Job Opportunity : Financial Analyst

Akwajobs   (Yaoundé, Cameroon)

Posted : 12 March, 2020

Category : Accountancy & Finances   Location : Yaoundé, Cameroon

Job type : Full Time

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Financial Analyst 

Solicitation for a Cooperating Country/Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCN/TCN PSC) – Financial Analyst

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062420R100012

ISSUANCE DATE: March 9, 2020 CLOSING DATE/TIME: March 21, 2020

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country/Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCN/TCN PSC) – Financial Analyst

(Local Compensation Plan)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 (PDF 216KB), Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062420R100012

ISSUANCE DATE: March 9, 2020

CLOSING DATE/TIME: March 21, 2020

Sincerely,

Christopher Gomes

Contracting Officer

Tel: 233-302-741-200

Fax: 233-302-741-365

U.S. Agency for International Development

No. 24 Fourth Circular Rd.

P.O. Box 1630, Accra-Ghana  

www.usaid.gov/west-africa-regional

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

SOLICITATION NO: 72062420R100012

ISSUANCE DATE: March 9, 2020

CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 21, 2020 at 11:59 pm local time.

POINT OF CONTACT: [REXO           Human       Resources      Team] acpersonnel@usaid.gov

POSITION TITLE:  FINANCIAL ANALYST

MARKET VALUE: CFA 19,340,869– CFA 32,879,471 equivalent to FSN-11 In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/West Africa. Final compensation will be negotiated within the market value.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance is five (5) years, estimated to start May 2020.  The services provided under this contract are expected to be of continuing nature executed by USAID through a series of sequential contracts, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory job performance and need for continued services.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Yaoundé, Cameroon with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work.

ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: All interested candidates eligible to work in Cameroon. Cooperating Country National (CCN) is defined as an individual who is a cooperating country citizen, or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country.

SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Regional Security Office Background Check

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

The incumbent will serve as a core member of USAID/West Africa’s field office in Cameroon, primarily supporting activities funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The incumbent will aid in assuring the accountability, transparency and efficiency of PEPFAR programs managed by USAID in Cameroon. S/he will support all financial management related activities including fully supporting PEPFAR and USAID’s vision to transition direct funding to Cameroonian organizations. The incumbent will be involved in: (a) providing financial management services to USAID/West Africa’s field office in Cameroon including promoting sound financial management practices in accordance with USAID’s standards and policies; (b) performing tasks to ensure USAID resources are safeguarded from possible fraud, waste, misuse, and abuse including assessing the financial capabilities; and (c) providing necessary support and training in coordination with key USAID staff to Cameroonian partner organizations. The incumbent will perform field visits during which s/he will verify the implementation of activities, review financial reports, and build the capacity of local partners and is required to perform work-related travel.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed

Leads and coordinates the financial management function in the Development Objective (DO) team to which assigned and in Non-DO targets of opportunity activities 20%

Provides technical guidance on USAID procedures and accounting control requirements to the PEPFAR Team and other teams as assigned, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and host country government officials. Develops, reviews and critiques DO Team Activities including related budgets for both project and non-project assistance. Prepares the financial aspects of project design and implementation documents, such as budgets and financial plans for Project Implementing Letters (PILs), Grant Agreements, etc. Assists activity managers in the development of appropriate payment procedures in accordance with project implementation requirements. Performs project financial analyses. Prepares financial accounting, reporting and budget control policies. Takes the lead in the PEPFAR Team's review of implementing agencies' work plans and procedures manuals.

Ensures the accuracy of the computerized accounting database through periodic reviews and updates data elements. Performs reviews of funds control and availability functions. Verifies accuracy of financial data and appropriateness of documentation presented to support accounting entries and to support fulfillment of conditions precedent to disbursement. Reviews and takes appropriate action regarding accounts receivable. Maintains asset records.

Participates as a Senior CORE Team Member in all DO Activities. Acts as the DO Team Business and Financial Management Advisor 20%

Leads or participates in Mission's project implementation review (PIR) and Semi- Annual Portfolio Review (SAPR) sessions, activity committee (AC) meetings and other PEPFAR Team activities as appropriate.

Advises and assists the DO Team with Strategy and Program Development Functions. Identifies and conducts feasibility studies in order to leverage monetary and human resources within the PEPFAR Team and other portfolios as assigned. Provides counsel and advice to the Country Director, Regional Controller, and Team Leader in regard to targets of opportunity for DO Team cross-fertilization between Mission Program sectors, Implementers and Host Government Counter Mission Program sectors, Implementers and Host Government Counterparts, and the Donor community at large.

Provides quality assurance control in developing realistic and measurable benchmarks and indicators at the DO Team level. Leads the DO Team in conducting joint reviews of interim implementer performance and measurement of results. Under the Regional Controller’s direction conducts a Mission Annual evaluation of the validity of DO Team Benchmarks and achievements against performance indicators. Assists DO Team management with reviewing the results of the annual assessment and initiating corrective actions to ensure verification of data quality for the three-year Mission program review assessment conducted by the Inspector General’s Office.

Performs financial reviews and analyses 20%

Assesses prospective grantee's/contractor's and Host Government administrative and institutional capabilities to implement programs. Determines appropriateness and effectiveness of recipient’s operations, procedures and cash management practices. Provides an opinion on the confidence to be placed on the recipient’s internal controls and offers advice to management on weaknesses and possible solutions to identified problems.

Provides input to project work plans, expenditure plans and budgets. Monitors the financial and accounting performance of grantees, contractors and the Host Government ensuring that implementation plans and procedures manuals are being complied with and that appropriate corrective measures are taken in a timely manner. Provides assistance and advice to contractors, grantees and Host Government Counterparts in the maintenance of records and general financial discipline requirements of USG and International Standards. Support of the costing, budgeting, and financing of PEPFAR interventions managed by USAID during the Country Operational Plan development process. This includes providing accurate and timely data to inform funding decisions. Support processes for quarterly and annual reporting and budgeting including participating in quarterly PEPFAR Oversight and Accountability Review Team meetings.

Reviews the performance of implementing agencies and prepares site visit reports to detail findings and recommendations. Tracks and follows up on implementation of recommendations. Serves as liaison between assigned DO and the assigned voucher examiner. Conducts specific field visits to resolve any discrepancies or other problems and advises voucher examiner on correct course of action.

Serves as an audit control liaison for PEPFAR and or the DO team assignment. Implements and maintains the Audit Management Program. Identifies and controls the audit inventory for Cameroon programs. Coordinates the audit contracting process to include reviewing and clearing of audit scopes of work. Serves as an audit liaison for   ongoing audits. Monitors reports on and closes related audit recommendations. Reviews audit report findings and coordinates with other offices to ensure adequacy and appropriateness of follow-up regarding the Mission actions on audit reports. 10%

Performs continuous and specific quarterly 1311 reviews for DO Team activities to fully support outstanding Commitments, Obligations, Sub-Commitments and Sub-Obligations to provide support for the Financial Management Advisor’s (Regional Controller’s or Deputy Controller’s) 1311 Certification. Presents completed package to the Financial Management Advisor for approval and filing. Performs the quarterly project accounting analyses and participates with the DO Team in the development of accrual estimates. Identifies and recommends adjusting entries to the accounts to bring the project/program pipelines into accurate levels. Reviews liquidation vouchers. Investigates any variances between projections and actual disbursements and provides the results to Activity Managers. 10%

Leads all DO Team program efforts and provides guidance in the areas of transparency, accountability and anti-corruption efforts with Host Government Programs. Conducts DO Team performance reviews and evaluations of Host Government programs in all Ministries. Provides advice and counsel to strengthen Supreme Audit Institution effectiveness. Provides oversight and advice in non-traditional development assistance areas including PL 480, Commodity and Cash Transfer programs including magnetization and local currency programs.                            10%

Coordinates implementation of the Management Control Program to conduct the DO Team's annual Internal Control Assessment. Identifies the appropriate accountability units and operating environment with the DO Team. Conducts or leads in the assessment of risks, development of control techniques, and review of management        controls and ensures compliance with reporting requirements. Participates in the Management Council on Risk and Internal Control meetings to provide updates on outstanding recommendations and on the status of audits.

This position requires an estimated 30% travel within and outside of Cameroon. Incorporates the Five Core Values into His/Her Work:

• Customer Focus: Identifies and communicates with USAID customers regularly; surveys their interests, needs and recommendations; follows up on communications and information received from and about the customers. Ensures that customers' needs and thinking are included in all activities undertaken and that, where possible, customers are involved in key decisions. Surveys customer satisfaction periodically and serves as a knowledgeable advocate for customer service with other USAID employees and partners.
• Results Orientation: Reviews baseline information against which to plan actions and identify targets and milestones. Defines specific operational and program results needed for his/her area of responsibility. Puts strategic plan in place and use it as a framework for decisions. Reviews progress against targets and milestones  regularly; takes needed action to modify plans when necessary and to maintain actions to accomplish the desired results within the timeframe planned when Serves as a knowledgeable advocate for the results orientation with other USAID employees and partners.
• Empowerment and Accountability: Emphasizes results rather than oversight, and service outreach rather than internal control, in carrying out her responsibilities. Is clear about his/her own performance standards. Participates in defining objectives, reviewing performance, and upholding accountability for the accomplishment of the objectives.
• Teamwork and Participation: Contributes to strategic planning, performance monitoring, and major program decisions of the SO team. Demonstrates ownership of the teams' plans, performance, and decisions. Proactively participates in team processes and activities. Includes other team members, customers and partners and assists in their understanding and participation in teamwork and the team's goals, performance, and decisions. Assumes responsibility for specific results assigned by the team.
• Valuing Diversity: Understands and respects the various work groups and team members without stereotyping. Understands and respects the role of customers and partners. Realizes the synergy and benefits of differing backgrounds and skills to accomplish our strategic goals. Uses the synergy of core and extended teams to plan and works together to achieve results while accepting accountability for his/her own actions.

3. Supervision Relationship

The incumbent reports directly to the Senior Program Management Specialist. General guidance is provided directly from the Supervisory Financial Analyst for day to day activities and general guidance / policy issues by the Regional and Deputy Controller of USAID/West Africa.

4. Supervision Controls

No supervision of personnel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Applications will be pre-screened and only those that meet the Minimum Qualifications will be considered. These are the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the position:

Education: Minimum of University degree in Accounting, Finance, or Management

Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in financially oriented management, including experience providing capacity building services related to budget management, compliance, and reporting is required.

Language Proficiency: Level III English and Level III French. 

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1.  The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c).  In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers.  The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The evaluation and selection criteria of the selected candidate will be based on a review of his/her qualifications, work experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, and level of language required.  The applicants who obtain the highest score based on the criteria defined will be interviewed and may also be required to pass a written test (depending on the TEC ChairperAson’s decision).  The security clearance and medical clearance is required for the top-ranking candidate, after conducting and receiving the positive reference checks.

Job Knowledge (40 points):

Demonstrated technical knowledge of international accounting standards, budgeting and reporting process; proven ability to conduct data analysis and be a proficient user of data systems, business intelligence dashboards, etc. Knowledge of financial management planning and implementation procedures for international organizations.

Skills and Abilities (60 points): 

Must demonstrate the skill to detect the financial strength and vulnerabilities of activity design and implementation actions and make independent judgments regarding the institutional capabilities and the adequacy of accounting systems and internal controls; Has experience compiling and presenting detailed financial and related information in a concise and professional manner; Has experience in the use of computer based analytical programs – computer proficiency will be tested; Must demonstrate solid coordination and organizational skills, including the ability to manage and respond to multiple short-fuse requests and priorities in a timely manner.

Total Possible Points: 100 points

After the closing date for receipt of applications, all applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements and a shortlist of applicants developed. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored.

A committee will be convened to review the shortlisted applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria.  Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.

The Agency retains the right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions at any stage of the recruitment process.

Reference checks will be made only for the successful candidate. If a candidate does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the application Letter.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit the offer from AID 309-2 (OFFEROR INFORMATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS WITH INDIVIDUALS) which is available at the following link: https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2. Offeror must also submit a signed cover letter and a resume.

Minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) professional references with telephone and e-mail contacts, who are not family members or relatives.  The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference provided should be a current or former supervisor.

A supplemental document with written responses to the Evaluation Factors listed under Section II. Offers must be received by the closing date and time of March 21, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. and submitted via email to acpersonnel@usaid.gov. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The Contracting Officer (CO) will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

• Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)
• Security Clearance
• Finger Print Card (FD-258)

VI.BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a CCNPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS:

• Medical Benefit
• Annual and Sick leave
• Annual Bonus
• Local and American Holidays

In accordance with Mission policy and local labor laws

ALLOWANCES (as applicable):

• Miscellaneous Allowance
• Cashier Allowance
• Seniority Allowance

In accordance with Mission policy and local labor laws

VII. TAXES

The Mission emphasize to its employees of the fact that they are obliged to observe Cameroonian Laws, including those concerning income and related tax obligations.  Payment of such taxes is a matter between the individual employee and the Cameroonian Government. In the absence of a specific international agreement, the U.S. Government will not withhold local taxes from an employee’s salary. In accordance with Mission policy and local labor laws

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCNPSC awards are available at these sources:

• USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf
• Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

1. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs
2. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.  See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations 

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