REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(Individual Consultant)
Country: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Name of the Project: Public Financial Management Reform Project (PFMR-II)
Consulting Services: International Advisor (Individual Consultant) to Auditor General
Duty Station: Kabul
Project ID No.: P 120427
Grant No.: TF-10024
REOI Ref. No.: NPA/SAO/CS-1003/IC
Advertising Date: September 28, 2015
Closing Date: October 21, 2015
Background:
The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan represented by Supreme Audit Office (SAO), has received a grant under PFMR-II -the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), which is administered by the World Bank and intends to apply part of the proceeds to make payments under a contract for consultancy services for the post of an Advisor to provide support to the Auditor General in policy matters, international co-operation, external audit, support services & sustainable capacity building activities in the SAO .
PFMR-II Project Development Objective (PDO): Include strengthening public financial management in Afghanistan through effective procurement, treasury and audit structures and systems in line with sound financial management standards of monitoring, reporting and control. The project’s investments amongst others include support for building skills and improving infrastructure for external audit of the SAO to improve management oversight of its own operations and strengthen external accountability of the executive.
Summary of Assignment
International Advisor (Individual Consultant) to Auditor General will carry out various activities primarily providing advice and support in all the technical matters and coordinate the PFMRII project activities, focusing on policy direction (on audit methodology and audit manual, audit procedures, review the current competencies and training needs of the SAO), implementation of audit law, external audits-monitoring of existing consultancy, budget/procurement plan requirements amongst others.
Detailed RESPONSIBILITIES of Assignment:
1. Coordinate the PFMR II project component in SAO
2. Advice Auditor General on policy and operational matters
3. Support in implementing Audit law & draft necessary regulations.
4. Monitor implementation of PFMR II in SAO including consultancy firms in SAO & procurement plans.
5. Oversee Strategic Development Plan & Operational Plan.
6. Coordinate & Conducting training activities in SAO
7. Assist International Relations to other bodies and countries
8. To advice on legal framework of auditing and subsequent regulations
9. Support to develop relation with international organization such as INTOSAI and ASOSAI
Tasks and deliverables- The Consultant will be responsible for the following:
1. Undertake activities to support the SAO technical activities and policy documents as described above.
2. Foster various institutional development activities;
3. Take initiative in making the Audit functional as per the provisions of the law;
4. Mentor and build capacity of the SAO staff; and
5. Any other business, when required and advised by the client.
6. Work in collaboration with other consultants and the directorates in SAO in all aspects of activities.
7. Submit Quarterly reports or as desired by the client.
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
The successful candidate will be able to work without direct supervision, pay attention to detail and will exhibit personal commitment, drive for results, efficiency, flexibility, respect for diversity, creative thinking and problem solving.
Qualifications/Skills:
Qualification: A recognized professional accountancy qualification, (Chartered /Certified Accountant / Cost Accountant Degree/Government Auditor in SAI;)
· Professionalism – 10 years minimum experience in the relevant area sought; a highly developed understanding of oversight activities and general operations– significant experience (10 years and more) and knowledge of: i) Audit, budgeting and finance; and ii) administration operations - experience and ability to represent an organization to external stakeholders including donors, Government of Afghanistan (GoA), and other development agencies - demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given – extremely high level of discretion;
· Experience of having led a team of audit professionals independently.
· Planning & Organizing - Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities;
· Management – Ability to manage staff and contribute to the skills development and capacity building;
· Communications - Good communication (spoken and written) skills, including ability to explain and present program support services-related information/requirements and prepare written documents/communications in a clear, concise style;
· Technology Awareness - Highly developed computer skills using Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the Internet;
· Teamwork - Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
· Excellent skills in English (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) required;
· Experience in Afghanistan, especially with the GoA financial systems and procedures, will be highly regarded.
· Experience with World Bank funded projects financial management systems and procedures will be highly regarded.
Competencies:
· Ability to communicate effectively with persons of various cultures and disciplines;
· Ability to determine and review priorities and meet deadlines;
· Ability to multi-task and work under pressure;
· Ability to work independently and also as an effective team member;
· Ability to display cultural, gender, religious, racial, national heritage and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Managerial competencies:
· Proven ability to lead and motivate staff in challenging environments;
· Ability to develop and manage professional relationships;
· Ability to develop capacity and competencies of staff and to transfer skills.
Team Work
· Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
· Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others;
· Places team agenda before personal agenda;
· Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
· Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings;
Communication:
· Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
· Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
· Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience;
· Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
Reporting relationships:
Report to Auditor General GoIRA, and the World Bank.
Period of Assignment:
The assignment is initially for 12 months and may be extended if required conditionally upon availability of funds.
SAO now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above mentioned services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (in addition to the educational qualifications, experience of similar assignments and country of work etc. should be incorporated in the CV to be submitted along with expression of interest/application).
A consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in section V of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (January 2011).
Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours [i.e. 0900 to 1600 hours].
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 16:00 hours (Kabul Local Time) on October 21, 2015.
Attention: Mr. Aziz Ahmad Obaidi
National Procurement Authority
Administrative Office of the President
Pashtunestan Wat, Kabul, Afghanistan
Email: copied to , &
Web site: www.npa.gov.af
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