Financial Specialist

Financial Specialist

Report to: Director, Public Investment Management (PIM)

Background:

A leading government institution at was established in November 2019 to coordinate, support, and drive the implementation of reforms under the Reform Matrix. Additionally, the leading government institution will provide necessary technical assistance and capacity building to Government Ministries and entities to support and expedite the implementation of reforms.

A leading government institution will oversee the implementation of the Reform Matrix; ensure reforms are designed in consultation with stakeholders; report to the Government of Jordan (GoJ) and development partners on progress; and coordinate between (GoJ) entities and development partners to ensure implementation and alignment of donor programs with national priorities. Furthermore, a leading government institution will produce and disseminate information and communication materials to inform all target groups, including the private sector and the public, of the progress of implementation and impact of reforms.

The Reform Matrix consists of twelve pillars:

1. Pillar 1: Fiscal policy.
2. Pillar 2: Public Sector Efficiency and Governance
3. Pillar 3: Enabling Business Environment.
4. Pillar 4: Investment and Trade Promotion Drive.
5. Pillar 5: Access to Finance and Capital Markets
6. Pillar 6: Labor Markets and Skills Development.
7. Pillar 7: Social Safety Nets.
8. Pillar 8: Transportation Sector.
9. Pillar 9: Energy Sector.
10. Pillar 10: Water Sector.
11. Pillar 11: Agriculture Sector.
12. Pillar 12: Tourism Sector.

Project Context

Given Jordan’s limited fiscal space, the Reform Secretariate is committed to ensure that Jordanian public investment spending is well assessed and efficient to promote growth and at the same time strengthen public financial management by improving the management of fiscal risks through monitoring the Government’s underlying fiscal position. In June 2016 a decision was taken to establish a central Public Investment Management (PlM) Unit at the leading government institution along with a Governance Framework for PIM/PPP decision making. As such the government has already established a central PIM Unit at the leading government institution to manage all investments according to standards set by the PIM/PPP framework, also a plan to develop a National Register of Investment Projects (NRIP) for PIP and PPP projects has been adopted to make it fully operational for all new projects to be selected through appropriate methodologies and selection criteria which will provide comprehensive data for all government investment projects, as well as preserve, archive, and organize documents studies, and reports for these projects. The registry will also determine priorities and monitor performance indicators during various stages of the project with the overall goal of improving the quality of outputs and achieving developmental goals in line with outlined financial costs and approved timelines to better manage and control public expenditures.

Main Function:

The Financial Specialist in the PIM Unit will be responsible for financial reviews of Project Concept Notes (PCN), Feasibility Study appraisal and assessment; analysis of the budgets and financial information of the proposed public investments and provide technical expertise in the assessment of economic and financial cost benefit analysis of public investments.

Responsibilities:

The Financial Specialist will be responsible for the following key tasks:

• Assist with the estimation of some selected national parameters to appraise Public Investment Projects (PIPs) and provide benchmarking for appraisal based on previous local comparable projects.
• Guide the PIM Unit in conducting cost benefit analysis and cost effectiveness analysis models for PIPs in an Excel friendly model and user manual.
• Provide technical expertise in the assessment of economic and financial cost benefit analysis of public investment projects.
• Assist in the conduct of initial projects screenings and prioritization.
• Assist in the preparation of Project Concept Notes in coordination with the Line Ministries and Public Authorities.
• Advise on project review and implementation in the context of economic and financial analysis to maximize impact and to uphold project relevance.
• Contribute to the development of guidelines, tools, strategies, and policies related to financial and economic analysis.
• Tailor approaches for projects reflecting organizational priorities, budget resources and external financing availability.
• Engage with the Ministry of Finance / General Budget Department and always ensure proper communication and collaboration.

Deliverables:

The following are the expected deliverables from the Financial Specialist:

• Monthly progress reports.
• Technical reports and presentation on assigned tasks.
• Prepare Manuals and guidelines Project Concept Notes (PCN).

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related fields.
• A minimum of 6 years and maximum of 8 years of relevant work experience post education in project financial evaluation, Analysis and modeling.
• A working knowledge and experience in the public sector is an advantage.
• An experience in PPPs is a strong advantage.
• Strong competence in the use of standard spreadsheets (i.e., Excel) and preparation of technical reports and financial models.
• Experience in an international setting and ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to articulate complex issues verbally and in written in a concise manner.
• Team management and capacity knowledge sharing experience is required.
• Excellent business writing and presentation skills.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in both English and Arabic.
• Jordanian national only.

للتقدم على الوظيفة