National Consultant for Financial management support

1. Objectives of the Assignment

The Consultant will assist MOPSE in managing and expediting financial management processes under the SCG Project in line with the financial management requirements of the World Bank and national legislation. The Consultant will also support institutional capacity building through on-the-job training of MOPSSE staff.

2. Scope of Services

The Consultant will perform, but not be limited to, the following duties:

Financial Management and Planning

• Establish and maintain effective financial management systems in accordance with the Project Operations Manual (POM) and the World Bank’s Disbursement and Financial Information Letter (DFIL);
• Prepare annual and semi-annual budgets and financial forecasts aligned with project implementation plans;
• Monitor budget execution and report on deviations from planned expenditures;

Accounting and Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate maintenance of accounting records using appropriate software (e.g., 1C or other as approved by MoPSE and the Bank);
• Prepare and submit Interim Unaudited Financial Reports (IFRs) on a semi-annual basis in formats acceptable to the World Bank;
• Ensure proper reconciliation of accounts, including the Designated Account;

Disbursement and Funds Flow

• Prepare and process withdrawal applications and Statement of Expenditures (SOEs) in the World Bank’s Client Connection system;
• Ensure that all payments are properly supported and documented, in compliance with Bank and national procedures;
• Monitor the use of project funds and maintain appropriate documentation for all transactions;

Audit and Compliance

• Support the timely preparation and submission of annual audited financial statements;
• Liaise with external auditors and ensure implementation of audit recommendations;
• Ensure compliance with national accounting laws and World Bank financial management requirements;

Capacity Building and Coordination

• Provide training and on-the-job coaching to MoPSE financial staff to build internal capacity;
• Coordinate with MoPSE departments, Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders on financial issues related to the SCG Project;
• Contribute to updates of the POM with respect to financial procedures.

3. Deliverables

• Annual and semi-annual project budgets and cash flow plans;
• Interim Unaudited Financial Reports (IFRs) submitted four times a year;
• Monthly financial summary reports and bank reconciliation statements;
• Withdrawal applications and supporting documentation;
• Audited financial statements;
• Input to project progress reports and annual work plans;
• Training sessions or materials developed for MoPSE financial staff (if applicable).

4. Qualification Requirements

• University degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field;
• At least 5 years of professional experience in financial management , as well as accounting, in projects with the participation of donors or international financial institutions;
• Strong familiarity with financial management procedures of international organizations (World Bank experience highly desirable);
• Knowledge of national accounting standards; familiarity with IPSAS or IFRS is an advantage;
• Proficiency in accounting software (experience with 1C is required);
• Excellent command of Uzbek and/or Russian; working knowledge of English is required;
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.