valid till: 12 Jan, 2011