AddressFinance and Procurement Specialist.
Home based, with regular travel to Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa and Tuvalu
The Systems Strengthening for Effective Coverage of New Vaccines in the Pacific Project
The project provides financial and technical support to the Ministries of Health and Finance in Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to introduce three new vaccines into their routine immunization schedules: human papilloma virus (HPV), rotavirus (RV), and pneumococcal conjugate (PCV). The Project is due to conclude on 30 November 2025.
Abt Values:
The incumbent must demonstrate a high level of commitment to following values of Abt Associates:
Mission-Driven: The incumbent must demonstrate a high level of commitment to following values of Abt Associates:
Global: We are a global community, bringing diverse knowledge, expertise, and perspectives to the many challenges faced by today's world.
Committed to Excellence: We strive to meet and exceed the highest professional standards.
Collaborative: We know that working collaboratively produces excellence.
Accountable: We take responsibility for what we do and how we do it.
Balanced: We sustain the energy and commitment we bring to our roles by promoting a healthy balance between our personal and professional lives.
About the Opportunity
The Finance and Procurement Specialist will provide oversight on procurement, finance, accounting and support management of the project. The specialist will ensure that the project team complies with ADB procurement policies and project reporting requirements. The consultant will also support withdrawal applications, monitor contract disbursements progress and the financial performance of the project including supporting annual auditing process.
The Finance and Procurement Specialist will be responsible for:
- Evaluate national financial systems and operating procedures for asset registration and custody, accounting policies, internal financial control – including authorizations and transaction recording accuracy with the government internal control officer;
- Be responsible for project financial management, ensuring compliance with ADB policies and procedures;
- Provide operational and professional supervision of the project accounting and Procurement;
- Liaise with project/government external auditors and internal auditors and be responsible for ensuring timely presentation of the project financial statements for audit;
- Ensure that both internal and external annual audits are completed on the project in accordance with ADB requirements;
- Manage and administer all financial transactions under the project, including cash-flow;
- Seek approval by MOH for project expenditures and prepare withdrawal applications;
- Prepare project progress reports and a project completion report;
- Maintain project accounts, generate financial statements, and complete grant financial records for auditing;
- Refine the project’s procurement plan and develop a detailed procurement plan, strategy, and manuals (if necessary) in accordance with ADB and the government counterparts;
- Prepare periodic procurement planning, methods updates and annual reports or as necessary;
- Plan and conduct procurement training for the implementation agencies’ staff on the use of standard bidding documents, requests for proposals, evaluation reports, contracts and Procurement guidelines as required for this project;
- Conduct intensive training of MOH staff in financial management including withdrawal and disbursement procedures, financial management, reporting best practices, anticorruption, auditing, and fraud prevention and detection.
- Prepare and execute purchase orders and requisitions;
- Maintain coordination of project procurement activities and be responsible for the achievement of all project-related procurement targets;
- Support the government in the entire tender process from advertising, procurement correspondence, bid receipt, and bid opening in strict accordance with the agreed upon procurement procedures. Participate in contract negotiations and help manage contracts.
- Manage the project Finance and Procurement filing system in a systematic manner retaining documentation as per ADB policy in a safe location;
- Prepare physical progress and overall procurement activity reports quarterly for the Project Manager;
- Support and participate in joint review missions, and other relevant missions including for monitoring, evaluation, research, and formative analysis;
- Assist MOH in project procurement logistics, including vaccine and cold-chain equipment arrival procedures, transportation logistics and storage, and synchronizing national inventory lists;
- Coordinate and support UNICEF Supply Division on the annual forecasting and Procurement plans for vaccines and associated supplies;
Key Requirements:
- An advanced degree in procurement, accounting, engineering, economics or other relevant field;
- At least five-years of experience working with Governments, preferably in health sector procurement;
- Experience in working with multi-lateral agencies, and/or other international partners;
- Extensive knowledge of ADB’s financial and Procurement guidelines and procedures;
- Familiarity with the Pacific context; and
- Experience in writing English language reports.
About You:
We are seeking an individual who will bring:
Demonstrated Sound Financial and Business - Related Practices while delivering results. Team Building and cooperation, promoting technical, excellence and quality work.
Promote diversity and acting as a role Model creating visions and direction for the program.
How to Apply
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single requirement for a position. At Abt Associates we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every role requirement, we encourage you to apply in any case. You may be just the right candidate for this or for other roles.
Further information regarding these opportunities can found on the Careers page of the Abt Associates website: https://www.abtassociates.com/careers
Applications should be submitted online via the Careers page of Abt Associates’ website and MUST include a CV and covering letter addressing the key requirements listed above.
Applications close: Sunday 21 April 2024 – midnight (AEST)
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