Consultant-Financial Management Specialist

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

Madhya Pradesh accounts for among largest forest area and largest population of tribal people in India. The livelihoods of tribal people are intimately linked to the forest. The collection and sale of NTFPs accounts for between 40 percent to 63 percent of total annual income of the rural population and provides an important income generating activity to offset seasonal unemployment rate.

With spread of COVID-19 in Madhya Pradesh, massive consequences on livelihoods are feared. The pandemic has severely affected lives and livelihoods of tribal communities, particularly those who are mostly dependent on collection and sale of minor forest produce for their livelihoods and source of income.

In order to give benefits to forest dwellers in collection and trade of forest produce, the Madhya Pradesh State Minor Forest Produce (Trading & Development) Co-operative Federation (MP MFP Federation) was formed in 1984. This Federation co-ordinates collection and processing of Tendu leaves, Sal Seed, & Kullu Gum through Primary Forest Produce Co-operative Societies in the districts of the State which are forest produce areas and organises disposal of these produce. In addition, other non-nationalised NWFP are also being collected and traded by the Primary Forest Produce Co-operative Societies.

UNDP is closely working with the Federation to address the livelihoods issues of the Tribal communities in the state. UNDP has deployed two (02) Consultants to provide technical support to the organisation on Management & Monitoring of MFP collection, processing, branding and marketing of the produce. UNDP wishes to further support MP MFP federation by deploying a Financial Management Specialist. The Specialist will assist the Federation on finance and accounting functions.

With the above background, UNDP seeks to recruit a short-term consultant (Individual Consultant) for a period of 5 months to support the above-mentioned activities while working closely with MP MFP Federation along with UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide financial management support to the federation in all areas of day to day finance and accounting functions
• Regular & proper keeping of accounts related records as per GOI/GoMP standards, following the standard accounting principles of double entry accounting system
• Work closely with the accounts team of MP MFP Federation and assist in works related to budget, work plan, grants disbursement and audits
• Processing of bills/invoices etc for payment both in Manual and MIS/computerized financial accounting systems
• Ensure that funds disbursed are properly accounted and that necessary supporting documents such as records, vouchers, relevant contract agreements, etc. and books of accounts are properly retained in respect of all project procurements & expenditures, so that these are made available to Audit
• Assist in maintaining cash book on daily basis and prepare monthly expenditure statements, compilation of monthly accounts & annual financial reports, and preparation of the monthly reimbursement applications and related statements
• Carry out monitoring visits with the program team and other members of finance team
• Any other task as assigned by the Federation

Competencies

• Experience of using Internet based applications and proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, etc.
• Demonstrated strong conceptual, analytical skills with clarity of thought process and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational skills and accuracy with keen attention to detail
• Self-motivated, problem solving skills, high level of zeal and enthusiasm in all endeavours, unblemished integrity, ability to check quality of own work and ability to organize and prioritize own work to meet deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and as well as in a team
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey necessary information, explain reasoning, and support conclusions using data and facts clearly and concisely
• Must possess initiative and the ability to work independently as well as team
• Good communication and report writing skills in English language

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Experience

The candidate must be Charted Accountant with 7-10 years of experience and in-depth knowledge of financial management procedures with 5 years of hands on experience on Double Entry Accounting System and experience of operating Tally accounting software.

Term of Contract

The contract will be awarded for 5 months initially and will be extended subject to availability of resources. Working hours, and holidays will be as per the MP State Government policy or as advised by the Head of the UNDP State Office

Payment Terms

On submission of detailed monthly reporting on activities undertaken and progress made.

Functional Competencies

• Experience working with the Central and/or State Government department/ or agencies would be an added advantage

Communication skills

• Good communication, interpersonal skills, with an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates/safeguards ethics and integrity
• Works as a team member

Evaluation Criteria

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as responsive to the requirement. Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Technical Criteria weight - 70%.

Financial Criteria weight – 30 %

Technical Criteria (70% of total evaluation)

• Minimum qualification will be C. A - 30%
• At least 7-10 years of work experience - 40%

Financial Criteria: (30% of the total evaluation) based on the total all-inclusive lump sum amount for professional fee for tasks specified in this announcement

Financial Proposal:

Technically qualified consultants will be requested to submit their daily fee rate i.e. consultants who score more than 70% i.e. 49 marks with respect to the above-mentioned evaluation criteria. Consultant should not specify their consultancy fee on their CV or with the submission. The CV will not be evaluated further in case the consultant submits the same.

Documents to be submitted by Consultants

• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability for the Individual Contractor Assignment
• Updated and signed P-11 form for ICs
• Financial quote NEED NOT BE SUBMITTED at this stage.

Note:

• Any kind of miscellaneous charges i.e. internet, phone, relocation charges etc. would not be reimbursed.
• Travel, lodging and boarding for official travel shall be reimbursed as per UNDP rules subject to prior approval
• Individuals working with institutions may also apply, contract would be issued in the name of institution for the specific services of individual
• UNDP IC policy does not restrict the consultant to take up multiple assignments. However, the selected candidate must submit a no objection certificate from his/her employer at the time of joining to UNDP.