UNICEF Financial Management Consultant for the National Safety Net Programme and the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children

Terms of Reference

Consultant: Financial Management Consultant for the National Safety Net Programme and the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Duration: 11 month

Start Date: July 15 2014

Reporting to: Luis Corral, Cash Transfer Specialist

Justification: The Financial Management is a key area for the implementation of the National Safety Net Programme and the CT-OVC Programme allowing accuracy and transparent financial management of the programme and delivery of cash to beneficiaries.

In past years the CT-OVC programme was subjected to a fiduciary risk assessment, an internal audit and external audit all of which showed some significant levels of financial risks. These assessments were supported by GoK, DFID and the World Bank.

UNICEF has been providing financial management technical assistance to the CT OVC Programme through the recruitment of a Financial Management Consultant for a 10 months period from July 2012 to April 2013 and a further 5 months extension from December 2013 through April 2014

The initial contract period was focused on provision on general financial management technical assistance to the CT-OVC program. 
This specifically involved supporting the programme functions of finance, accounts, internal audit and financial reporting; strengthen the payment processes of the Payment Service Providers  (PSPs) {Postal Corporation of Kenya and Equity Bank }, strengthening the financial management capacity of the programme and building coherence with the Treasury and in line with procedures and processes.

The extension period has been targeted on specific areas of financial management support for the CT OVC programme as well as other cash transfer programmes within the Umbrella of the National Safety Net Program (NSNP). 

Key deliverable over this period were i) summarized monthly progress report highlighting the major tasks undertaken and progress made during the month, ii) bi-monthly progress report on the performance of the biometric Payment Service Provider (PSP) outlining key progress made challenges and recommendations iii) financial management monitoring tools to be used to measure the funds flow performance iv) financial management capacity building implementation plan.

Over these periods, the programme has made extensive progress and a number of key tasks, milestones and deliverables have been achieved, contributing to a significant fiduciary risk reduction in the programme, improving reporting system and transparency. 

Based on results achieved by the CT-OVC, the Ministry of Labour of Kenya has initiated the National Safety Net Programme, consisting of a massive scale up of the CT-OVC programme and other four Cash Transfer Porgrammes under the same standardized processes and deliverables. 

That has created a  number of emerging developments for the cash transfer programmes that require further financial management technical assistance in the following areas:-
1. Technical support in the procurement and roll out of the additional/alternative Cash Transfer Payments Service Providers.
2. Technical support to the various cash transfer programs  under the  NSNP Umbrella through the respective coordinating department and the National Social Protection Secretariat (NSPS) in the actualization of the payment linked Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs)
 3. Dedicated support to the CT OVC programme in monitoring the cash transfer payments under the existing PSPs, migration of the existing beneficiaries into the alternative PSPs, enrolment of new beneficiaries into the respective PSPs.
4. UNICEF has been approached by the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Services to support them in addressing identified gaps. The Ministry has proposed to bring on board a Financial Management Consultant who will provide technical support to the financial team at programme level.

Purpose of the Assignment 

The Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Services requires a Financial Management Consultant to:

1. Give technical support in the procurement and roll out of the additional/alternative Cash Transfer Payments Service Providers.  

In particular carry out the following:-

a) Dissemination of the lessons learnt from the existing payment service providers and a watch list of key items to watch in the recruitment of the future PSPs. The more immediate need is to present this to the evaluation team for the ongoing PSPs procurement.

b) Development of the technical and financial proposals evaluation criteria for the ongoing PSP procurement
c) Technical support to the PSP evaluation team in the evaluation, negotiation and contracting the PSPs
d) Supporting the various cash transfer programmes in the roll out of the alternative/additional PSPs

2. Provide technical support to the various cash transfer programs  under the  NSNP Umbrella through the respective coordinating department and the National Social Protection Secretariat (NSPS) in the actualization of the payment linked Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs)

3. Dedicated support to the CT OVC programme in monitoring the cash transfer payments under the existing PSPs, migration of the existing beneficiaries into the alternative PSPs, enrolment of new beneficiaries into the respective PSPs.

Scope of Work: The consultant will be engaged in providing financial management support to the National Safety Net programme including the CT-OVC Programme and will have specific tasks allocated within programmes.

The consultant will work with key technical personnel in order to strengthen and optimize key financial management systems. In particular the consultant shall provide guidance, advice and support in the Payment Service Provider upgrade, financial processes and reporting, Internal Control processes. 

The consultant will work with the Ministry of Labour Social Security and Services Principle Accounts Controller, Principle Finance Officer, Principle Internal Auditor, CT-OVC Programme Accountants, Social Protection and CT-OVC Secretariat, National Safety Net and CT-OVC Technical Working Groups, Payments Working Group for the NSNP, and in close coordination with Ministry of Finance External Resource Department Accountants and CT OVC development partners. 

RWPPCR/IRs areas covered: IR3 An Harmonized cash transfer programme for OVC is in place in 60 districts and linkages made to CP system: Support the strengthening of government capacity to coordinate and manage the CT-OVC programme

Expected Deliverables

An approved work plan agreed with the Ministry of Labour and UNICEF within 2 weeks of commencement of consultancy.Monthly summarized progress reports  progress highlighting major task undertaken during the month as per progress of implementationBimonthly progress report on the PSPs performance referring to its functions, challenges and recommendations. Report on risk and gaps in financial management and highlights progress made and remains issues that needs to be addressed by the end of the assignmentMonitoring tools to measure performance of financial flows. Capacity building implementation plan on Financial ManagementFinal report at the end of the assignment. Desired background and experience Relevant master’s degree plus membership of an internationally recognized professional accounting institute (CPA, CA or equivalent), with a minimum of 10 years of proven track record in accounting and financial management. In addition, the consultant should have: Experience in working with senior level of government, policy makers, executives to achieve established goals and objectives. Proven ability to conceptualize, design and implement financial management capacity building initiativesExperience with project financial management related to development partner programmingProactive in seeking information, evaluate financial management systems to provide concise recommendations, develop and implement remedial actionsProven experience in design and development of programmes financial management policies, procedures, guidelines and manuals.  Ability to coach, mentor train and work as part of team to develop staff in Public Financial Management (PFM) Knowledge of international accounting and auditing standards (especially public sector standards)Demonstrable experience in evaluating financial and project management reports and determining remedial actions to be takenKnowledge in the application of accounting, auditing and financial reporting systems and software packages. Good understanding of information systems and the application of new technology; andAbility to effectively communicate orally and in writing.Strong experience in technical writing and communication is an added advantage. Conditions

ALL travel is by most economical fare and reimbursement AS PER UNICEF POLICY,

UN DSA rates for subsistence and accommodation apply at all time and will vary from office to office.

As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed.

The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.”

Interested and suitable candidates should ensure they forward their applications along with their curriculum vitae, including an indicative fee range to:-

The Human Resources Manager
UNICEF Kenya Country Office
Email address: kenyahrvacancies@unicef.org

Closing date: 08 July 2014

Please indicate Reference No. “KCO/SSA/CP/2014/017” in the email subject.

Interested candidates should also complete the Personal History (P11) form, which can be downloaded from the UNICEF Kenya website (http://www.unicef.org/kenya).

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.  

“Zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse.”  UNICEF is a smoke-free environment