Senior Financial Assurance Advisor (International) Ministry of Finance

República Democrática de Timor-Leste, Ministério das Finanças “Adeus Conflito, Bemvindo Desenvolvimento” Planning and Financial Management Capacity Building Program TERMS OF REFERENCE Position: Senior Financial Assurance Advisor (International) Objectives: To assist the Ministry of Finance in strengthening key processes, internal controls, through the preparation, introduction of internal control framework, that leads to efficiency, effectiveness of internal controls, revenue enhancements, reduction of financial risks and increase in probity. Reporting to: Director General/Senior Management Advisor of State Finances; Senior Program Manager-PFMCBP (for contracting purposes) Counterparts: Director of Treasury/Director of Governance and Institutional Strengthening Duration: To 15th November 2012. Location: Ministry of Finance, Dili, Timor-Leste I. Selection Criteria · A professional Accounting qualification such as a Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) · A university degree in a relevant discipline such as commerce (preferably major in accounting), business administration, risk management or public administration. Postgraduate qualification in business, public administration or finance would be an added advantage. · At least 10 years experience in auditing within the public administration sector. · Familiarity with government systems and processes including Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS), and with integrity, service culture, and accountability and transparency mechanisms. · Experience in developing, promoting and implementing educational and training programmes and advisory activities in process / methods enhancements, assurance / auditing services (financial, operational, systems, compliance and management), process mapping / improvements, investigations, risks and controls assessments and accounting in the public and/or private sectors. · Ability to evaluate and assess changes in organizational structure that could potentially impact on financial management policies, processes, procedures and controls, and ability to offer advice on reforming those organizational structures. · Ability to review and assess changes in decree laws, policies, processes and procedures that could potentially affect the financial management and control environment. · Excellent analytical and problem solving skills and good communication abilities. · Motivation and commitment to follow tasks through to completion. · Proficiency in the Microsoft’s Office package– Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access. · Excellent oral and written communication skills and proficiency in English. · Specific work experience in a developing country context and in a multi-cultural setting. II. Background The Ministry of Finance of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is recruiting a Senior Financial Assurance Advisor for the Directorate General of State Finances for its Planning and Financial Management Capacity Building Program (PFMBP). The PFMCBP aims to strengthen capacity in the Ministry of Finance for prudent, effective, and accountable planning and management of public finances to promote growth and poverty reduction. Funded by a grant from the International Development Association and a World Bank-administered multi-donor trust fund (with contributions from AusAID, EC, Irish Aid, New Zealand and Norway), the PFMCBP is a coordinated program of targeted capacity building in planning and financial management. The Program started in late 2006 provides technical assistance to sustainably strengthen planning, budgeting, public expenditure management and revenue administration for growth and poverty reduction, with emphasis on efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, integrity, service culture, and transparency. After a successful five years of operation, the program has been extended to 30th November 2012. PFMCBP has assisted the Government of Timor-Leste take forward an important reform agenda. Key achievements include implementation of a major reorganization of the Ministry of Finance; strengthening public expenditure management through simplification and strengthening of treasury systems and processes, and increased delegation of authority to line ministries; complete overhaul of budgeting systems, documentation and financial management legislation; improved revenue management, including increased transparency in tax administration and reinforcing Petroleum Tax administration; and a gradual improvement in macroeconomic planning. There are important challenges ahead as the Ministry of Finance implements a strong reform program in a capacity constrained environment. PFMCBP itself has a challenge to build capacity and enable an increased transfer of responsibility to Timorese public servants. The Ministry of Finance is responsible for the strategic management of PFMCBP, through its Consultative Council on Financial Management (CCFM) chaired by the Minister of Finance. There is a dedicated Program Implementation Unit that is responsible for day-to-day program management and implementation which has been integrated into the Directorate General for Corporate Services (DGCS). A Supervisory Committee of donors to PFMCBP, also chaired by the Minister of Finance, provides regular oversight on program implementation and achievements. The World Bank is responsible for program supervision, to ensure it is aligned with agreed objectives and financing agreements. IIi. Duties and responsibilities A. Scope of Work The Senior Financial Assurance Advisor shall: Advise the Ministry of Finance and all line ministries and agencies of the Government on enhancing processes and ensuring adequate management of financial risks. Development of a strategic capacity building programme with set goals and objectives. Capacity building and development of staff through on the job training, formal training, coaching and mentoring. Prepare process reviews and assessments, recommend improvements and implement changes. Train financial assurance staff involved in process enhancements, probity and assurance services, risk management in the performance of complementary functions related to other process improvement, audits, report writing and monitoring of recommendations. Liaise with the external audit function and provide assistance when required. Liaise with the Office of Inspector General and coordinate activities and plans with Internal Audit Units across the Government. Assist the staff to identify and develop rules and procedures, manuals and codes / charter that will improve administration in the Government. Assist in fostering a culture of customer-service and client-friendliness within the Government including the values of professionalism, accountability, integrity, ethics and transparency. B. Key Deliverables · An assignment Work Plan within four weeks of commencing the assignment, for approval by the Director General/Senior Management Advisor of State Finances, copied to Senior Program Manager PFMCBP. · Duly endorsed Quarterly Progress Reports to the Director General/Senior Management Advisor of State Finances, copy furnished to the Senior Program Manager PFMCBP. · End of Assignment Report to the Director General/Senior Management Advisor of State Finances, copied to the Senior Program Manager no later than ten (10) working days before the end of the current contract. IV. Performance Evaluation Performance shall be assessed by the Director General/Senior Management Advisor of State Finances in accordance with the functions and agreed deliverables in the TOR and the performance review framework for advisors that has been put in place in the PFMCBP. There is a probation period of three months. V. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Please visit our website at www.mof.gov.tl/ and go to ‘Announcements/Employment Opportunities’ to learn about our recruitment process and your application requirements including how to address the Selection Criteria in your application. Applications must be sent to our Programme Implementation Officer-PFMCBP at email address, pfmcbp@mof.gov.tl , no later than Friday, 6th January 2012. Applications should include a covering letter and a detailed resume of no more than 7 pages. All Applicants must also complete the Competency Framework Matrix below delineating how they have met the requirements. We do not expect that you would just cut and paste from your resume but rather explain concisely and succinctly how you have met these competences, possibly providing brief examples etc. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Competency Framework for the Senior Financial Assurance Advisor (International) Competencies Please describe how you meet these Competencies Professional accounting qualifications such as a Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) A university degree in a relevant discipline such as commerce (preferably major in accounting), business administration or public administration. Postgraduate qualification in business, public administration, risk management or finance would be desirable. At least 10 years experience in process review, assurance services or auditing within the public and/or private sectors. Familiarity with government systems and processes including integrity, service culture, and accountability and transparency mechanisms. Experience in developing, promoting and implementing educational and training programmes and activities in process improvements, assurance, risk management and auditing services (financial, operational, systems, compliance and management), process mapping / improvements, investigations and accounting in the public and/or private sectors. Excellent analytical and problem solving skills and good communication abilities. Proficiency in the Microsoft’s Office package– Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access. Excellent communication skills: fluency in written and oral English; and familiarity with either Portuguese or Tetum desirable. Motivation and commitment to follow tasks through to completion.

Job Email id:

pfmcbp(at)mof.gov.tl