Financial Analyst (m/f)

Description

• The incumbent provides a full range of financial management services to assigned Development Objective (DO) or Technical Teams and the Mission at large. The incumbent acts as the “one stop” customer service representative between Office of Financial Management (OFM) and numerous internal and external customers including Senior Mission Management; Host Country representatives; implementing partner organizations; and other international donor agencies regarding financial analysis and accounting for projects implemented by the Mission. Specific services performed include: (a) financial, accounting and budgetary support to assigned technical office (b) pre-award and financial reviews of USAID implementers including Government to Government (G2G) risk assessments on Government of the Republic of Mozambique (GRM) systems; (c) training and advisory services to USAID program staff and partner staff on financial management aspects of USAID activities; (d) coordination and supervision of third-party audits of implementing partners; (e) maintain financial reporting systems and performs analysis for Mission management, including presentation of the financial data for their use; (f) support Mission’s G2G strategy by serving as a resource person for both USAID and GRM systems. The incumbent works closely with Technical Office Directors and functions as the Controller’s delegated representative. As such, the incumbent conducts a wide range of functions
• The incumbent works closely with other donors, GRM officials, and USAID/W to identify and implement opportunities for strengthening capacity of the GRM entities, as well as capacity of local implementing partners, and audit firms, which may be called to monitor and improve performance of local organizations and government institutions
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) – Financial Analyst, FSN-11 Equivalent
• Dear Prospective Offerors:
• The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mozambique is seeking offers from qualified persons (one or more candidates may be selected) to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation
• 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
• Solicitation No. 72065621R10011 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Point of Contact: Human Resources Section, email at Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov
• Market Value: USD56,795– USD79,521 per annum, equivalent to FSN-11 (Step1-12). In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Mozambique. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value
• Period of Performance: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about September 2021. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: September 2021 –September 2022
• Option Period 1: +September 2022-November 15, 2022
• Eligible Offerors: To meet basic eligibility requirements, the applicant must be a cooperating country citizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country
• Security Level Required: Employment Certification (RSO Certification)
• Offeror submissions must clearly prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• Only interviewed candidates will be informed in writing of the Selection Committee’s final decision
• List of Required Forms Prior to Award:
• Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the required forms
• Benefits and Allowances:
• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• USAID Regulations, Policies and Contract Clauses pertaining to PSCs:
• USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC 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.acquisition.gov/aidar/aidar-appendix-j-direct-usaid-contracts-cooperating-country-national-and-third-country-national-personal-services-abroad and revised AIDAR Appendix J, General Provision contract clauses (GPs) titled “Leave and Holidays” (AAPD 20-08)
• 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:
• Item No
• (A) SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)
• (B) QUANTITY
• (C) UNIT
• (D) UNIT PRICE
• (E) AMOUNT
• (F)0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: PSC
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: PSC
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_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 

Duties

Program/Project/Activity Implementation - 30%

• As the cognizant of OFM backstop to assigned portfolio, the incumbent reviews project approval documents, commitment and obligating documents to ensure the reasonableness of budgets, compliance with forward-funding guidelines, appropriateness of the methods of financing/payment, and adequacy of financial reporting and audit coverage. The incumbent participates in discussions and decision making relating to the principal team functions of program planning and achieving results while ensuring that financial management, internal control, and accountability issues receive adequate consideration. The incumbent provides financial advice, analyzes, and makes recommendations on the financial feasibility of implementation alternatives. The incumbent assists in reviewing implementing agency work plans, budgets and compliance with laws, regulations, contract/agreement provisions and policies
• The incumbent prepares for the quarterly financial review presentations and the semi-annual portfolio reviews by regularly updating the mortgage analysis table and ensures activity budgets are properly planned, approved and documented. The incumbent prepares required monthly/quarterly and ad hoc financial reports related to program funds for Mission Management and other interested parties. For the assigned portfolio, the incumbent coordinates Mission’s G2G assessment work in compliance with current Agency policy, drafts Scopes of Work for the G2G risk management framework (Assessments), participates in the same and maintains current information for the Mission on GRM systems. The incumbent maintains close working relationships to relevant GRM officials to maintain expert and current understanding of GRM financial and management systems to safeguard United States Government (USG) funds during implementation of G2G activities

Financial Monitoring of Activities - 25%

• The incumbent provides financial status reports needed by Agreement Officer/Contracting Officer Representatives (A/CORs) to monitor the financial progress of the activities they manage. Incumbent also prepares required monthly/quarterly and ad hoc financial reports related to program funds for Mission Management and other interested parties. The incumbent assists the A/COR and technical office budget assistants in the preparation of quarterly project accrual sheets, reviews the accrual estimates and posts accrual data into the accounting system (Phoenix). The incumbent reviews closeout documents to ensure that finance- related closeout actions such as completion of required audits, finalization of Negotiated Indirect Cost of Rate Agreements (NICRAs), payment of final claims and de-obligation of excess funds are properly carried out, if necessary

Financial Reviews - 25%

• The incumbent conducts comprehensive institutional reviews of potential recipients to assure that these institutions maintain the institutional capability to manage USAID resources and complies with documentation and reporting requirements. Recommendations and conclusions from the institutional reviews serve as the basis for the Agreement Officer to determine if the institution is eligible to receive USG funding, and for the Controller to determine the appropriate payment mechanism for the activity. The incumbent conducts periodic financial reviews of institutions (both governmental and non-governmental) receiving USAID funding to: 1) determine the adequacy of key systems and procedures including but not limited to accounting, procurement, accounts payable, personnel, assets management, and audits; 2) verify compliance with agreement terms and conditions; and 3) verify allow ability of actual costs incurred. The incumbent makes recommendations for system improvements of institutions reviewed in order to strengthen their capacity particularly in the financial management of USAID funds. This includes preparing reports to document findings and recommendations and following up on actions taken to address recommendations

Audit Management - 10%

• In line with the Agency’s Audit Management and Resolution Program and accountability requirements, the incumbent acts as the Audit Management Officer’s designee for the assigned portfolios and assists Technical Offices in meeting their audit management responsibilities. The incumbent assists in developing the annual audit inventory and plan under assigned portfolio through obtaining inputs from cognizant A/COR on activities that need to be audited or on which financial reviews need to be conducted. In coordination with the A/COR, the incumbent ensures the completion of required financial audits in accordance with the USAID Financial Audit Guide and assist in developing audit scopes of work for Agency-contracted financial audits of USAID/Mozambique-funded activities based on Agency audit requirements. The incumbent provides advice/guidance to auditees and audit firms in consultation with the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure full compliance with USAID audit requirements
• The incumbent participates in audit entrance and exit conferences, as necessary, ensures the audit programs are comprehensive and completed in accordance with audit guide, attends audit fieldwork when feasible to ensure audit program implementation and testing is comprehensive and complete, and reviews audit recommendations and draft audit reports. The incumbent assists in the preparation of management decisions which involves preparation of comprehensive financial analysis supporting questioned cost determination. Further, the incumbent also works closely with the USAID A/COR, the Contracting/Grant Officer and grantees/contractors to resolve and close audit recommendations in a timely manner. When financial assessments, limited financial reviews and financial audits are contracted out to local audit firms, the incumbent acts as COR of the contract or assists the COR to work closely with the firms’ assigned staff and reviews their performance to ensure compliance with the contract scope of work

FMFIA and ERM Coordination - 10%

• The incumbent also helps with coordination and preparation of the annual Federal Manager’s Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) and Enterprise Management Risk (ERM) certification of internal control reviews, programmatic and fiduciary assessments to meet the Mission operations, strategic goals and objectives; performs the risk assessment of various functional areas and assists in performing follow-up reviews to determine if significant deficiencies have been properly addressed and appropriate actions are taken by concerned Mission offices as recommended by the Mission Management Control Review Committee (MCRC)
• The incumbent assists in capacity building of Mission and implementing partner staff who are not familiar with USAID’s financial management requirements by providing training on accruals, audit management, payment methods, and other related financial management topics
• The job holder may be expected to perform work-related travel
• Supervisory Relationship: Works under the very general supervision of the controller the designee, works under more direct but general supervision of the Supervisory Financial Analyst, the work is reviewed in terms of achievement of goals, effectiveness in meeting work objectives, and successful coordination of assigned activities
• Supervisory Exercised: None.
• Available Guidelines: USAID ADS, the AIDAR, FAR, GAO Guidebook, OMB Circulars, Mission Orders, and GRM institutional guidelines, which provide basic guidelines with which the FA must remain familiar, written systems and procedures for USAID/Mozambique will be promulgated and maintained by the employee
• Exercise of Judgment: Providing advice on the financial aspects and status of program/project/activity development and management and on determinations of the financial status and capability of program/project/activity implementation institutions. Advice and recommendations are reviewed but rarely challenged and changed on technical financial and accounting grounds
• Authority to Make Commitments: Has no authority to commit the USG to the expenditure funds. However, authorizes to make all commitments necessary with respect to scheduling and organizing activities within the scope of the assigned responsibilities. The Mission relies heavily on the analyses, determinations, and recommendations of the Financial Analyst
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Deals directly with mid-level and senior officials of the GRM at the national and provincial levels as well as mid and senior-level officials of NGOs and other implementing partner staff. Obtain and analyze a variety of privileged information to conduct financial analyses and reviews and prepare written reports of findings and recommendations, plays important role in assisting GRM institutions to meet financial systems requirements and to resolve financial management problems affecting program/project/activity design, implementation, and administration
• Post Entry Training: Specialized training courses in USG accounting, USAID financial analysis, Public Financial Management, GRM budgetary flows, and audit operations will be provided, as will on-the-job training in USAID accounting policies and procedures and acquisition procedures as required, particularly as it relates to contract/agreement cost price principles. Additional on-the-job training may also be required for relevant GRM rules and regulations
• The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington, or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the “Foreign Service National” Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

Requisites

• Minimum Qualifications Required for this Position:
• Education: Completion of a university degree in accounting, finance, or business administration (specialization in finance) is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in professional accounting and/or audit management of which at least three (3) years of this experience is in an area that demonstrates a professional accounting and financial management operations and financial analysis with Public/Private accounting firms, international bi-lateral or multi-lateral organizations or public/private accounting firms is required. Experience from implementing development programs and activities in Mozambique (in the private sector or NGO) or from implementing policy in various GRM agencies is also required
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) oral and written English capability is required. Written English skills are particularly important. The incumbent must be able to express ideas and concepts clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing. Level IV Portuguese is also required. (Language proficiency will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: The incumbent must demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of professional knowledge as it relates to financial management, audit and review engagements, host country policies and procedures acquired through many years of study and hands-on experience working in a position in financial management, accounting, consulting, banking, civil society organizations, or relevant government service
• Skills and Abilities: Must possess advanced level of analytical and decision-making skills to provide services to a wide range of clients including DO teams, Senior Mission Management, Implementing Partners and host government contacts. Ability to analyze financial data obtained internally and externally from counterparts and assess its reliability and value, detect the financial strength and weaknesses of program activities and to make independent judgments regarding the institutional capabilities and the adequacy of accounting systems and controls are essential. Must be able to carry out assigned duties effectively, timely, and independently
• Ability to work under high pressure with tight deadlines. Must be able to provide formal and informal training on financial management topics to a variety of intended audiences. Strong leadership and management skills are required. Must possess the ability to innovate and develop customized solutions to atypical operating environments, such as those that predominate at many project implementation sites. Creativity to conceptualize innovative solutions to increase efficiency, improve customer service and meet changing work demands. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in order to communicate clearly and effectively with external and internal key officials. Ability to work in a team environment with DO teams is essential. Must possess advanced technical writing abilities and be familiar with current accounting lexicon and developments. Finally, advanced skills in using Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Power Point, are required. Knowledge of databases is required. The job holder must have the ability to develop and maintain contacts with auditors, partners and high level GRM officials, particularly to provide guidance and communicate on issues of mutual interest

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 following evaluation factors are established

• Education - 10 points
• Prior Work Experience - 30 points
• Language Proficiency - 10 points
• Job Knowledge - 30 points
• Skills and Abilities - 20 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• A cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume as well as academic transcripts/diplomas
• Names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Reference checks will be conducted for the final selected candidate for the Contracting Officer to make a responsibility determination. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• Any application received in Portuguese will not be considered. Only English applications will be considered
• 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
• Per this scoring Prior Work Experience and Job Knowledge are the most important factors, followed by Skills and Abilities, Language Proficiency and Education. Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements. Only applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position will be considered. Candidates will be evaluated based on relevant education, prior work experience, knowledge, language proficiency, skills and abilities demonstrated in their application packages. A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and will be invited for a language test. Candidates successfully passing the language exam will be invited for an oral interview and may also be required to pass a written test. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants
• Professional references will be conducted for the top ranked candidate and will be utilized to supplement the TEC’s recommendation to the Contracting Officer to offer the position to the top ranked candidate
• USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• Final selection will be based on the application package, language abilities, oral interview and reference checks.
• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands
• Point of Contact: Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov