Job Description
STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED
A. Enterprise Risk Management, Internal Control Testing, and Certification
- The Financial Analyst (Risk Management & Localization) plays a key role in supporting the Mission’s annual operational and internal controls risk assessment, controls testing, and certification process in compliance with the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) protocols. The Financial Analyst is responsible for assisting in the planning and execution of these processes, following the guidance of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and facilitating the efforts of the Mission’s Management Council for Risk and Internal Control (MCRIC).
- In this capacity, the FA will actively contribute to the annual Enterprise Risk Management analysis by leading and participating in Mission-wide risk identification workshops aimed at pinpointing operational and financial risks, assessing their severity, and advising on the development and implementation of corrective action plans. Additionally, the FA will support the Mission’s ERM process by utilizing the designated ERM tool, coordinating MCRIC meetings, assigning notetakers, and maintaining comprehensive records of all meeting discussions and decisions.
- The FA will also play an integral role in ensuring the Mission’s compliance with FMFIA requirements by implementing and maintaining a robust internal control framework. This framework is designed to safeguard U.S. Government resources in the West Bank and Gaza, prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, and protect USG investments and assets. The FA will be heavily involved in the assessment, testing, and strengthening of internal controls, as well as identifying and addressing areas in need of corrective action.
- The Financial Analyst will serve as the Mission’s subject matter expert (SME) on a variety of tools, online resources, and applications approved by the Agency, utilizing these resources to effectively manage risk and compliance. The FA will collaborate with technical and support staff to document risk assessment outcomes and develop Corrective Action Plans (CAPs). The Financial Analyst will also monitor the implementation, completion, and closure of CAPs using the ASIST application.
B. Support to Local Partners
- The FA will play a pivotal role in advancing USAID’s localization objectives by working closely with local partners and relevant USAID technical staff to enhance organizational capacity and achieve program development goals. This role is essential for ensuring that local partners are equipped to effectively manage and implement programs while adhering to USAID’s requirements.
- The FA will assist in identifying areas for operational improvement through a variety of assessment tools. By evaluating organizational strengths and weaknesses, the FA will provide targeted support designed to address identified gaps. This support may include facilitating access to resources, expertise, and training tailored to the needs of local partners. The FA will leverage various mechanisms, including direct assistance and engagement with local experts, to bolster partner capabilities.
- A significant aspect of the role involves helping local partners understand and meet USAID’s requirements. This includes developing and delivering training curricula to enhance partners’ compliance with policies and procedures. The FA will monitor policy adherence, ensure the effective engagement of technical teams, and organize workshops to share best practices and capacity-building experiences.
- The FA will contribute to the Mission’s localization strategy and action plan by participating in the localization tiger team or other relevant working groups. This involvement will support the advancement of the Mission’s localization objectives, ensuring that local partners play an increasingly pivotal role in development activities and are equipped to achieve the set targets and goals.
C. Debt Relief Program
- The FA plays a critical role that is responsible for meticulous oversight of the Mission’s debt relief initiatives. This position demands a high level of attention to detail and a deep understanding of public financial regulations, banking operations, and fund transfer processes.
- The FA will oversee the debt relief program, ensuring its execution aligns with stringent internal control measures and regulatory requirements. The FA will manage a complex array of tasks, including detailed coordination with a diverse set of stakeholders both within and outside of the Mission. This includes engagement with Palestinian Authority ministries, commercial vendors, local banks, and US Disbursing Offices.
- The FA will be responsible for ensuring that all debt relief activities are conducted with strict adherence to US policy, local financial regulations, and procedural guidelines. This involves developing and implementing robust internal controls, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and maintaining clear and effective communication with all involved parties. The role requires the FA to navigate intricate financial landscapes and coordinate efforts across multiple entities to ensure successful and compliant delivery of debt relief support. The position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity and transparency.
D. Design, Procure, Implement Risk Assessments
- The FA is tasked with the various management of USAID/West Bank and Gaza’s risk assessments, ensuring risk-appropriate utilization of local implementing partners or government systems. Key responsibilities include implementing an appropriate assessment methodology based on organizational characteristics and relevant information and help in developing the scope of work to comprehensively cover various areas such as entity features, governance systems, and compliance.
- The FA will participate in designing and conducting Pre-award Surveys per the NUPAS guidelines, to determine whether the organization has sufficient financial and managerial capacity to manage USAID funds in accordance with U.S. Government and specific USAID requirements, to determine the most appropriate method of financing to use under the potential USAID award, and finally to determine the degree of support and oversight necessary to ensure proper accountability of funds provided to the organization.
- Additionally, the FA will engage in financial reviews of partners as needed to assess compliance with any special award conditions. This includes evaluating whether corrective actions have been effectively implemented to address any identified weaknesses and ensuring that financial operations adhere to the award terms and conditions.
E. Compliance Oversight
- The FA is integral to managing and overseeing compliance for the USAID West Bank and Gaza mission. This can involve sampling and testing partner procedures, enhanced credibility screening of potential partners, or designing new processes to address changing demands. This role is crucial for ensuring that all partner engagements meet USG, Agency, and mission-specific requirements and adhere to evolving regulatory standards.
- The FA will be responsible for developing and executing review processes tailored to address the unique and dynamic requirements of the Mission. This includes designing comprehensive review methodologies and frameworks that adapt to both established and emerging regulatory demands.
- The FA will lead the planning and implementation of reviews in collaboration with Mission partners. These reviews are aimed at assessing adherence to regulatory standards and identifying any areas of non-compliance or potential risk. The FA will analyze findings, work with partners to address issues of non-compliance, and ensure that appropriate corrective actions are taken.
- Staying informed about changes in regulations and compliance requirements is a key aspect of this role. The FA will continuously update compliance review processes and provide guidance to mission partners on new and existing standards. Detailed reporting on compliance review outcomes will be prepared, highlighting any identified issues and recommending solutions for remediation.
- The FA will coordinate with other mission staff and external stakeholders to ensure effective execution of reviews, aligning with USAID’s broader financial management and oversight objectives. The role demands strong analytical capabilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills to manage complex compliance issues.
F. Ancillary Financial Analysis Duties
- In addition to core responsibilities, the FA will undertake duties contributing to the overall effectiveness of the financial management team. The FA will be responsible for creating, updating, and maintaining financial tracking sheets, analytical reports, and other data collection systems as needed, ensuring accurate and timely financial information is available for decision-making.
- The FA will serve as a backup to the Supervisory FA and other financial analysts as required, providing support and continuity in their absence or during peak periods. This aspect of the role ensures that financial operations remain smooth and uninterrupted, regardless of staffing changes.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
To be considered for the position, the following minimum qualifications must be met:
- Education: A Bachelor Business Administration, Accounting or Finance is required.
- Work Experience: Minimum of five years of experience in professional accounting, financial analysis, auditing or internal audit, assessing internal controls, risk assessment, organization consulting, is required.
- Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English language proficiency, speaking and writing is required. Local language proficiency in Arabic (Level IV) is required.
Language proficiency will be tested based on below levels.
English & Arabic : Level IV - Fluent - High degree of proficiency in both written and spoken English as well as Arabic. Writing/editing skills, including the ability to convey technical information to general audiences.
CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 26, 2024 Close of Business local (Jerusalem) time 16:30.
