No. of vacancy : 1

Context and Programme: 

Transition to a well-functioning federal system will be a longer-term, organic process. The implementation of the federal Constitution (2015) is not solely a technical but inherently a political negotiation process. Moreover, it is a prerequisite for sustainable development that is an essential part of sustained peace process in Nepal. This requires political sensitivity and continued political engagement, particularly in processes where new inter-governmental relations are concerned. 

The multi-level system of governance as envisaged by the Constitution of Nepal relies on the principles of cooperation, coordination and co-existence among the different tiers of government. Due to the ongoing and still unclear sequencing of federal implementation processes, contributing to the effective inter-governmental relations between vertical and horizontal tiers of government is essential for the consolidation and functioning of federalism. Building of inclusive institutions, governance systems and processes, often being built from zero, will be the major task and challenge for Nepal in the years to come.

Harnessing Switzerland’s long-standing record of cooperation with Nepal and its extensive experience in consensus-oriented, inclusive multi-level governance systems, the Swiss Cooperation Office in Nepal is launching a new Province Support Programme (PSP).  The PSP will be implemented from Feb 2020 till Jan 2024 with the intent to support the Government of Nepal in its transition to federalism at the Province level.  It focuses mainly on institution building in order to enhance the service delivery functions and accountability of new province institutions towards their citizens thus catalyzing more inclusive development and poverty reduction in Nepal. 

The Programme comprises three principal components that include:

• (Outcome 1) strengthening of Province 1’s policy making, administrative, fiscal management and service delivery functions; 
• (Outcome 2) building of inter-governmental strategic partnerships between local and province level authorities through prioritized development projects; and
• (Outcome 3) working with province government and legislative authorities to enhance their accountability towards their constituencies, namely fostering greater inclusion of women and disadvantaged groups in decision making processes. 

While encouraging strong inter-governmental coordination at all levels, PSP’s support activities are concentrated in Province 1 where elected government authorities, line ministries and the Province Assembly will be the programme’s focal institutional counterparts.  Primary engagement modalities of the Program involve provision of targeted technical assistance and hands mentorship support to Province 1’s government (PG) authorities; development and provision of customized capacity/training packages; contribution of seed funding for select PG and Local governments strategic partnerships and natural resource projects; as well as comprehensive budget support for Province 1 related to institution building and service delivery as per its concurrent and exclusive rights.

To ensure the maximum ownership of the programme , OCMCM has established Programme Management Unit (PMU) for day-to-day management and implementation of the Programme.  The PMU is headed by the Secretary of Governance Reform Division of Office of the Chief Minister and council of minister as Programme Director. Government of Switzerland will provide financial and technical assistance to the provincial government through the Programme Management and Implementation Support Consultants (PMISC). The PMISC is attached to the PMU. Team Leader of the PMISC serves as the Programme Manager. S/He executes the programme under the supervision and direction of the Secretary of Governance Reform Division (Programme Director). The PMISC is headed by a Team Leader who supervises five core thematic experts and a pool of technical consultants hired on a as-needed basis.  Strategic steering of the Programme will be guided by higher level Province Steering and other Coordination Committees. 

To assist the implementation of the programme, PSP/PwC is recruiting a team of professional, dedicated, and qualified experts for PMISC. These terms of reference specifically correspond to the specified full-time positions based in Biratnagar, Province 1.

The Finance Officer shall work under the guidance of the Team Leader and shall be responsible to oversee the financial management of the programme. FO shall ensure compliance with development partner (SDC) and GoN/provincial government’s   requirements and policies and procedures applicable to the project. He/ She shall prepare Annual budget and assist in preparing yearly plan of operation and monitor fund utilization, ensure correct accounting of project finances and financial reporting as per approved reporting formats/guidelines and necessary tax compliances.    

Duties and Responsibilities

• Review project operations and compliance with the terms and conditions of donor requirements, accounting standards, and organization own policies and procedures;
• Review and test procedures and systems of financial management, internal controls of organization and sub recipient organizations to ensure they are functioning as planned and in accordance with sound financial and managerial principles;
• Prepare budget, monitor the expense and fund utilization;
• Preparing reports and coordination with donor, auditors and external parties;
• Facilitate and monitor in the system development and policies formulation, implementation of corrective action plans and strengthen the system;
• Provide guidance and training to staff and partners regarding financial management and internal control practices to minimize risk to the organization;
• Procurement related - Finance Officer will be responsible for drafting Bid/ Quotation Documents, Request for Proposals (RFP), Bill of Quantities (BOQ)/ estimates/ specifications and contracts, as applicable in consultation with the Team Leader (TL). Administration and Human Resource Officer shall provide the necessary support;
• Support consultants/ experts in implementing transparent, simplified procurement procedures;
• Support to ensure that all necessary information regarding scope of work, objectives, key personnel qualifications, reporting requirements, deliverables and timeframe is appropriately mentioned;
• Assist the team to conduct pre-bid/pre-proposal meetings, prepare response on queries sought from potential bidders, assist in preparing and issuing clarification/ addendums, when necessary;
• Assist in finalizing contract documents for approval and contract signing including support regarding issuing variation orders, contract extension and termination of contracts. He/ She shall provide necessary support in managing procurement through international bidding;
• Maintain complete records of tax deducted on vendor payments and ensure timely deposit of TDS as per legal requirements;
• Facilitate for conducting VAT refund procedures and annual returns of the project for tax purposes;
• Prepare financial statements for purpose of statutory audits and provide necessary support in internal and external audit as mentioned in bilateral agreement and project document;
• Equipped with practical experience of using accounting software including Tally or any other customized software;
• Ensure overseeing timely deposit of employee benefits and statutory deductions with the relevant authorities
• Provide support in procurement management of assets and expendables;
• Review and supervise movement of funds from project bank accounts and ensure settlement of project advances;

Qualifications and Experience

• Has Master’s degree in Finance/ Accounting/ Audit (Chartered Accountant Mandatory)
• Has Minimum 5 years of experience working as Finance Manager/Account Manager Lead in related field.
• Prior experience of working with donor funded projects/programme
• Experience of preparation of project financial statements and tax compliances
• Experience of accounting software such as Tally 

Terms and Conditions for Employment

Full-time position contracted for the project period subject to annual renewal with onset 6-month probation period. Competitive salary to be negotiated.