Vacancy Announcement

The World Bank Country Office in Azerbaijan is seeking qualified candidates
for the following position:

Extended Term Consultant (ETC) in Financial Management in Baku, Azerbaijan
Term – 1 year renewal for another year subject to performance and work program

This is a Financial Management Extended Term Consultant (ETC) position in the World Bank office in Baku, Azerbaijan. The ETC will report to the Regional Financial Management Manager (RFMM) who is part of the core team in Operations Policy and Services (ECSPS) in Europe and Central Asia Region in Washington, DC.  The ETC will work alongside a Financial Management Specialist (FMS), also based in Baku. The ETC will perform as a member of the various Task Teams of the World Bank financed projects, and in addition lead special purpose initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Working closely with the Country FMS in ensuring that policies and procedures with respect to financial management are applied in all phases of World Bank-financed projects. This includes the implementation of the new financial management assessment and reporting arrangements for investment projects.

2. Assisting FMS in the initial project preparation work including briefing project PIUs about Bank FM requirements, assessment procedures, explaining questionnaires, providing samples of documents for all new projects that would use project-specific financial management systems. Provide technical assistance and supports to PIUs, especially in the newer projects, in all financial management issues.

3. Monitor, receive, and review quarterly financial monitoring reports (FMR) for the all projects for compliance with FMR guidelines and legal covenants. Prepare a brief summary of review of FMRs for Country FMS and CM.

4. Monitor the timely appointment of auditors and submission of project and entity audit reports by PIUs. Review audit reports and prepare necessary reports and comments on them.

5. Update the internal management information system for all project related information – details of FMRs received and Financial Management Supervisions conducted.

6. Under the supervision of FMS, carry out initial financial management supervision ofselecetd active projects in Azerbaijan in line with World Bank internal policies and procedures.

7. Assist Country FMS and Project Task Team Leader in the implementation of the Corporate and Public Sector Accountability Project (CAPSAP) in Azerbaijan.

8. Review of financial management covenants for projects to be supervised to ensure that there are being implemented properly and timely.

9. Together with Country FMS, provide technical inputs on private sector accounting and auditing issues in analytical and lending operations in the country.

10.Liaison with all PIUs on financial management issues, as appropriate.

11.Participates in other activities in Azerbaijan as considered appropriate by ECAFM Manager and Country FMS.

Selection Criteria:

The ideal candidates should have the following qualifications and experience:

1. A suitably qualified person with a bachelors degree in accounting, business, finance, or economics, and at least 3 years of directly relevant experience in financial management.

2. A partially qualified accountant (e.g., at least 2 exams passed successfully under CPA program or at least 7 exams passed successfully under ACCA program) would be an advantage

3. Knowledge of international accounting and auditing standards

4. Experience with internal audit and internal control systems and procedures (including familiarity with COSO), with the ability to assess such systems and recommend remedial actions where necessary.

5. Experience in evaluating financial and project management reports and determining remedial actions to be taken by the Bank or borrower.

6. Knowledge in the application of accounting, auditing and financial reporting systems and software packages. Good understanding of information systems and the application of new technology

7.Capacity to function as a member of multi-disciplinary team, search for common ground, and where appropriate recommend decisive actions;

8. Experience with internal control systems,

9. Ability to communicate effectively, in writing and orally, in English, and to negotiate substantive and difficult issues with senior government officials;

The closing date for receipt of applications is May 16, 2008. 

Please send your curriculum vitae and covering letter electronically to Gamar Usifova (gusifova@worldbank.org) – the HR contact person in the Baku Office of the World Bank.