Adviser (Public Financial Management) - Interim Position - Governance and Institutional Development Division

Reference: 120900431
Location: London, UK | Salary: £68,094 pro rata
Duration: Until 15 July 2013
Closing Date: 19 Oct 2012

Job Summary

The Governance and Institutional Development Division (GIDD) operationalises the Mandate of Commonwealth Heads of Government (Aso Rock Declaration 2003) which aims to institute transparent and effective public finance management systems in developing member countries. Similar commitments have been made by Commonwealth Finance Ministers in Barbados 2005, Guyana 2007, Saint Lucia 2008 and Cyprus 2009.
The Public Financial Management (PFM) Adviser provides policy, technical and institutional support to all country institutions in the area of public expenditure management, informed by understanding of the political dynamics of PFM in context, recognizing the close link between public finances, effective democratic public authority political stability and economic growth. Areas include but not limited to budget planning and implementation, internal and external audit, public procurement, risk management, asset management, expenditure monitoring and reporting, civil society participation in the budgetary process. Some of the institutions the Adviser works with include: budget/planning division, office of the accountant general, office of the auditor general, directorate of internal audit, public procurement policy. Regulatory and oversight bodies, civil society organisations interested in the budgetary process, and such upstream institutions as national revenue agencies through the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) and others.
The Adviser delivers the PFM mandate through partnerships with professional bodies, regional and international development partners as well as working collaboratively with the key constituents- the Thematic Fellows and the Commonwealth Public Procurement Network (CPPN).
The programme requires an Adviser honed with operating at strategic level with deep political acumen around and in depth knowledge in public finance policy development and a clear familiarity with the various strands including but not limited to budgeting, expenditure tracking and reporting, internal and external auditing, public procurement, risk management and asset management, the role of civil society in the budgetary process and oversight functions. The candidate should demonstrate familiarity in dealing with country policy makers and development partners with the ability of developing and leading country capacity building project.
Also critical, is the imbued ability to strengthen existing professional networks within the public financial management portfolio, maintain momentum and currency provide policy advice, and support the implementation of country and regional projects through direct (personal) or indirect (consultancy) interventions. The candidate must be able demonstrate the essential attributes of communicating with and reaching to varying cultures and peoples within the Commonwealth.
The post holder will carry out the following:

• Develop a PFM business continuity plan to guide programme delivery in developing member countries through the Thematic Fellowship and the CPPN;
• Support the implementation of Fellowship projects (country action plans) and specific country and CPPN initiatives;
• Add value to existing partnerships and establish new ones with regional and international development partners to support various strands of PEM;
• Lead transitioning of the CPPN into a full professional body within the Commonwealth;
• Provide strategic advice to PEM related institutions in developing member countries;
• Expand the scope of work in budget participation within member countries;
• Initiate round table discussions on PEM initiatives to influence country reforms;
• Initiate strategies to intensify experience sharing within the Commonwealth;
• Lead the development of strategic templates to guide country reforms;
• Provide strategic advice on PFM matters within the division and across the wider Commonwealth Secretariat environment;
• Provide professional inputs in the recruitment of PFM field experts as well as assist with project monitoring in collaboration with the Technical Cooperation and Strategic Response Team in the Division;
• Carry out such duties as assigned by the Director and Head of the Thematic Programme Group; and
• Performs any other duties as may be required.

Qualifications and Work Experience

• A post-graduate degree or advanced professional qualification in public finance, public or business administration, development economics, or accounting.
• At least 10 years’ experience at senior level in a ministry of finance or equivalent;
• At least 13 years of practical working knowledge of public expenditure management, with a significant proportion of this related to financial administration and public sector expenditure management;
• Familiarity with the public finance policy environment (decision-makers); including country-wide reforms in the various strands of public finance (budgeting, audit, procurement, etc);
• Evidence of developing and delivering (lecture) a training module in a niche area
• Track record of leading a strategic country action plan;
• Track record of providing strategic direction beyond country needs and aspiring to improve regional or pan-commonwealth reforms is an added advantage;
• Team player, backed by effective time management, professionalism, managing others and partners, creativity and vision; and strong communication skills;
• Track record of research and contributing to professional journals, including strong writing skills;
• Track record of developing thematic modules in a competent area as budgeting, auditing, etc evidence of training others and, and leading capacity development at country or regional level;
• Track record of partnering with training institution(s) to build capacity; and
• Ability to work independently, under pressure and under time constraints.

About the Governance and Institutional Development Division

The Governance and Institutional Development Division (GIDD) promotes the Commonwealth’s core principle of just and honest government and carries out the Secretariat’s mandate on public sector development. It is the largest Division responsible for managing the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC).
GIDD’s work covers the full spectrum of public policy and administration. Its role is to provide advice and technical cooperation in capacity building and institutional development for poverty reduction and sustainable development in Commonwealth member countries. GIDD has in-house specialist expertise in areas such as governance, public sector reform initiatives, public expenditure management, human resource management and anti-corruption.

Further Information

How to apply
Apply online

Full Job Description for Interim Adviser (Public Financial Management)