MBAW-125

Organizational context:

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with national counterparts on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP Afghanistan is supporting the Government to find innovative solutions to its development challenges based on the on-going Country Programme Document approved by the Executive Board for the period 2006 – 2009.  A new Country Programme Document was approved by the Executive Board during September 2009 for the period 2010-2013. Key priority areas for UNDP assistance are in strengthening democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, and reducing poverty. UNDP is strengthening the institutional capacities of key national government and sub-national authorities which aim to enhance human security, human development, peace and stability in Afghanistan.

UNDP Making Budgets Aid Work (MBAW) project provides the essential support to the Ministry of Finance to strengthen budget planning, implementation and monitoring processes. In addition, the project promotes the effective use of the national budget as a tool for coordination of international development assistance to the government of Afghanistan through implementing various activities that build on the outputs and outcomes of the project in line with the ANDS and UNDAF.

Functions/ Key Results Expected :

 

The successful applicant will work under the direct Supervision of the Director General Budget and administratively report to MBAW Management. The main purpose of this position is to provide technical and strategic advice to DG Budget in the implementation of the key PFM reforms undertaken by the Budget Department.

 

Context:

As Afghanistan enters the Transition phase and prepares for the so-called Transformation Decade, the administrative, economic and fiscal structures would encounter formidable challenges over the next few years. With reduction in official assistance, gradual decline in the size of the security forces, and lesser international engagements, the economic boom triggered by influx of foreign inflows whether through the official medium or otherwise would begin to dampen growth. Additionally, the provision of services at the sub-national level, the maintenance of assets acquired over the past decade, delivery of services for ordinary citizens, and absorbing the impact of the retrenched labor force from the security sector would pose yet more challenges.

 

Another area that would likely gain importance is the question of budget support and the responsibility of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). The ARTF has served its purpose. It started a decade ago to deal with emergency conditions. As Afghanistan enters a different horizon and aspires for increased budget through the government’s financial system, the government’s possible role as the joint administrator with the World Bank would be worth considering. 

 

The budget is the single-most policy instrument at the disposal of the government. The budget and the role of fiscal policy play a crucial role in the way the economy functions. The Budget Department will have to be perceptive in budget formulation. The advisor should therefore be innovative in thinking and insightful in policy prescriptions.

 

Summary of Key Functions:

• Policies/Strategies development for improvement of DG Budget performance and implementation of key PFM reforms
• Provide direct advisory to DG Budget.
• Ensure facilitation of PFM knowledge building and knowledge sharing within the Budget Department of the MoF.
• Provide research and analytical advice.

Detailed Job Description:

1. Policies/Strategies development for improvement of DG Budget performance and implementation of key PFM reforms

• Review the current processes and challenges faced by the Budget department to meet the international commitments and provide recommendations
• Review the implications of the Transition and the Transformation Decade and provide policy guidance
• Engage with key line ministries and agencies on issues that affect the budget process such as:

r  the size of the tashkeel and the absorption through external funding (Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission (IARCSC));

r  the project appraisal process of the Minister of Economy;

r  the Policy Department of the Ministry of Finance on financing issues relating to the National Priority Programs (NPPs) etc.

• Work closely with the Fiscal Policy and Economic Analysis Directorate to find the correct allocation of resources through the Medium Term Budget Framework (MTBF) within the resource ceilings of the Medium Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF)
• Advise on business processes reengineering
• Suggest/improve system for Budget Department performance and results monitoring and evaluation
• Draft policies, concept notes and briefing notes for DG Budget on key PFM issues
• Monitor and revise the DG budget strategic plan
• Attend meetings and engage into stakeholders consultation regarding future PFM reforms agenda with a focus on the PFM Roadmap and the Technical Coordinating Committee that oversees the IMF’s benchmarks
• Keep abreast of developments in the office of the Minister of Finance, and offices of Deputy Ministers for Finance; Policy, Revenue and Customs; and Administration.

 

2. Provide direct advisory to DG Budget

• Assist DG Budget with strategic orientations and decisions within the Budget department
• Manage when relevant, on behalf of DG, donors relations and public relations
• Review and comments all key documents related to PFM and the Budget department roles and functions
• Provide technical assistance as and when required to Budget departments units managers
• Provide advice on the next phase of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) vis-à-vis the NPPs.

 

3. Ensure facilitation of PFM knowledge building and knowledge sharing within the Budget Department of the MoF

• Build, maintain and update the Budget Department PFM knowledge repository
• Provide training and deliver ToT courses on related PFM areas
• Brief DG Budget and relevant unit managers on latest PFM developments, international benchmarks and critical PFM issues of interest
• Coordinate TA assistance and efforts within the Budget department

 

Other Tasks:

Any other tasks and responsibilities as required or requested by direct supervisor in line with the job context

Impact of Results:

 

The assignment have the below outputs and results;

• Capacity of budget department improved
  • Budget reforms in line with ANDS framework and priorities at national and sub national are implemented and the national budget processes are strengthened

Budget department meets its performance targets and drive the PFM reform agenda

Skills and Competencies:

 

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Strong knowledge in public finance management;
• Demonstrated ability to translate policy and programmatic issues into local contexts;
• Strong research and analytical skills and ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from a variety of sources;
• Ability to build productive partnerships with various stakeholders;
• Excellent writing and oral skills in English;
• Ability to write quickly, clearly and concisely;
• Ability in transmitting knowledge and building capacities;
• Ability to act as a team player and leader, with strong interpersonal and communication skills;

Ability to work in a pressured environment with strict deadlines.

Education:

Master’s Degree or PhD in Economics, Financial management, public financial management or any other relevant field

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in Public finance, economic development, budgeting and other relevant field.
• Must possess very strong knowledge of IPSAS, MTFF, PEFA, OBI, COSO, COFOG and other public finance management standards, benchmarks and procedures
• Experience in providing strategic advises to senior officials within a foreign Ministry of Finance is a must

Previous experience in Afghanistan or the Region an asset

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English (reading and writing) and proficiency in local languages (Dari and Pashto) an asset

Interested International Applicants should submit their updated application comprises your CV and a one-page cover letter explaining your interest and suitability for the advertised position.

 

Email:

‘+’vacancies.mbaw’+’@’+’budgetmof.gov.af’+’
vacancies.mbaw(at)budgetmof.gov.af

 

Making Budget Aid Work Project, Ministry of Finance, Kabul Afghanistan.

 

PLEASE MENTION THE VACANCY NUMBER NAME OF THE POSTIONS YOU ARE APPLYING FOR, IN YOUR EMAIL SUBJECT LINE, OTHERWISE THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED, APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

 

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEW.

 

Females are highly encouraged to apply.

The vacancy announcement is open only for International (s) applicants