The Government of Ghana has applied for credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and other donors in various currencies towards the cost of Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) and it is intended that part of the proceeds of this credit will be applied for eligible payments for the procurement of a consultant for Financial Management Specialist. The Employer intends to apply a portion of the funds to eligible payments under the contract for which this Request for Proposals is issued.

The propose project will improve the investment climate for agri-business and establish inclusive PPPs aimed at increasing on-farm productivity and value addition in selected value chains.

The project will have four (4) components:

1. Strengthening investment promotion infrastructure, facilitating secure access to land and project management
2. Securing PPPs and small-holder linkages in the Accra Plains
3. Securing PPs and small-holder linkages in the SADA region
4. Project Management and Monitoring and Evaluation

Responsibilities:

The FM Specialist will be responsible for all accounting, internal control and other financial management functions within the GCAP as well as supervision of the finance section staff therein. The main tasks will be as follows:

. Prepare and update the project financial procedures manual that will ensure compliance with accounting policies and practices as stipulated in the financial management regulations, procedures agreed for the project

. Establish and maintain an integrated accounting system for all approved project activities to ensure smooth flow and constant availability of financial resources to the project and utilizing standard accounting procedures, which will ensure full documentation and recording of sources and uses of funds

. Periodically review the performance of control functions and where appropriate initiate corrective measures to ensure that internal controls are sufficient and function correctly

. Prepare annual work plans and budgets in consultation with other GCAP staff

. Conduct in house financial management and accounting training for GCAP staff

. Ensure the duties of the Finance Section's staff (particularly the project accountant) are carried out

. Prepare, analyze and consolidate reports in accordance with agreed reporting schedules ensuring correlation between implementation progress and financial performance

. Prepare project financial reports, including Interim Financial Reports (IFRs) and withdrawal applications for the replenishment of Designated Account, for submission to the Financial Controller, Project Coordinator, Government and World Bank

. Prepare annual financial statements for external audits, and other reports for the project

. Review bank reconciliations and other controls necessary to monitor financial and non financial assets of the project

. Advise the Financial Controller and Project Coordinator on all financial and control considerations of the project

. Any other duties assigned by the Financial Controller and Project Coordinator

Qualification Required Or Experience

Competency and Expertise Requirements:
The successful candidate will have the following qualifications, expertise & experience:

. A recognized professional accounting qualifications (e.g. CPA, ACCA, ICAG holder or equivalent) preferably with a Master's Degree in Accounting, Business or Finance

. At least 6-10 years of post-qualification experience of work in a complex environment including managing an accounting department and donor-funded project accounts. Audit experience would be an added advantage

. Knowledge of international financial reporting standards & international standards on auditing

. Experience in interpreting financial management reports, analyzing variations to plans and determining remedial actions required

How To Apply For The Job:

Applications with the relevant CVs should reach the following address:

The Chief Director
Ministry Of Food & Agriculture
P. O. BOX M37
Accra

TEL: 233-302-666567; FAX: 233-302-668245

For further information please contact:

The Team Leader
Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP)
Ministry Of Food And Agriculture (MOFA)
P. O. BOX MB 37
Accra

alabibortey@gmail.com
Tel: +233-20-0198921

Closing Date:  20th June, 2012

Please include reliable mobile number(s) and email address(es) to facilitate early and easy contact.