Federal Republic of Somalia Ministry of Post and Telecommunications REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST/APPLICATIONS

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1 JAMHUURIYADDA FEDRAALKA SOOMAALIYA Wasaaradda raz Boostada & Isgaarsiinta Mashruuca Taakulaynta Isgaarsiinta (P148588) Federal Republic of Somalia Ministry of Post and Telecommunications جمهورية الصومال الفيدرالية وزارة والبريد واإلتصاالت Country: Somalia REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST/APPLICATIONS Project Name: Information and Communications Technology Support Project Grant Number: P Assignment Title: Project Accountant to support the Information and Communications Technology Support Project Type of Appointment: Individual Consultant Duty Station: Mogadishu mostly, SOMALIA, Reference Number: MOPT/ICT/ACC/ The Federal Government of Somalia, through the Ministry of Finance has requested the World Bank to support the preparation and implementation of the Somalia ICT Sector Support Project, Phase II. The overarching Project Development Objective (PDO) for this series of projects is to support the ICT Sector in Somalia by contributing to establishing an enabling environment and by encouraging efficiency and equity in access to connectivity. The project will comprise of three (03) components: i) Enabling Environment focusing on supporting the regulatory and governance framework for the sector, following the anticipated passage of the new Communications Law. ii) Efficiency and equity in access to connectivity which will see the extension of the establishment of communications rooms in key ministries across different economic zones and the establishment of a framework for SIM card registration and will seek to make optimal use of the undersea fiber cable arriving in Mogadishu by supporting the Somali Research and Education Network and iii) Support and Capacity-Building for the Project Implementation Unit. The project wishes to recruit a Project Accountant on an individual consultant ( appointment ) to support the Federal Government of Somalia to: 1) Perform all necessary Financial Management activities under the Public Sector Capacity Injection Project (CIP) ICT Sector for the period of the assignment, 2) Coordinate the financial management functions with government counterparts located in the implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) 3) Provide technical assistance and build the capacity of Financial Management staff within the Office of the Prime Minister and implementing entities.

2 The Federal Government of Somalia now invites applications from qualified candidates for this position. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The Project Accountant should have the following minimum Qualifications: a) A Bachelor s Degree in one of the following: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, etc. b) Professional qualification in financial management, registered by and attained final qualification of any financial management related recognized professional body e.g. ACCA, CPA etc; c) At least 5 years of experience in audit or financial management; d) At least three years of post-qualification experience directly relevant to public sector and/or World Bank Projects financial management; e) Experience of project financial management in a developing country; experience in a fragile state is preferable; f) Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, to deliver technical financial documents, and reports; candidates familiar with Somali language will have an added advantage; g) Proven work experience on country FM systems and procedures h) Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Internet use, including database use is required. i) Fluency in English is required. j) Excellent written and oral communication skills. k) High level interpersonal and relationship-building skills. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants [under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers [January, 2011, revised July 2014] ( Consultant Guidelines ), setting forth the World Bank s policy on conflict of interest. Further information and detailed Terms of Reference can be obtained on the following website Expressions of interest/applications and attachments: a CV, two referees and scanned copies of testimonials must be delivered to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by to pmt@mipt.gov.so ) by 1400 hours on June 4, Attention Mr. Mohamed Ware Project Manager Ministry of Post and Telecommunications Federal Government of Somalia, Mogadishu, Somalia Tel:

3 ICT SECTOR SUPPORT IN SOMALIA DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE Position Title: Accountable to: Type of Appointment Duration Duty Station PROJECT ACCOUNTANT Project Manager - Somalia ICT Sector Support Project: Individual Consultant 1 year (with possibility of extension) Mogadishu mostly 1.0 Background: The Federal Government of Somalia through the Ministry of Posts and Telecoms, through the Ministry of Finance has requested the World Bank to support the preparation and implementation of the Somalia ICT Sector Support Project, Phase II. The overarching Project Development Objective (PDO) for this series of projects is to support the ICT Sector in Somalia by contributing to establishing an enabling environment and by encouraging efficiency and equity in access to connectivity. This remains unchanged from the PDO for phase 1 of the program. The higher level objectives are as follows: Establish an enabling policy and regulatory environment, including for mobile money; Increase the contribution of the ICT Sector to the public treasury; Support institutional capacity building in high priority economic foundations 1 ; and Promote equity and access to internet connectivity, especially for higher education. The project will comprise of three (03) components: i) Enabling Environment focusing on supporting the regulatory and governance framework for the sector, following the anticipated passage of the new Communications Law. ii) Efficiency and equity in access to connectivity which will see the extension of the establishment of communications rooms in key ministries across different economic zones and the establishment of a framework for SIM card registration and will seek to make optimal use of the undersea fibre cable arriving in Mogadishu by supporting the Somali Research and Education Network and iii) Support and Capacity-Building for the Project Implementation Unit. 2.0 Objective of this assignment: The objective of the assignment is for the Project Accountant/Financial Management Specialist (i) to perform all necessary Financial Management activities under the Public Sector Capacity Injection Project (CIP)ICT Sector for the period of the assignment, (ii) to coordinate the financial management functions with government counterparts located in the implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and (iii) to provide technical assistance and build the capacity of Financial Management staff within the Office of the Prime Minister and implementing entities. He/she will work in close coordination with the External Assistance Fiduciary Section (EAFS) within the Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant General. He/she will manage the financial management

4 activities of the project in strict compliance with: (i) the requirements of the Agreement between the World Bank and the Government; (ii) the Project Implementation Manual (PIM) for this project which is based on appropriate financial management best practice and international accounting standards. The overall responsibilities of the Project Accountant are on (i) to advise the senior management of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications on all financial management aspects of the Project; and (ii) He/she will be responsible for implementation of FM and accounting activities within MPT, coordination of all FM activities within MPT, other Government institutions, the private sector and civil society and capacity building in MoPT. iii) The Project Accountant will work with other specialists in the project implementation unit (PIU) to perform all necessary FM and accounting under the Somalia ICT Sector Support Project for the period of the assignment and (iv) to collaborate with the EAFS in the Ministry of Finance in the implementation of financial management, disbursement and accounting for the project. 3.0 Tasks: The Project Accountant shall undertake the following tasks in collaboration with the Project Manager, other members of the PIU, EAFS and implementing entities. The project accountant shall do everything necessary to meet the above objectives, including but not limited to carrying out the following, by advising and or by doing as necessary: 1.1 Maintain all accounting records in line with approved accounting standards and in line with the Bank s and Government s regulations; 1.2 Render periodic reports, (i.e. monthly/quarterly/annually) in the formats approved by the Bank and the Federal Government of Somalia and in line with the project documents and financing agreement; 1.3 Ensure that disbursement are made in accordance with approved annual budgets and work plans together with the Project management; 1.4 Ensure that all payments are done in accordance with good accounting practices and in line with the project objectives and financing agreement; 1.5 Where applicable ensure that the required the Bank No Objection letter relating to an expenditure is available before effecting payment; 1.6 Ensure prompt release of funds, once approved, to beneficiaries; 1.7 Ensure that required accounting and submissions of returns by beneficiaries who receive advances are done on timely basis; 1.8 Maintain relevant books and records for the Project that reflects the components and activities; 1.9 Ensure that the filing system of the accounting records are satisfactory at all times and they are easily retrievable for reviews and audit purposes; 1.10 Ensure that all accounting records are updated promptly; 1.11 Prepare monthly bank reconciliations for the project bank accounts, including designated and project accounts (if any); 1.12 Prepare quarterly financial reports in accordance with agreed formats and in line with the financing agreement; 1.13 Prepare annual financial statements of the project and liaise with the auditors to carry out the annual audits of the project; 1.14 Together with the Project Manager, maintain, develop and update the financial procedures manual on a regular basis;

5 1.15 Together with the implementing agencies ensure strict adherence to installed internal control systems for all areas of project operation; 1.16 Liaise with the internal/external auditors to get project financial statements audited and follow up any audit queries/management letters; 1.17 Follow up on No Objection from the Procurement Specialist where not available and ensure they are properly filed as part of the accounting records; 1.18 Ensure that no project category/component is overspent without proper authorization from the World Bank; 1.19 Review all aspects of the Project work plan and budget based on the results of operations and changing economic conditions and recommend corrective measures to the management; 1.20 Working with other project staff, prepare annual work plans and budgets; 1.21 Initiate corrective measures to address internal financial shortcomings and irregularities as the need arises; 1.22 Establish and enhance as appropriate, systems of internal control (goods, works, services, fixed assets, civil works); 1.23 Prepare, monitor and interpret cash flow forecasts in consultation with the Project Manager, the Procurement Specialist and implementing entities; 1.24 Analyse changes in the forecast and advise the project management accordingly; 1.25 Prepare monthly returns to the PIU, implementing entities and Ministry of Finance Office of Accountant General (EAFS) in compliance with Government accounting reporting requirements; 1.26 Prepare Unaudited Quarterly Financial Reports (IFRs) and Annual Financial Statements for all Project Funds analysed according to the categories and project components as appropriate, and provide timely reporting of any material variances to the PCU; 1.27 Ensure compliance with operating procedures of Government and the World Bank, e.g. Procurement, Disbursements, Designated Accounts, SOEs, IFRs, Special Commitments etc.; 1.28 Liaise with the internal/external auditors and follow up any audit queries/management letters; 1.29 Monitor, in conjunction with the Procurement Specialist and the PIU and implementing agencies, the financial management aspects of consulting services and other procurement; 1.30 Build the capacity of financial management staff in the PIU and in the MPT and of financial management staff in implementing entities; 1.31 Brief the Project Manager on capacity development progress being achieved; 1.32 In conjunction with the Project Manager, and the Procurement Specialist, monitor performance against agreed Financial Performance Indicators - these will need to be prepared in consultation with the MPT Steering Committee; 1.33 Write a report at the end of the contract period outlining achievements and challenges pertaining to the financial management function; 1.34 Keep abreast of changes in financial regulations and legislations and ensure the accounting staff are updated on new developments Carry out any other periodic duties that may be assigned by the Project Manager

6 In addition to the above listed tasks, the Project Accountant shall perform the following tasks related to Capacity Building; i) Build financial management capacity in the office of the MPT and implementing agencies through training, on the job coaching and mentoring of FM and accounting staff and technical staff involved in FM and disbursement processes. ii) iii) iv) Develop training plans and deliver short training sessions to staff from MPT. Provide guidance and technical support to the EAFS on reporting requirements for the Somalia ICT Sector Support Project; Provide any other FM and Accounting supporting duties as may be required by the Director MPT. 4.0 Reporting and Deliverables The Project Accountant will report to the Project Manager of the ICT Project within PIU. He/ She will work closely with Project Accountants and Financial Management Specialists from implementing agencies, the line ministries and other technical officers responsible for project activities and the EAFS unit under the Accountant General. The Project Accountant will be the team leader for the FM and accounting function and will work with other Financial Management Specialists/Assistants. The key deliverables of the Project Financial Management Specialist will be as follows: a) Within the first two weeks of the contract and in full consultation with the Project Coordinator, prepare a clear work plan on financial management and disbursements and share with the implementing entities and the World Bank; b) Report regularly to the PCU, implementing entities and to the Bank on key issues affecting the operations of the project financial activities; c) Prepare monthly and quarterly Interim unaudited Financial Reports (IFRs) which will be submitted to the PCU and the World Bank not later than 45 days after the end of the month or quarter to which the report relates; d) Prepare Annual Financial Statements for financed projects, within two (2) months after the end of the fiscal year to which they relate. These Annual Financial Statements to be submitted must be ready for audit. 5.0 Results: It is expected that, by working closely with the Head FM and Accountant, disposal and concessions unit in the MPT and S/he is exposed to international FM and accounting practices, that the technical assistant transfers his/her skills, and ultimately ensures that the counterpart is fully capacitated to perform the following duties in addition to those of his/her day-to-day Directorate responsibilities. Progress in this area will be the main criteria against which the performance of the technical assistant will be assessed. 6.0 Language: Reports and other documents shall be submitted in English. 7.0 Location and Duration and facilities to be provided by the Client: 7.1 Starting period and duration of assignment: Indicative start date is June 2015.

7 The contract is expected to run for a period of one year with possible extension subject to satisfactory performance. The Project Accountant will have a three months probationary period. The offer is initially for 100 days of work over the course of one year, subject to review after the first year, with possibility of extension dependent on performance. The duty station is Mogadishu, Somalia, but some travel to the different economic zones of Somalia, to Nairobi and other regions will be expected. 7.2 Location of the assignment The duty station is Mogadishu, Somalia. The Project Accountant will be based in the PIU located within the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. 7.3 Facilities to be provided The MPT will provide the Consultant with office facilities, internet connectivity, essential utilities, office services, stationery and office supplies and use of a computer, printer, scanner and photocopying etc. In addition, MoF and the ICT Project will make available to the consultant copies of all the documents the Consultant may need to discharge his functions; and will assist the Consultant in liaising with all agencies of government and the private sector under the project and with other agencies of government on matters related to the project. The project will provide transport to the consultant for official duties. 8.0 Qualifications, Experience and knowledge: The Project Accountant should have the following minimum Qualifications: a) Degree in accounting, finance or business administration (accounting); b) Professional qualification in financial management, registered by and attained final qualification of any financial management related recognized professional body e.g. ACCA, CPA etc; The Project Accountant should have demonstrable experience in Public Financial Management related activities as follows: l) The applicant shall have a Bachelor s Degree in one of the following: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, etc. m) At least 5 years of experience in audit or financial management; n) At least three years of post-qualification experience directly relevant to public sector and/or World Bank Projects financial management; o) Experience of project financial management in a developing country; experience in a fragile state is preferable; p) Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, to deliver technical financial documents, and reports; candidates familiar with Somali language will have an added advantage; q) Proven work experience on country FM systems and procedures r) Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Internet use, including database use is required. s) Fluency in English is required. t) Excellent written and oral communication skills. u) High level interpersonal and relationship-building skills.