Financial Management Specialist
A. Introduction:
USAID is the largest bilateral donor in the country and maintains close relationships with a range of Government of Liberia (GOL) counterparts. Its development program focuses resources in four technical areas: Democracy and Governance, Economic Growth, Health, and Education. The technical offices are supported by four support offices – Program & Project Development (PPD), Acquisition & Assistance (OAA), Financial Management (OFM), and Executive Office (EXO). USAID is co-located within the New Embassy Compound and subscribes to ICASS for most of its support services. As a Performance Management Focus Country, USAID/Liberia spearheads several USAID initiatives: Feed-the-Future, the Global Health Initiative, and the President's Malaria Initiative. It also manages the Millennium Challenge Corporation threshold program. The Mission is at the forefront of USAID/Forward’s Implementation and Procurement Reform initiative. Liberia is a priority country.
B. Function of the Position
The Financial Management Specialist will assume responsibility for the financial analysis, accounting and payment processing operations for the USAID/Liberia Mission. Given the size and complexity of the Liberia portfolio, this challenging and demanding position requires a senior/experienced financial management professional who has prior extensive USAID financial operations experience, and the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and USAID extensive professional experience of at least twenty (20) years, and excellent speaking, presentation skills, and demonstrated professional report writing skills using English language. The position is located in the Office of Financial Management and reports directly to the Mission Controller.
C. Major Roles and Responsibilities
The Financial Management Specialist will administer a comprehensive accounting, reporting and budgeting system designed to provide high quality service to USAID/Liberia Mission customers while providing senior mission management and USAID/Washington with timely and accurate financial information for making critical and important operating decisions. He / she will review all transactions, in electronic and manual formats, prior to the Controller’s review and approval; coordinate with State FMO on the operation of Post ICASS function (including the accumulation, analysis and equitable distribution of ICASS costs to participating agencies); participate in the planning, installation and maintenance of an adequate system of internal control for the processing, accounting and reporting of all USAID obligation/liquidation actions; supervise the analysis and reconciliation of all program and administrative accounts with State, DOD and USAID/W, including 1221 management and timely liquidation of program, operating expense (OE) advances, and travel advances, etc. The incumbent will research, identify, recommend and lead the implementation of agency best practices in all areas of OFM operations, including distribution of shared administrative costs, accrual and pipeline management, financial reporting, including year-end requirements such as 1311 reviews, reconciliations, annual budget preparation, monthly and quarterly closings, etc. Other responsibilities include review OFM processes to identify strengths and weaknesses, including bottlenecks, and to the extent required, modify processes to streamline workflow and maximize efficiency.
Participate in Public Financial Management assessments
The incumbent participates in the performance of various types of assessments of partner country public financial management (PFM) and procurement systems; audits, risk assessments, financial and compliance reviews, host country contracting and/or financial management capability assessments. A key responsibility of the incumbent will be to support USAID/Liberia’s technical teams to design, implement, scale up and manage their respective portfolios of ongoing and planned direct assistance activities with the Government of Liberia (GoL) and Liberia’s local NGOs to meet USAID/Liberia targets on the Implementation and Procurement Reform Initiative. As such, he/she will work closely with senior officials from various GoL ministries, bilateral and multilateral donors working in the PFM area, and other professional accounting, auditing, legal, and procurement consultants. He/she coordinates the capacity building activities identified, endorsed and/or determined from assessments conducted on the national and sub-national Partner Country Systems and participates in the conduct of relevant financial management training and technical assistance aimed at strengthening PFM, Procurement, and internal controls for Partner Country agencies.
Manage USAID/Liberia internal and external audits and reviews
The incumbent manages the administrative, operational, and programmatic activities involved in ensuring that USAID/Liberia OFM, technical teams, implementing partners, local NGOs and host country counterparts comply with USAID requirements pertaining to audits, financial reviews, internal control and compliance with relevant laws, regulations, policies and procedures. As part of his/her responsibilities, the incumbent manages all pre-award assessments, audits, control environment and risk assessments, cost effectiveness assessments, disbursement reviews, indirect cost rate reviews, pre-closeout and closeout reviews of USAID/Liberia-funded organizations. He/she will support the establishment and implementation of annual plans for performing financial management reviews of the Mission’s implementing partners, lead efforts aimed at building the capacity of local NGOs, and will assist USAID/Liberia technical offices and partners in implementing appropriate corrective actions to strengthen internal financial, administrative and management control. The incumbent is the OFM lead on GMRA audits, OMB A-123 assessments, and Federal Manager’s Financial Integrity Act reviews, and other internal and external audits and assessments.
Provide training to OFM LES cadre
The incumbent provides supervision and training to FSN Accountants, Financial Analysts and Voucher Examiners in their daily activities and work requirements. This requires developing, implementing and monitoring short- and long-term work plans to meet the needs of OFM and the Mission; determining staff work priorities; assigning responsibilities as appropriate and assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, in accordance with applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements; identifying and resolving related Financial issues; training, mentoring and coaching OFM staff. To complement work plans, the Financial Management Specialist will develop and implement individual training plans which include on-the-job and formal training lessons in Liberia, Ghana and other locations. The Financial Management Specialist will also provide in-depth on-the-job training to new OFM FSN staff; mentor and train on-board OFM to assume expanded duties and responsibilities, leading to the potential to become Chief Financial Analyst or Chief Accountant in USAID/Liberia; improve staff skills in performing reconciliations, including training in CART, 1221, 224 reconciliations; Identify opportunities for cross-training of staff to ensure that there are back-ups for all critical roles and responsibilities required by OFM staff; Mentor DLI staff (assigned to OFM or rotating) on the roles and responsibilities of an FMO and ensure they develop a critical understanding of the linkages between FMO and their programmatic/technical roles; Review position descriptions for all OFM staff to ensure descriptions are current and reflect all duties and responsibilities of the incumbents; Ensure timely work objectives are defined and responsibilities assigned to each staff member are consistent with their training and position. The incumbent will be the subject matter expert and mission in-house trainer on current and new financial and related systems and tools, including Phoenix, GLAAS, E2, BFEM, ICASS, OPS Master, ABM/ABT, ASIST/Documentum, WebTA, MAPRS, etc. She/he will train personnel to utilize the ADS, FAM, and FAH as well as other associated policies, rules and regulations governing the administration and implementation of foreign assistance; and perform other duties as assigned by the controller. .
D. Position Elements
Supervision Received:
Duties are carried out largely independently but under the general supervision of the Mission Controller and Deputy Controller. Supervision at this level is normally confined to policy guidance although some technical supervision may be provided. The incumbent is expected to be independently responsible for advising on the assigned operations. Supervisory review consists of ensuring that work is accomplished in a timely manner in accordance with USAID policies, and that the staffs are trained and kept up-to-date in their respective roles, duties, and responsibilities and that their assignments are reviewed for accuracy and timeliness.
Supervision Exercised:
The incumbent has supervisory, training, guidance, and evaluation responsibility over all OFM FSN staff.
Available Guidelines:
OMB Circulars and Bulletins, GAO, GAAP, GAAS, RIG Guidelines, FAR, CFR, ADS, USAID Automated Directives (ADS), Mission Orders, Administrative Notices, and other written guidelines issued by relevant authorities. General and International accounting and auditing principles must be interpreted and applied to programs, projects, and all Mission operating activities.
Exercise of Judgment:
Incumbent will exercise a high degree of independent judgment in performance of assigned tasks, especially pertaining to management of audits, risk assessments, pre-award surveys, and financial reviews; and to tasks related to staff training and mentoring, supervision of OFM functions. Incumbent also independently communicates, interacts and coordinates with host country officials, implementers, NGOs, CPA firms and other consultants working for OFM, USAID technical staff and senior mission management. A high degree of judgment will be required to provide guidance and assistance to a wide variety of high-level professionals in the Mission. S/he will work independently, take initiative, and manage a multi-cultural team. As a recognized expert and highly qualified professional, substantial reliance will be placed on the incumbent to independently plan, prioritize, and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The incumbent will be expected to rely on independent judgment to resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used.
Authority to Make Commitments:
The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit funds on behalf of the U.S. Government.
Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts:
Incumbent has frequent direct contact with mid to high-level officials in Government of Liberia, CPA firms and Mission senior leadership and DO teams for the purpose of resolving significant issues that may arise from assessment of host country systems, USAID G2G activities, financial management aspects of program/ project implementation, and the resolution and implementation of audit recommendations. In addition, incumbent maintains regular contact with USAID/Washington, USDOs in Charleston and Bangkok, USAID/Accra to resolve any material differences arising from application of appropriations law, reconciliations, deob-reob requests, and funds control issues; and with Embassy Financial Management Officers to settle ICASS billing and expense issues which may be challenging or contentious.
Time Requirement to Perform Full Range of Duties:
The Financial Management Specialist is expected to be a qualified professional accountant, auditor, or financial expert experienced in USAID general operating processes, procedures, and USAID financial management operating policies and procedures, USAID rules and regulations, and U.S. Government laws specific to USAID Operations. Further, the Financial Management Specialist should have at least twenty (20) years of USAID experience, and the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and USAID demonstrated experience with proven excellent performance record.
12. START DATE: October 2019, upon necessary clearances obtained.
13. POINT OF CONTACT:
Sylvester Browne
Human Resource Specialist
USAID/Liberia
Monrovia, Liberia
E-mail: Sbrowne@usaid.gov
14. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION
The minimum educational requirement is Bachelor’s degree in Finance, accounting, financial Management or related field is required.
Candidates must possess fifteen (15) years of relevant professional experience, with the USG or large organization required.
- Candidates must have good working knowledge of sound administrative policies and programming is essential. Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to provision of administrative and logistical support services. Proficiency in apply policy and regulations and developing budgets.
- Candidates must possess demonstrated ability to work within a team framework and positive interpersonal skills as well as an ability to work independently with minimal supervision is required. Cultural sensitivity, previous management, supervisory and staff development skills are required.
B. ADDITIONAL FACTORS
USAID Liberia will consider issues such as conflict of interest, nepotism, budget implications, visa status and whether candidates have a work permit in determining successful candidacy. When equally qualified, American Family Members (American Family Members are defined as adult dependents of U.S. Government employees) will be given first preference.
15. SELECTION FACTORS
Criteria
Evaluation Points
Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, financial management or related field is required.
10
Fifteen years of relevant professional experience, with the USG or large organization required.
40
Working knowledge of sound administrative policies and programming is essential. Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to provision of administrative and logistical support services. Proficiency in apply policy and regulations and developing budgets.
40
Demonstrated ability to work within a team framework and positive interpersonal skills as well as an ability to work independently with minimal supervision is required. Cultural sensitivity, previous management, supervisory and staff development skills are required.
10
Total
100
16. APPLYING:
TERM OF PERFORMANCE
The base term of the contract will be for one year, with a one year option. This position has been classified as equivalent to a GS-14 position in the USG Civil Service. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change on a similar basis as for direct-hire USG employees, will be added.
1. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits.
1. ALLOWANCES: as applicable.*
- Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).
- Living quarters allowance (Section 130) or government furnished housing.
- Post Allowance (Section 220).
- Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).
- Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).
- Education allowance (Section 270).
- Educational Travel (Section 280).
- Post differential (Chapter 500).
- Payments during Evacuation/authorized Departure (Section 600), and
2. BENEFITS:
- Employee's FICA Contribution
- Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
- Pay Comparability Adjustment
- Annual Increase
- Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
- Annual & Sick Leave
- Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service
Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.
FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes.
3. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) Pertaining to PSCs.
97- 16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Completion for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less
97-11 (Corrected) 1997 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts
97-6 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services
97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination
96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract
96-19 U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) – Leave
96-11 PSC’s Annual Health Insurance Costs
96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14
94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contracts (PSCs)
93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements under a Personal Services Contract (PSC)
List of Required Forms for PSCs
1. Standard Form 171
**2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).
**3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or
**4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).
**5. Finger Print Card (FD-258).
Note: Form 5 is available from the requirements office.
_____________
*Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
**The forms listed 2 thru 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
All Applicants must address how they meet the Minimum Qualifications, as described below:
Submit a fully completed and hand-signed copy of an (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts Form - AID 302-3), cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) containing the following information which clearly demonstrates your education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. Forms are available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=ALL or at Federal offices).
Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)
All applications packages are to be submitted to:
Sylvester Browne
Human Resource Specialist
USAID/Liberia
Email: sbrowne@usaid.gov and jkemah@usaid.gov
Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email shall be Microsoft Word or PDF and should not be zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB.
Sylvester S. Browne, Phone 231-77-766402, Email sbrowne@usaid.gov - Jamesetta C. Kemah, Human Resource Assistant, Phone 231777064206, Email jkemah@usaid.gov
