GENERAL INFORMATION
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 621-SOL-18-00009
2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 28, 2018
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: April 13, 2018
4. POSITION TITLE: Financial Analyst
5. MARKET VALUE: FSN – 11; (Step 1 – TZS 74,951,391 through Step 14 – 116,174,651 per annum). In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Tanzania, final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) Years with the possibility of extension.
Extension(s) will depend upon the availability of funds, continued need for the requirement,
contractor/employee performance and any future hiring freeze guidance.
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania with possible travel as stated in
the Statement of Work.
8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access
9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES
1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract
The Financial Analyst entities, including oversight bodies (NAO, PPRA, Ethics Secretariat, etc.), as well as capacity of local implementing partners, and audit firms, which are frequently called on
both to monitor and improve performance of local organizations and government
institutions.
2. Statement of Duties to be Performed
1) Support to Technical Teams, Mission Management, and Senior Mission Staff
(90% of time)
a) Represents the Controller as the primary point of contact for all financial management
services provided by Office of Finance Management (OFM) to the assigned Development Objectives (DO) Team(s). Advises Mission personnel on the current and future fiscal status of projects and programs under their jurisdiction. This includes providing financial management guidance, advice, and usable information to activity managers, Contracting/Agreement Officers; Program representatives (CORs/AORs) and all levels of Mission management. The FA is the DO team’s
resource for complex financial analysis, USG/USAID financial management regulations, reporting, and accurate budgeting.
b) Functions as a full team member for the assigned DO team(s). In this capacity, the FA participates in all DO team meetings and in the development and design of DO strategies and activities, including the selection of implementation mechanisms. Provides budget and financial advice including technical guidance on USAID procedures, regulations and payment policies, as well as accounting and financial requirements. Assists the DO team management in the interpretation and analysis of
historical and projected financial information based on the Phoenix accounting system. Trains, explains and clarifies financial management issues to team members.
c) Provides full range of financial, audit and accounting management support to assigned DO team(s) including review and clearance of project agreements, grants, Implementation Letters (ILs) and other implementing documents, ensuring internal consistency with project design, adequacy of financial forecasting, and conformity with USAID and Mission regulations. Reviews Action Memorandums to the Director and Activity Approval Documents, ensures funding correctness and availability for
unilateral/bilateral agreements, contracts, grants, travel authorizations, Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS) transactions and all other commitment/obligating documents.
d) Formulates and analyzes project budgets for accuracy. Responsible for the development and presentation of quarterly pipeline/implementation reviews, consisting of analysis of the current financial status of the DO team’s overall activities and individual agreements, including burn rates and future funding requirements based on projections. In coordination with the Program Office, the FA monitors the DO team’s Operating Year Budget (OYB) and its timely execution. Monitors the DO team’s compliance with Agency forward funding guidelines.
e) Performs pre-award surveys, financial reviews, and PFMRAF assessments of current and potential local partners in accordance with the annual plan, and writes reports to inform Mission decision-makers. Advises on the development strategy with a focus on strengthening accountability, transparency and sustainability of the host government as well as that of local CPA firms and NGO’s and CSO’s. The Financial Analyst is the key OFM representative in terms of providing consultative and capacity building expertise to grantees, contractors, and partner-country beneficiaries.
f) Performs project site visits to monitor the financial and accountability performance of aid partners, assuring that implementation plans and procedures are being applied, and that appropriate corrective measures are implemented.
g) Leads DO teams in proper stewardship of USG funds. Reviews unexpended fund balances and makes recommendations on appropriate de-obligation actions. Works with DO team members and implementing partners on funding, reimbursements, and expenditure reporting, as well as proper documentation and reporting requirements. Coordinates the DO team’s quarterly accrual submission to ensure compliance with Agency standards. Reviews and monitors program advances.
h) Coordinates the recipient-contracted audit program on behalf of the assigned DO. Assists in development of the annual audit plan, audit scopes of work, coordinates audits of partners, participates in audit entrance and exit conferences, and ensures the audit plan is carried out for their assigned portfolio. The FA develops action plans, drafts external communications, and ensures that audits are completed and audit recommendations are closed within the required timeframes. Advises DO team of all audit issues affecting team goals.
2) USAID Forward and G2G Responsibilities (10% of time)
a) FA advises Mission management on development strategy with a focus on strengthening accountability, transparency and sustainability of GOT financial and management systems. Requires an expert understanding of USAID systems, requirements, and capacity-building tools as well as understanding of GOT systems, requirements, and capacity constraints, from GOT central level government to the district level.
b) Maintains close working relationships to relevant GOT officials to maintain expert and current understanding of GOT financial and management systems. Coordinates Mission’s G2G assessment work in compliance with current Agency policy, drafts Scopes of Work for PFMRAF Assessments, participates in the same and maintains current information for the Mission on GOT systems.
c) The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the U.S., or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.
3. Supervisory Relationship
The Financial Analyst works independently under the general supervision of the
Supervisory Financial Analyst, in coordination with the Controller and Deputy
Controller.
4. Supervisory Controls
The position has no direct supervisor responsibilities.
10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Offeror/applicants must be Tanzanian Citizens.
11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.
12. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/Tanzania Human Resources Office, e-mail at daressalaamexohr@usaid.gov.
Please DO NOT send applications to this email address. For mailbox to send applications, see section IV of this solicitation.
II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
a. Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required. Professional Certification in Accounting (i.e. CPA or equivalent) is also required.
b. Prior Work Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in
professional financial management and analysis, budgeting, auditing, and accounting are required. Must have extensive experience in use of automated financial management and computer systems. Experience with and knowledge of GOT governmental financial and management systems is required.
c. Post Entry Training: USAID financial management, financial applications and software
(e.g. Phoenix). Relevant training courses will be assigned as deemed necessary, subject to
funds availability. On-the-job training and guidance will be provided, but incumbent must
be motivated, a self-starter, proactive in seeking knowledge and finding solutions and answers
d. Language Proficiency (List both English and host country language(s) proficiency
requirements by level (II, III) and specialization (sp/read): English Level IV (speaking
and writing). The ability to write clear and comprehensive technical and financial-related
reports in English is required. Kiswahili Level IV is required (speaking and writing).
e. Job Knowledge: The incumbent will need to have a thorough general working knowledge of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology, as well as the principles and accepted practices of U.S. and Tanzania governmental and business institutions with regards to finance, accounting, budgeting and reporting. Experience withand knowledge of GOT governmental financial and management systems is desired. A thorough knowledge of the laws, regulations and procedures associated with USG financial management, including financing methods / cash management requirements related to assistance activities. A thorough knowledge of the procedures governing the design, development, implementation and evaluation of development projects. In-depth knowledge of development principles, concepts and practices, especially as they relate to evaluating and auditing. The incumbent must have knowledge and understanding of the organization and respective roles of the different branches of the GOT in order to effectively communicate and develop consensus on a broad range of financial management issues. Knowledge of USG and/or international audit requirements in order to effectively act as the Mission’s
representative to audit firms and implementing partners (both GOT and NGO/CSO).
f. Skills and Abilities: Must have the ability to develop and maintain close working relationships with high level officials of host country (GOT) implementing institutions. Must have excellent analytical and communications skills to obtain relevant data on partner institutions, make use of the data, assess its reliability and value, identify financial strengths and weaknesses of current and potential partners. Must be able to make accurate independent judgments regarding institutional capabilities and adequacy of systems and controls. Must be able to present facts and recommendations in a clear, concise manner, both orally and in writing, to management. Verbal communication skills are required to be able to explain and interpret GOT attitudes, priorities and concerns to USAID management, and to negotiate financial management and audit issues with GOT organizations and/or USAID implementing partners, technical advisors, counterparts, and peers. Excellent writing skills are required to prepare audit and technical reports. The ability to work effectively in a team environment, to adapt, and to achieve consensus is required. Strong IT skills are
required to effectively understand systems and present information to management. Professional presentation skills are a must.
III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
Candidates meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on
information presented in the application.
Offerors/Applicants will be required to have the minimum qualifications expressed in
Section II and will be assessed based on the following factors:
1. Education 10 points
2. Work Experience 40 points
3. Knowledge and Technical Skills 35 points
4. Language Proficiency 15 points
USAID/Tanzania reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked offerors/applicants
in person or by phone or not to interview any candidate. ln order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum
Qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors. Please note that not all offerors/applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are preauthorized.
After the closing date for receipt of offers, a selection committee will be convened to review offers and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Offers from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered or scored.
Reference checks will be made only for offerors/applicants considered as finalists. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an offeror/applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the offeror’s/applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the offeror/applicant.
IV. PRESENTING AN OFFER
1. Eligible Offerors/Applicants are required to complete and submit the offer through the
Universal Application for Employment (UAE) (Form DS-174) form which is available on the
US Embassy website or by contacting the Point of Contact. (See “section 12” above).
2. Offers/Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I,
item 3, and submitted only online via mailbox usaidtzlesapps@usaid.gov.
3. To ensure consideration of offers/applications for the intended position, Offerors/Applicants
must prominently indicate the position title in the subject line. Failure to do so will result in
an incomplete offer/application.
V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES
Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror/Applicant about being
selected for a contract award, the US Embassy Human Resources (HR) office will provide
the successful Offeror/Applicant instructions about how to complete and submit the
following form.
1. Biographical Data Form for Security (Department of State Forms)
VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a CCN PSC is normally authorized the following
benefits and allowances as per US Embassy Local Compensation Plan (LCP):
1. BENEFITS:
a) Retirement Benefit (Defined Contributions Fund)
b) Medical Coverage
c) Life Insurance
d) Annual and Sick Leave
2. ALLOWANCES (as applicable):
a) Miscellaneous Benefit Allowance
b) Vacation and End-of-Year Bonuses
VII. TAXES
Local Income Taxes: Contractors/Employees are responsible for calculating and paying local
income taxes.
VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs
USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC awards are available at these
sources:
1. 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://ift.tt/2dakKol
2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://ift.tt/2GKD98Z
3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs)
for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at https://ift.tt/2EbUi6g
4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual,
the contractor/employee 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://ift.tt/2GKDdFL
USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel, there will be no
discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, politics, marital status, physical
handicap, HIV/AIDS status, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee
organization.
