Senior Budget Advisor-Afghanistan

Description

Senior Budget Advisor-Afghanistan

Location: Afghanistan Division: Program Management Status: Consultant Position Number: C11:10

Project Description:

In June 2008 IFES was awarded a three-year contract with USAID, named the Support to the Electoral Process in Afghanistan (STEP). The STEP team is tasked to provide support to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) of Afghanistan in its long-term capacity building and other areas of operation. Current end date of the project is September 2011.

Job Responsibilities:

The Budget Advisor is required for a period of up to three months and will be based in Kabul, Afghanistan. Reporting to the IFES Chief of Party (or designee), the consultant will serve as an advisor to the Independent Election Commission (IEC). The advisor will support the development of an annual budget for the IEC and ensure capacity development of IEC’s Finance and Administration Department particularly in annual budgeting, forecasting, and troubleshooting. The advisor will support the IEC at a pivotal transition period when the Commission’s budget is transitioning from a predominantly international funded body to Afghan funded. Responsibilities: • Assess current capacity of IEC’s Finance and Administration Department in budgeting, forecasting, financial management, troubleshooting and financial reporting; • Plan and implement a series of relevant capacity development workshops using information gathered from the assessment; including specific workshops presenting strategies for annual budgeting and forecasting; • Support data collection from Provincial and National staff for input into the annual budget; • Support the adoption of an IEC annual budget; • Contribute to the production of weekly, monthly and quarterly reports; • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree (Master or equivalent) in Public Administration, Management, Business Administration or equivalent professional experience; • Candidates should possess at least twelve years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience within financial management or administration including budgeting, financial software, and human resources. Previous financial management experience is essential; • Demonstrated capacity development experience, in particular working in post-conflict or complex humanitarian environments; • Electoral related financial and auditing management skills and experience highly desirable; • Demonstrated organizational, supervisory and interpersonal skills; Experience at the international level, especially in international organizations desirable; • Afghanistan experience highly desirable; • Fluency in written and spoken English is essential; knowledge of Pashto or Dari is highly desirable.

Preferred Attributes:

• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations; Client Orientation – Ability to identify and analyze clients’ needs and provide appropriate solutions to meet business requirements; • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex financial concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style; • Demonstrated planning and organizational skills and ability to coordinate the work of others, work to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; • Ability to coach, monitor and develop staff. To Apply: You must go to http://www.ifes.org/ to the Careers section and apply online. Applications are only accepted in this way. Make sure you upload all papers together (ie. cover letter and application, etc.).