Summary
Date Posted: Wednesday, December 11 2024, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) has received financing from the World Bank (WB) towards the cost of implementing the Transport Corridors for Economic Resilience Project (TRACER) which will focus on three (3) key regional transport corridors namely the Serenje to Mpika, Kazungula to Katima Mulilo and the Lusaka to Luangwa Roads. The project will be carried out in accordance with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs).
A Project Management Unit (PIU) will be established in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (MIHUD). It will be led by a full-time Project coordinator and will be supported by a Procurement Officer among others. The PIU will also ensure effective coordination between all the implementing agencies.

The MIHUD now wishes to engage the services of a suitably qualified candidate to fill the vacant post of Project Manager under the Transport Corridor for Economic Resilience (TRACER) Project:
1. Duty Station: TRACER Project Offices ,Ridgeway Lusaka
2. Reports to: Project Coordinator
3. Title: Project Accountant (1 Post)
4. Responsible to: The Projector Accountant shall be responsible to the TRACER Project Coordinator on all project operation matters and will work closely with all Project Specialists and implementing Ministries, and Spending Agencies (MPSAs), and other key stakeholders during project implementation process.

Objectives of the assignment:
The Project Accountant will be a part of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), and will be responsible for project financial management activities in accordance with the World Bank guidelines, GRZ Financial Regulations, Public Finance Management Act and other requirements stipulated in the Project Documents, as well as the efficient management of all project finances. S/he will report to the Project Coordinator.

Scope of services/ Duties:
The Project Accountant will provide support for the financial aspects of the TRACER and ensure the continuing adequacy of the financial management arrangements of the project. S/he will work closely with the National Roads Fund Agency to ensure the timely disbursements of funds from the World Bank to the project and that the funds are used for the intended purpose towards the achievement of the project’s development objectives

Specifically, the Project Accountant is expected to; –

1. Management and Administration
· Manages and administers duties and all assignments under the Project Accountant portfolio effectively;
· Provides technical support to the Project Implementation Unit in the implementation of various project activities and ensure the activities are well aligned with the World Bank guidelines, GRZ Financial Regulations and Public Finance Management Act;
· Prepares individual Annual Work Plan (AWP);
· Supports the preparation of Annual Work Plan (AWP) and Budget proposals for the PIU;
· Effectively participate in meetings, seminars, symposiums and workshops; and
· Participates and provides support during field visits such as logistics, event organizations and other project tasks requested.

2. Financial Management
· Prepares withdrawal applications for advance, direct payment or documentation of prior advance online on Client Connection for the signature of the relevant Authorizing Officers;
· Prepares payment vouchers after careful verification of supporting documents and making timely payments;
· Monitors cash flows on the project account and ensuring availability of sufficient funds for project implementation.
· Monitors disbursement of funds with regard to Goods, works, non-consulting services, and consulting services, and ensuring that disbursements are made on time; and
· Reconciliation of Bank and Ledger Accounts;
· Maintains accounting records of the TRACER project for timely submission of reports to Management and to the World Bank in accordance with the applicable International Financial Reporting Standards and World Bank reporting requirements.
· Accounts for all funds on the Project and monitoring payment of vendors, expenses ensuring that they in line with contractual requirements, purchase order, budget provisions; and
· Maintains the Fixed Asset and Stores inventory for any assets that is be purchased out of the project funds.

3. Financial Reporting
· Prepares accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports for the project and ensuring timely submission of these reports to all relevant stakeholders such as the Project Steering Committee, Technical Committee, the World Bank, the Component Managers, the Project Coordinator and other team members;
· Prepares progress report at the end of each working month to the Project Coordinator with details of the task being carried out/completed; and
· Participates in the implementation of programme activities e.g. seminars, meetings.

4. Audit
· Prepares on a quarterly basis, the unaudited interim financial reports (IFRs) for management use in the implementing the project and for submission to the World Bank within 45 days following the end of the quarterly;
· Prepares annual financial statements for the project and provide all necessary information required by External Auditors so as to facilitate smooth auditing of the Project’s annual financial statements;
· Maintains and controls Project Imprest funds; and
· Ensures that all records on all financial transactions are securely and properly kept.

5. Communication
· Participates in the development and implementation of a Project Communications Strategy;
· Collaborates with the Project Coordinator and other Specialists in developing programmes for dissemination of information about project activities; and
· Documents the work of Project supported interventions, providing evidence of impact and demonstrating good value for money as well as for strategically disseminating best practices and lessons learned, in a way to position the Project as an effective financial mechanism in the country is able to manage additional resources for conservation.

6. Financial Monitoring
· In liaison with the Monitoring and Evaluation specialist undertakes field visits to Project sites and prepare field reports.

7. Any other Duties
· Carry out other tasks as deemed necessary for project implementation.

Key Performance Indicators

General Management
1.1 Capture transaction (receipts, payments, journal) in Sun system. All accounting ledgers must be updated Daily
1.2 Prepare withdrawal applications for direct payments, documentations and replenishment of the designated account Number of withdrawal applications made timely Whenever this is requested by the Manager External Resources
1.3 Filing of Project financial transactions and other related documents All documents must be filled with all supporting documents
1.4
Update the fixed asset register The fixed asset register must be updated weekly
1.5 Assist in the preparation of the Annual Work Plan (AWP) Ensure that individual budget collected from the Agencies timely and for consolidation. Yearly

Finance Service
1.6 Timely follow up on retirements of imprest 72 hours after the person has completed the activities assigned. weekly
1.7 Obtain and capture receipts, payments, and journals into sun system All accounting ledgers must be updated Daily
1.8 Effectively managing both internal and external audits Ensure the audits are carried out smoothly by providing all the necessary information Quarterly

Contract Quality Management
1.9 Prepare monthly payments status Reports including payments timelines monthly 5 days into following month
2.0 Prepare the project Quarterly financial reports 30 days after a quarter Daily
2.1 Prepare the project financial cost tables and update Monthly By 10th of every month
2.2 Prepare for the Financial Audit of the Project Annually By 15th January
2.3 Perform account bank reconciliation Monthly
2.4 Assist in preparing Annual Budgets Annually

Note: These indicators might be subject to change, in mutual agreement, from time to time, and as may be initiated by the Project Coordinator. Further the Actual ratings/scores shall be agreed upon with the Project Coordinator within the first six months from the appointment date.
Schedule:

Required Qualifications and Experience:
• Grade 12 School Certificate
• Degree in Accounting, Business Finance, Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) (Chartered Institute of Management Accountant (CIMA) CA – Zambia or an equivalent.
• An MSc in Accounting or Finance or other relevant field will be an added advantage.
• Should be a registered member of (ZICA) Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants.
• At least 5 years working experience as an Accountant at a middle or senior management level in the public sector in Finance, financial reporting and management, 3 of which involves working on projects financed by the World Bank or other Internationally Financed Projects Organizations is an added advantage.
• Competence in use of computerized financial management systems such as IFMIS, Navision etc.
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Proven strong writing and analytical skills
• Good communication skills both oral and written and able to produce meaningful reports.
• Familiarity with the relevant Government procedures and regulations.
• Good computer skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint email and the internet.

Time Frame and Duration
This is a full-time position on the project with approbation period of Six (6) months. The service is initially for a period of 2 years but is subject to renewal based on satisfactory performance and project demands.
Subject to the selection process, the successful candidate is expected to commence work by or before February 2025

Job Location: Ridgeway TRACER Project Implementation Unit (PIU)

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure
Applicants who meet the above requirements should submit their application and certified copies of their certificates to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, P.O BOX 50235, Lusaka, Zambia.
Deadline for submission is 18th December,2024.

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