[Hiring] Financial Management Consultant @IFDC- International Fertilizer Development

Role Description

IFDC is preparing to implement an IFAD and Government of South Sudan funded contract focused on strengthening climate-resilient agricultural livelihoods, food security, and market engagement across selected counties in South Sudan. To support the project's pre-inception and start-up activities, IFDC is seeking a qualified Financial Management Consultant with demonstrated experience on IFAD-funded projects. The consultant will conduct a rapid assessment of IFDC's current financial management systems to identify gaps relative to IFAD requirements and provide targeted guidance to ensure readiness for project implementation.

Scope of Services

The overall objective of this consultancy is to ensure that IFDC's financial management systems comply with IFAD's minimum requirements and that the project is equipped to manage funds accountably and transparently. Specific objectives may include but are not limited to:

• Rapid Financial Management Assessment:
  • Review existing financial management policies, procedures, and manuals;
  • Assess bookkeeping and financial accounting system including software/tools in use;
  • Evaluate the chart of accounts and report in alignment with IFAD requirements;
  • Review internal controls, authorization levels, segregation of duties, and audit trails;
  • Assess financial reporting processes including formats and frequency of internal and external reports;
  • Review cash management, banking arrangements, and funds flow mechanisms;
  • Assess payroll, fixed asset management, and grant management sub-systems where relevant;
• Gap Analysis and Guidance:
  • Prepare a gap analysis mapping current practices against IFAD's minimum requirements for project financial management;
  • Develop a prioritized, time-bound action plan for addressing identified gaps;
  • Provide technical guidance on adapting or upgrading IFDC's financial management system to support preparation of IFAD-compliant reporting;
  • Advise on required updates to financial policies, delegations of authority, and governance documents;
  • Provide guidance on IFAD's financial reporting calendar and key submission deadlines.
• System Design Support:
  • Draft or revise the project Financial Management Manual covering bookkeeping procedures, internal controls, reporting formats, and audit arrangements;
  • Support the setup of project-specific accounting modules or cost centers within IFDC's existing system;
  • Prepare templates for IFAD required financial reports, including Interim Financial Reports;
  • Advise the selection and terms of reference for external auditors consistent with IFAD audit requirements.
• Follow-On Support (As Needed):
  • Build capacity of IFDC finance staff on IFAD financial management procedures;
  • Review of the first set of IFAD financial reports (IFRs) prior to submission;
  • Support during IFAD supervision missions with financial management components;
  • Conduct periodic compliance reviews and system audits during project implementation.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in accounting, finance, public financial management, or a related field; professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA) preferred;
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in financial management, with at least 3 years on IFAD-funded or comparable multilateral development bank contracts;
• Demonstrated knowledge of IFAD's financial management requirements including the IFAD Project Financial Management Handbook;
• Proven experience in developing financial management manuals, chart of accounts, and IFAD-compliant reporting templates;
• Familiarity with common accounting software used in IFAD project environments;
• Experience in South Sudan/East Africa preferred;
• Knowledge of IPSAS or IFRS accounting standards is an advantage;
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills in English;
• Familiarity with the agricultural development sector is an advantage.

Location and Duration

This is a short-term consultancy to be conducted either in Juba, South Sudan or remotely. The assignment is expected to span approximately four to six weeks.

Reporting and Work Relationships

The role will report to the Project Manager and will work closely with IFDC and project staff.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.