CONSULTANT (PROJECT MANAGER): INTEGRATED FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (IFMIS) Location : Monrovia, LIBERIA Application Deadline : 13-Dec-07 Type of Contract : SSA Languages Required :English Starting Date : (date when the selected canditate is expected to start) 01-Feb-2008 Duration of Initial Contract : One year Expected Duration of Assignment : Three years
Background The Government of Liberia has received a World Bank grant part of which will be applied towards the implementation of an Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) The main rationale for the project is that the severe institutional weaknesses in the public sector constitute the most critical constraints to development, poverty reduction and to sustainable peace in Liberia. Hence tackling these weaknesses effectively is a priority for the Government and its development partners. By strengthening fiduciary systems in public administration, the project will help improve resource utilization, fund flows, and accountability – while at the same time reducing opportunities for corruption.
In introducing an IFMIS into Liberia, given the local capacity constraints, there is need to avoid the ‘big bang’ approach. Selected modules will be introduced in an incremental manner. In this regard, the World Bank’s Treasury Reference Model is particularly helpful since it has disaggregated IFMIS implementation into core and non-core components. An implementation unit will be set up in the Ministry of Finance to work closely with the Contractor to supply, install, integrate, test and commission all of the following components as a Turnkey solution in a phased manner.
Multi-currency Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) Application Software comprising the following modules:
* Budget Preparation, including the ability to handle multi-dimensional charts of account.
* General Ledger ? based on cash based accounting, including cash book, bank reconciliation, and reporting of committed and actual expenditure against allocated/ warranted budgets.
* Revenue recording, management and reporting
* Purchase order management with functionality to print online Local Purchase Order (LPO)
* HR/PayrollElectronic Procurement Announcement System (e-PAS)
Biometric system
Interfaces with the following systems * Revenue and Bank Pay slip System and Central Bank of Liberia banking software for bank reconciliation * Biometric system in the Civil Service Agency * Debt Management System
Server Hardware and Systems Software (Windows 2003 Advanced Server) designed and configured to support the proposed FMIS Software comprising as a minimum a production and back-up server.
Personal Computers, Notebooks, Heavy Duty line printer and lazer printers
Training in the application software and relational database software, business process design and systems integration services.
Design of online customized forms and reports Objective The expected outcome of the project is a better functioning PFM system through: (i) improvement in the efficiency of expenditure; (ii) stronger fiduciary controls in the public sector; (iii) greater transparency of public finances; (iv) improved cash management and flow of funds (v) audit trails that will lead to improved accountability (vi) removal of ghost workers through biometric identification process. And also, improved delivery of services, reduction in corruption due to increased transparency and accountability and restoration of the confidence of the public and the business community is the public finance system through the timely payment of dues and the elimination of arrears.?
Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Deputy Minster of Finance (DME-Expenditure) the IFMIS Project Managerwould provide strategic leadership and manage the day-to-day activities of the implementation team. The counterpart in the Ministry of Finance will be the head of the MoF Project Implementation Department that will be setup. Specifically the responsibilities will be: * Evaluation of IFMIS bid submissions * Implementation of IFMIS within a holistic PFM reform conceptual framework in agreement with key stakeholders based on the specification of user requirements and agreed implementation plan * Prepare work packages for the implementation team and monitor progress * The development of ICT strategy with other key stakeholders; * Design of new processes to support future decentralized financial management?in the areas of planning, budgeting, expenditure and commitment control, salary processing, payment processing, receipt processing, asset management, accounting and financial reporting; * The design and implementation of an interim financial management system to support set-up phase of local governments; * Review Treasury Accounting Manual in line with new developments * Training and user support services; * Support the secretary for the IFMIS Oversight Steering Committee; * Follow up on Steering Committee decisions; * Prepare stage reports, monthly & quarterly progress reports; * Change management; * Contract Management with adherence Government laws and regulations and World Bank procurement guidelines; * Project monitoring and evaluation; and * Any other related duties as directed by the management of the Ministry of Finance
Competencies * Knowledge of various dimensions of public financial management and reform challenges therein; * Proven ability to conceptualize, design and implement financial management capacity building initiatives in developing countries * A clearly identified capability, supported by previous client references, to coach and mentor staff is required; * Demonstrated ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team * Ability to work independently and as a team member in an international environment * Solid cross cultural and interpersonal skills * Diplomacy, team building and networking skills * Excellent analytical, research and report writing skills * Communicate effectively with senior government officials, politicians, users and donors * Proficiency in use of accounting packages and standard computer software (word-processing, excel, databases, power point and internet).
Required Skills and Experience * A Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant with minimum of TEN (10) years post qualification experience at least three of which must be in public financial management at managerial level. An MBA and diploma in Projects In Controlled Environment (PRINCE2) is highly desirable. * Successful track record of implementing and rolling-out information systems; * Successful track record of brining about institutional reforms that are sustainable, track record of leading institutional change in a low capacity environment is highly desirable. * Fluency in English is required.
