Solicitation_-_Financial_Analyst.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

SOL28015000007

ISSUANCE DATE:

July 14, 2015

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

4:30 pm Cairo time on August 4, 2015

POSITION TITLE:

Financial Analyst

MARKET VALUE:

GS-14

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

One Year - Renewable

SECURITY ACCESS:

Facility Access

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens who are able to obtain the required security clearance.

A) Place of Performance:

The place of work is Frankfurt, Germany.

B) Period of Service:

The duration of this position is for one year with option to renew.

C) Background:

In summer 2014, USAID began establishing a regional platform in Frankfurt, Germany. The USAID Middle East Regional Platform (MERP) will provide administrative, legal, procurement and financial management support for USAID Missions and programs in the Middle East. MERP also will manage regional programs and provide technical support in the areas of gender, water, environment, education, economic growth and good governance. This position is required to provide expert technical advice as needed by the MERP and the regional programs. The responsibilities include but are not limited to guidance on financial management aspects of project design, pre-award surveys and other assessments, pipeline analysis, quarterly accrual exercise, audit management and internal control assessments under the FMIA requirements.

D) Basic Function of the Position:

This Financial Analyst (FA) position is located in the Middle East Regional Platform (MERP), Frankfurt Support Center (FSC) and reports directly to the Regional Controller and/or his/her designee. The FA main duties consists of analyzing and advising on: 1) the complex financial aspects of developing, implementing and evaluating Middle East regional projects managed by the MERP and those managed by limited or non-presence countries in the region, a substantial number of which are large and complicated; 2) the various aspects of the internal operations managing a complex and large development portfolio, including adequacy of financial analysis, audit coverage and implementation/resolution of audit recommendations. The FA generates and analyses financial reports to monitor project activity implementation and progress to facilitate decision making by senior management.

E) Duties and Responsibilities:

The FA functions as a full member of the Mission’s Development Objective (DO) Teams, serving as the primary contact for all financial management services provided by the Regional Financial Management Office (RFMO) to those teams. As a financial management expert, independently conducts the full range of difficult and responsible financial analysis and reviews, preparing written reports of findings and recommendations. Provides financial advice on the development, implementation and evaluation of USAID financed projects and the various aspects of the internal operations required to manage a complex and large development portfolio, including adequacy of analysis, audit coverage and implementation/resolution of audit recommendations. The incumbent participates in all DO team meetings and in the development and design of new DO strategies, projects and activities. Analyses and makes recommendations on the general financial feasibility of projects, adequacy of project dollar and local currency budgets, alternative sources of financing, total costs over life of project and project financial reporting requirements. For income-producing projects, analyses revenues to be generated and other projected earnings and establishes financial rates of return. As a DO Team member, acts and represents the Regional Controller, in accordance with delegated authorities, providing the full range of financial support services, including budget and financial advice on USAID procedures, regulations and methods of project implementation. Performs pre-award analysis of prospective grantees to determine the adequacy of their accounting system and internal controls, their financial status and their financial and institutional capability to implement USAID financed grants. Explains financial aspects of projects to grantees and advises and assists them to take the necessary measures to meet projects’ financial requirements. Ensures that proposed methods of project implementation are consistent with identified risk levels.

Reviews and comments on financial information submitted by implementing institutions in compliance with conditions precedent or periodic reporting requirements. Monitors financial progress during the life of project to identify deficiencies, to determine if earlier deficiencies have been corrected and to resolve any financial difficulties revealed by project evaluation teams. Participates and assists in efforts to improve the capacity of local institutions as they seek to become efficient and self-sustainable development partners. Makes field trips with project officers to examine project accounts for accuracy and propriety of expenditures. Serves as a member of project evaluation teams to determine if movement of project funds matches physical progress of project. Recommends changes to correct deficiencies or improve implementation. For this purpose, develops and implements a financial review plan involving on-site reviews to validate that proper accounting and internal control procedures are being followed and are adequate to guide the proper utilization of USG resources.

Percentage of time: 70%

On a periodic basis, normally quarterly, leads the 1311 reviews process of all expired program funded obligations (excluding program funded operational support funds) to determine whether obligated funds are still required in accordance with Agency requirements to ensure continued validity of obligations and commitments. Reviews and analyzes expired procurement obligating instruments (grants, contracts, POs, etc.) in order to facilitate close out action, provides financial reports and other supporting documentation to the designated Close-Out Specialist. Facilitates de-obligation of funds no longer considered valid, properly documents all decisions, obtains necessary approvals, takes required action, and maintains files on this process. Prepares, and records in Phoenix, journal vouchers to either transfer or de-obligate funds found to be in excess as a result of the review. Corresponds in writing and orally with contractors, grantees, Mission staff, USAID/W staff, and local and U.S. suppliers to make this determination. Advises and coordinates closely with AORs/CORs during the preparation of quarterly accruals data. Reviews and records program accruals in the accounting system, Phoenix. Develops and maintains documentary evidence of the accrual process providing auditable and verifiable support for the quarterly amounts recorded as accruals in Phoenix.

Percentage of time: 8%

Develops quarterly pipeline analysis reports; supports project/activity implementation by coordinating with the AORs/CORs and implementing partners in problem identification and resolution; ensures that obligated funds as well as planned incremental funding actions are adequate for accomplishing project results in full compliance with the Agency’s forward funding guidelines. Leads pipeline discussions with mission staff and senior management regarding any financial management issues identified during the pipeline review. This task involves complex pipeline analysis that tracks utilization of funds starting with budget allocations, funding levels, mortgage, obligation, carry-over and planned-vs-actual expenditure analysis. The incumbent also reviews all program funded documents in GLAAS and ensures that funding data attached to the GLAAS package is accurate and that all pre-obligations requirement are met per Agency guidelines and regulations.

Percentage of time: 7%

Serves as the Audit Management Officer (AMO) by developing, implementing and maintaining the Recipient Contracted Audit Program; identifies and manages the related audit inventory; coordinates with Mission AORs/CORs and implementing partners the contracting of audits, including the drafting of audit scopes of work; attends audit entrance and exit conferences with audit firms; monitors progress of the audit work, discusses audit issues within the Mission and assists in the formulation of solutions to address any resulting audit recommendations. Serves as liaison with the Regional Office of the Inspector General (RIG) in Frankfurt, to track and ensure prompt resolution of any findings or recommendations resulting from performance audits performed by the RIG.

Percentage of time: 5%

Leads the performance of the annual internal control reviews mandated by the Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act. As such, incumbent manages the review process, performing analysis or testing, as required, of the internal controls being evaluated. Incumbent also monitors, follows up and periodically reports to the Management Control Review Committee on corrective actions taken and on any internal control weaknesses found, as well as outstanding audit recommendations.

Percentage of time: 5%

Monitors outstanding program advances to implementing partners in coordination with AOR’s and Voucher Examiners and issues Bill of Collection and/or other appropriate action.

Percentage of time: 5%

F) POSITION ELEMENTS:

a) Supervision Received: The incumbent reports to the Regional Controller. The FA is responsible for independently formulating, planning and developing methods to conduct financial analyses and to formulate conclusions and recommendations independently. Supervision is restricted to initial guidance on any aspects of the assignment considered particularly important and any special financial techniques to be employed in conducting the analysis.

b) Supervision Exercised: None

c) Available Guidelines: USAID ADS, Foreign Affairs Manual, Standardized Regulations, GAO Accounting and Auditing Standards for Governmental Entities, OMB Circulars, Guidelines for Financial Audits Contracted by Foreign Recipients, and grants/cooperative agreements. These guidelines are used and interpreted for the preparation of reports and in the presentation of conclusions and recommendations.

d) Exercise of Judgment: There is heavy reliance placed on the judgment and advice of the FA when providing advice on the financial aspects of project development and management and on determination of the financial status and capability of project implementing institutions. Excellent tact is required to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of financial processes and systems given their complexity and cultural and political factors inherent in making such evaluations; resolve questions and problems in the development of appropriate methods and procedures to conduct analyses. The FA deals with high-level officials in counterpart organizations and manages sensitive and privileged information. Incumbent is recognized as an expert in accounting and financial analysis. His/her professional judgment and advice are heavily relied upon by USAID senior management staff and high level partner officials.

e) Authority to make Commitments: Although he /she does not have authority to commit funds, incumbent makes recommendations regarding the commitment of funds.

f) Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Routinely works with high-level partners (at the general director, program manager and controller levels), audit/management consulting firms, IG staff and partners on complicated and large projects. High-level contacts are essential to evaluate the design and overall strategy of projects and to obtain access to sensitive and closely held information critical to most analysis and evaluations.

g) Time expected to Reach Full Performance Level: 18 months.

G) Required/Desired Qualifications and Selection Criteria:

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain a Facilities Access Security Clearance. S/he must submit an application in accordance with the following guidance. In addition, candidates must meet the Selection Criteria listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the criteria. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

a) Education: University degree in accounting, finance or business administration or other related financial field is required.

b) Prior Work Experience: At least five to seven years (5-7) of progressively responsible experience in professional accounting, auditing or financially-oriented business management. Experience with an international organization or the U.S. Government is highly desirable

c) Post Entry Training: USAID financial management overview, training in USAID’s procedures on project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, on-the-job training, and USAID audit and accounting courses.

d) Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) in Speaking and Reading English language ability is required. English writing skills are particularly important.

e) Job Knowledge: A thorough knowledge of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology as well as the principles and accepted practices of governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting is required. Knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures associated with USAID financial management as well as knowledge of how USAID projects are designed, developed, implemented and evaluated is desirable

f) Skills and Abilities: Must have an unusual ability to detect the financial strengths and weaknesses of projects. Must be able to make independent judgments on institutional capabilities and the adequacy of accounting systems and controls. Must be able to develop and maintain contacts with high-level officials of host country institutions selected to implement projects. Must be able to collect and present facts and recommendations in a clear, concise manner, both orally and in writing. Must have the ability to conduct sound analytical, evaluative and complex financial reviews and evaluations of (1) activity proposals in order to determine the soundness and effectiveness of financial arrangements; and (2) of financial and management operations including market surveys, procurement practices, etc. Superior analytical, planning and writing ability is required. Must be able to work in a team environment within the USAID Mission and to collaborate effectively with partner institutions. Computer skills and knowledge of basic software packages (Microsoft Office suite) required.

To be considered, the applicant must meet those qualifications marked (required). Candidates will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Ranking Factors:

H) Clearance requirements:

The selected candidate must obtain medical and security clearance.

APPLYING:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit:

(1) A cover letter of no more than 3 pages that demonstrates how the candidates’ qualifications meet the work requirements;

(2) A curriculum vitae which at a minimum, describes education, latest experiences and career achievements;

(3) A completed and signed OF-612;

(4) Names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references;

(5) A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position.

The HR Office will disregard any CV submissions exceeding five pages and/or those received after the deadline.

The U.S. Government Optional Form 612 is available Application form is available online https://dcb.cit.nih.gov/documents/of612.pdf or at Federal offices.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

The evaluation and selection process usually takes two to three weeks after the deadline. Shortlisted applicants are invited for tests and/or interviews during this time frame. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates who are seriously being considered for a position are contacted for an interview. Please do not contact HR for a status report on your application once your application has been acknowledged. Interviewed candidates will normally be advised of the outcome of the selection process after a period of about four weeks.

Applicants may choose any of the methods in the Cover Page to submit their applications but USAID accepts no responsibility for delay in transit, mis-routing, etc. Submissions shall be in accordance with the above information at the place and time specified. Given the often intermittent problems people experience in the world with fax and email, all candidates are notified that, should they choose to utilize this method, they should confirm with the USAID/ Cairo Human Resources office that all documentation submitted was received prior to the closing date of this notice. Equipment failures at USAID or by the applicants network are not acceptable reasons for late submission, as candidates have the option of sending their application hard copy by courier. No, repeat no, applications will be considered after the closing time and date, and it is the applicant’s full responsibility to ensure that all their documentation has been received by our office.

TYPE AND DURATION OF APPOINTMENT:

Employment shall be through a USAID Personal Services Contract for a period of one year with option to renew. This Personal Services Contract is subject to the availability of funds.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, the Local Hire USPSCs are normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS:

Salary:

Will be determined by the USAID Contracting Officer within the GS–14 salary range based on experience, qualifications, and salary history. This position is taxable; incumbent will be required to pay US taxes.

Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service

APO mail service as per post policy

*Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

*Candidates meeting the definition of resident hire USPSC will receive corresponding benefits.

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.

CIBs/AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website: http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which apply to this contract.

Clearances:

Samia Joseph, HR

Cynthia Rogers, EXO