Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services
Republic of South Sudan
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)
COUNTRY: Republic of South Sudan
NAME OF PROJECT: The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EA-RDIP)
PROJECT ID: P176181 Grant No.: IDA-V4520-SS
Assignment Title: Finance Management Specialist
Reference No.: SS-MICT&PS-336076-CS-INDV
Place of assignment: Juba, South Sudan
Closing Date: 16th June, 2023
1. Background: Through the World Bank support to Republic of South Sudan, the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services (MICTPS), and in particular the Telecoms and Postal Sector, will implement the EA-RDIP (East African Regional Digital Integration) Project and will integrate and host a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) within its structure to implement the EA-RDIP..
The Project Development Objective (PDO) of the EA-RDIP is to address connectivity needs for countries in the Horn of Africa region. The proposed program aims to advance the regional integration of digital markets of Eastern Africa through supporting cross-border connectivity, harmonization of data and e-commerce regulations and policies, and removal of trade barriers, with the vision of establishing a Single Digital Market (SDM). Regional efforts to move towards an SDM is envisioned to have economic and welfare gains to all participating economies and will be especially beneficial for smaller economies to tap larger regional markets for economic expansion. It is proposed for the project components to follow the SDM framework and for participating countries (Somalia, South Sudan in phase (1) to tailor each component for its investment and technical assistance needs.
A Project preparation Advance (PPA) has been approved and the MICT&PS intends to apply part of the proceeds of the grants towards recruitment of a Procurement Specialist to support the fiduciary functions in the Project implementation Unit (PIU) established under the MICT&PS.
A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) shall be established within the MICT&PS with the primary task of project implementation and overseeing service providers, stakeholder outreach and communications, fiduciary and procurement management, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), community engagement, and risk management related to social and environmental safeguards, fiduciary oversight as well as maintaining infrastructure quality and standards.
MICT&PS is looking to hire an individual consultant in the capacity of a Finance Management Specialist who will work within the Ministry with responsibility of carrying out all administrative functions related to the overall project preparation and implementation. The Finance Management Specialist is expected to play a key role in supporting the PIU.
2. Scope of Services and Responsibilities:The scope of services for the position includes but not limited to the following duties and responsibilities:
Responsible for all the financial management matters of the EA-RDIP under the Ministry; Ensure preparation of project annual budgets and cash forecasts based on the work plans and procurement plans; Review the implementation of the project budget on a monthly basis and advise the management team on the level of budget execution/ utilisation; Ensure that disbursements are made in accordance with Financing Agreements and Disbursement and Financial Information Letter (DFIL); approved implementation budgets and work plans together with the Project Operations Manuals; Review all periodic disbursement requests submitted by the PIU and ensure timely cash flow; Ensure all payments are supported by proper documentation in accordance with the World Bank financial regulations and procedures supporting the ministry; Effect payment to consultants and suppliers as specified in the Project Implementation Manuals upon authorization and verification of the Project Manager and Director; Monitor the utilization of payments made to implementing partners through desk and site reviews and report findings.
The Consultant will be required to undertake all tasks and deliver the outputs detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) that will be provided upon request through the email contact below.
3. Selection Criteria: Selection shall be based on qualification and experience of the candidate and followed by an interview. The qualification and experience required for shortlisting will include:
(i) At least Advanced degree in accounting, finance, economics, business or any related fields from a recognized university; Professional qualification such as ACCA, CPA or equivalent; and Membership of a recognized professional body in good standing; (ii) A minimum of at least 8 years of direct relevant experience including expertise in the management of finance in the public or private sector; (iii) Minimum of at least 5 years of experience in implementing procurement actions according to international organizations guidelines/Regulations such as the World Bank, African Development Bank etc. for procurement of goods, services, and works; (iv) Experience in similar working environment like that of South Sudan is desirable; (v) Excellent computer skills for Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Internet use; (vi) Fluency in English is must.
4. Duration:
Duration of the assignment is 24 months, renewable based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
6. The attention of interested individual consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s ‘Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers’ July 2016 revised November 2017, July 2018 and November 2020 [Procurement in investment Project Financing; Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services], setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest
7. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants Selection method set out in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations.
8. The MICT&PS 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 and furnish the Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the prescribed form that will be provided with the TOR upon request from the e-mail at the address given below.
9. Submission of Applications and deadline:
Interested Applicants may obtain detailed TOR and the format for the CV from the email. procurement.eardip@gmail.com
A signed Expressions of interest (EOI) and CV with 3 reference persons must be submitted by 16th June, 2023 at 17 hours (Juba local time). The packages must be clearly marked as “Application for Financial Management Specialist” and addressed to:
The Undersecretary, Telecoms Sector,
EA-RDIP.
Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services,
Juba, Republic of South Sudan.
Location: East of Bank of South Sudan
Email: procurement.eardip@gmail.com