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. 

Duties and Responsibilities :

Working closely with and under the direction of the PMU, Programme Director (PD) and the Programme Manager (PM)/Team Leader, the Financial Management and Reform Specialist will provide technical assistance (TA), advisory and quality assurance support to province level authorities – OCMCM, the Province Treasury Department and line ministries on Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms. More specifically, the Financial Management and Reform Specialist will be responsible for:

• Technically advising the drafting of PFM policies, systems and procedures at Province level
• Technically assisting in the drafting and implementation of multi-sectoral taxation policies and public communication strategies related to the introduction of new taxation policies
• Jointly with PMU and OCMCM ensuring quality of (SG-LG) fiscal transfer mechanisms, annual budget planning, mid-term expenditure frameworks and their compliance with legislative standards, deadlines and procedures
• Providing guidance and backstopping national consultants in the institutionalization of systematized PFM systems and procedures within OCM, treasury and line ministries; where relevant, identifying innovative methods and approaches for making existing/new PFM systems more efficient and effective, including ICT enabled approaches/ management tools
• In consultation with PMU and coordination with PLGSP developing capacity building approaches on PFM needs for OCMCM and line ministry officials; technically supervising the design of modular courses as per PFM capacity building needs (e.g. legislative compliance, transfer mechanisms, budget monitoring and review, taxation, expenditure and revenue systems, ICT enabled procurement / tender competitions, cost-benefit analytics, open budgeting standards etc.)
• In collaboration with PM, developing budgeting and financial management system for programme’s needs; tailoring system efficiency to specific disbursement modalities
• In collaboration with GESI Specialist, ensuring that annual budgets are GESI sensitive  and co-facilitating the implementation GESI budget appraisals
• Executing and following up on programme’s annual internal audits and address relevant changes
• Compiling activity related periodic, annual and semi-annual progress reports as requested by the PD and PM
• Identifying knowledge sharing on good PFM and budgeting practices developed by SG authorities and the programme
• Reviewing audited financial statement, assessing auditor competence and following up on issues resulting from the audits
• Supporting the PD and the PM in all administrative and day-to-day tasks related to the successful financial management of the programme

Qualifications and Experience:

•  A University degree in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Public Policy and Administration or equivalent
• At least 10 years of practical experience in implementing PFM reform programmes and projects, including inter-governmental PFM strategies, action plans and capacity building initiatives
  
• Knowledgeable about current issues/methods/approaches in financial management, including those relating to the public sector, fiscal decentralization and other cross-cutting governance issues (e.g. procurement, public sector management, output based budgeting; public sector accounting systems; audit (internal and external); revenue collection; taxation; payroll and pension; public procurement; anti-corruption; legislation, regulation, law enforcement; civil service reforms)
• Demonstrated experience in evaluating audits, assessing auditor competence, and following up on issues resulting from the audits
• Ability to conceptualize, design, implement and supervise PFM related capacity building initiatives
• A good understanding and ideally implementation experience in optimizing the use of information technology in public sector financial management processes
• Ability to interpret financial and project management reports and to determine appropriate remedial actions
• Strong planning, organization and time management skills required to facilitate teamwork and to contribute towards a common goal
• Strong analytical capabilities and proven skills to deal with FM issues innovatively and independently
• Very good team work, communication, multi-tasking and facilitation skills, adaptability to dynamic and potentially unstable institutional environments
• Full working knowledge of English and excellent report writing skills

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