Ministry of Local Government And Rural Development
Ghana Social Opportunities Project (GSOP)
National Coordinating Office (NCO)

1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

With funding provided by the World Bank, the Government of Ghana (GoG), through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) is implementing the Ghana Social Opportunities Project (GSOP). The overall goals of the project is to support Ghana's Social Protection Strategy through: developing a labour intensive public works program as a rural safety net instrument in target districts across the country (majority of which are in the three northern regions) to increase cash income for the rural poor during agricultural off-season; and supporting the Government's Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program.

The project has five main components namely:

•  Rationalization of National Social Protection Strategy;
•  Labour Intensive Public Works (LIPWS);
•  Support to the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Program;
•  Capacity Building; and
•  Project Management and Coordination

2. SPECIFIC PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of the Project are to:

(i) Support  public works expected to create employment with priority for the poorest districts of the country;
(ii) Support incrementally, the scaling up of the Government's conditional cash transfer program (LEAP) which provides social grants to the poorest households in return for participation in education and health services; and
(iii) Develop the capacity of the government to implement safety net programs, both at the central and decentralized levels.

3. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS AND CURRENT STATUS

The project is managed at policy and technical co-ordination level by a National Project Steering Committee (NPSC). At the implementation level, co-ordination is the responsibility of the National Co-ordinating offices (NCO), with its head office in Accra and Regional Coordinating offices in Tamale,Bolgatanga, Wa, Kumasi, and Accra responsible for defined geographical areas. Sub-project implementation, however, is the responsibility of District Assemblies and their lower strutures with timely and efficient back-stopping provided by the Regional Coordinating Councils (Staff of Regional Coordinating Units) and relevant line ministries/departments/agencies. The Ministry gives technical and logistics supports to districts through team of recruited staff and personnel from the Ministry. This Project became effective in October 2010 and has since been running.
A qualified Ghanaian national is needed to occupy the position of Chief Financial Controller in the National Coordinating Office, Accra, of the Ghana Social Opportunities Project.

Responsibilities:
Responsible for maintaining all projects accounts in good order, will report directly to the National Co-ordinator and work closely with the Financial Controller of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD)).

Key Responsibilities:

•  Install appropriate accounting/reporting system to ensure that the project management is informed of on-going financial transactions/activities and that Project Management have a clear view of their financial responsibility.
•  Advise the Project Co-ordinator in matters relating to Financial management and effective accounting of project activities.
•  Providing professional backstopping to Regional Financial Management Specialists in the performance of their functions.
•  Advising Regional Co-ordinators on the professional performance of the accounting project staff.
•  Maintain all account records in a form appropriate for regular auditing (at least once a year)
•  Providing assistance to the Financial Department of the MLGRD to ensure efficient and effective financial management of the project funds.
•  Ensuring that effective training programmes in financial management are designed and implemented for district and sub-district staff.
•  Co-ordinating and Monitoring financial management activities at Regional, District and sub-district levels.
•  Follow up issues arising from the Annual Workplan and Budget process. Responsible for processing, documentation and follow-up of disbursement from GOG and World Bank to ensure that releases are not unduly delayed.
•  Ensure that funds for project implementation are disbursed in a timely manner to enable project interventions be carried out on time.
•  Prepare half-yearly consolidated statements of Project Accounts as an integral part of the management information system to be submitted to the Project Steering Committee and the World Bank.
•  Ensuring an effective linkage between the Accounting system and the overall MIS.
•  Assist in procurement for the Project in accordance with procedures laid down by the Loan Agreement.
•  Prepare quarterly reports regarding aspects of monitoring
•  Carry out any other activities that are assigned by the Project Co-ordinator

Qualification Required & Experience

•  Professional Chartered Accountant/Certified Accountant (ICA or ACCA) with at least 10 years' experience in related fields. Must have at least 5 years in managing Donor-funded Project Accounts and must be computer literate. Knowledge and proficiency in the use of Accounting Software will be an advantage.

Key Competencies:
The applicant must:

•  Have appreciable knowledge of Ghana's Decentralization system and proven ability in working with the structure
•  Have experience in working on rural development programmes and be able to relate well with rural communities and local government strategy.
•  Be experienced in the implementation of donor funded projects.
•  Be computer literate and proficient in the use of Accounting Software e.g. ACCPAC etc.
•  Be prepared to travel extensively on regular basis

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

All interested individuals are requested to submit typewritten letters and curriculum vitae (CV) for the positions described above.

Only shortlisted individuals will be contacted. Letters of Interest clearly marked: "GHANA SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES PROJECT - NCO PERSONNEL" should be addressed to:

The AG Chief Director
Ministry of Local Government And Rural Development
P. O. BOX M50
Accra, Ghana

Attn:
Robert E. Austin (233-0302-770 246)
NATIONAL COORDINATOR - GSOP

Closing Date: 05 June, 2013