Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Malawi

MINISTRY OF ENERGY 

 

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)

 

 

COUNTRY	MALAWI
NAME OF PROJECT	ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY ACCESS TRANSFORMATION IN MALAWI (ASCENT MALAWI) PROJECT
PROJECT ID	P502464
ASSIGNMENT TITLE	FINANCE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
DATE OF ISSUE	24TH FEBRUARY 2025

1. Introduction

 

The Government of Malawi is currently implementing the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Malawi (ASCENT Malawi) Project with funding from the World Bank. The project development objective is to increase clean and sustainable energy access in Malawi, aligning with ASCENT’s Program Development Objective of increasing clean and sustainable energy access in Eastern and Southern Africa. The project has five components but, the Ministry of Energy (MoE) will implement components 2,3,4; Off-grid Connection through Solar Home Systems; Energy Access for Schools and Health Facilities; and Clean Cooking Solutions, respectively; and Sub-component 5.1, Technical Assistance and Capacity Building. The MoE intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under the contract for hiring a Finance Management Specialist.

 

Position          :           Finance Management Specialist (Individual Consultant One (1) Position)

 

Location         :           Within the ASCENT Malawi Project Implementation Unit at MoE

 

Commitment :           100%

 

Reporting       :           To the Project Manager

 

Counterpart   :           Project Accountant, Finance Management Assistant and Assistant                                               Accountants 

 

1. The Objective of the assignment

The objective of the assignment is to manage the finances of the project in adherence to the Government of Malawi and donor financial management procedures and guidelines.

           

1. Duties and Responsibilities

The Finance Management Specialist (FMS) will be responsible for implementing the financial management activities of the Project, including the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund (NNNF) within the Ministry of Energy (MoE). The FMS will also support financial management capacity assessments and capacity-building activities. He/She will work under the supervision of the Director of Finance or the designated head of finance in the Ministry, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with Government of Malawi (GoM) and World Bank financial management requirements.

Specific tasks will include the following:

1. Ensure compliance with financial regulations by reviewing and evaluating internal controls, financial procedures, and methods to align with GoM and World Bank financial management guidelines, thereby safeguarding project funds.
2. Prepare and submit financial reports including Annual Financial Statements, Quarterly Interim Financial Reports (IFRs), Expenditure Returns, and audit reports in line with agreed timelines.
3. Supervise and build capacity of finance project staff ensuring adherence to financial best practices and; World Bank and GoM guidelines.
4. Prepare and implement an effective fund disbursement schedule to ensure timely availability of funds for contract payments, operational expenses, and administrative costs.
5. Coordinate external and internal audits by preparing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for auditors, ensuring audit readiness, responding to audit queries, and following up on the implementation of audit recommendations.
6. Develop and maintain a financial management system that ensures proper documentation, record-keeping, and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.
7. Support the PIU in preparation of Project Annual Work Plans and Budgets, ensuring financial feasibility and alignment with project objectives.
8. Monitor project financial performance, evaluating actual expenditures against projected GoM and World Bank funding commitments to guide expenditure priorities and fund replenishment.
9. Prepare finance project reports for submission to the Project Technical Committee; Project Steering Committee and the World Bank through the Director of Finance.
10. Process loan and grant disbursement claims for NNNF beneficiary companies, ensuring compliance with funding agreements.
11. Ensure proper financial documentation for audit trail and World Bank supervision to support transparency and accountability in NNNF financial management.
12. Conduct financial management capacity assessments for the Project and provide recommendations for improvements in financial controls and accountability mechanisms.
13. Train and mentor project finance personnel in the preparation of IFRs, Annual Financial Statements, and financial reporting best practices.
14. Prepare audit plans and management responses to audit queries and financial reviews.
15. Maintain financial documentation to support project transparency and compliance.
16. Carry out any other duties assigned by the Project Manager or the designated head of finance.

 

 

1. Qualifications and Experience

The Finance Management Specialist should have working experience of at least five (5) years executing finance management functions of which at least three (3) years must be in World Bank funded projects. Educational and professional qualifications and attributes will include:

 

1. A professional qualification such as Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) or Chartered Institute of Management Accountant (CIMA) or its equivalent obtained from a recognized institution. A Master’s Degree in the relevant field will be an added advantage.
2. Experience in managing financial operations of development projects, preferably in the energy or public sector.
3. Proven experience in public sector financial management and familiarity with Government of Malawi Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, regulations, and procedures.
4. Strong understanding of World Bank/IDA financial management policies and disbursement procedures.
5. The candidate must be a registered full member of a recognised professional accounting body.
6. Strong experience in TomPro, a financial management system used in donor-funded projects.
7. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
8. Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
9. High ethical standards, commitment to transparency, accountability, and confidentiality.

 

 

4.0       Performance Assessment Criteria

 

1. Quality and Timeliness of Technical Reports
2. Quality of Documentation Submitted for Post and Prior Reviews
3. Quality of Technical Records and Reports Filing
4. Successful deployment and reliable operation of SHS 
5. Effectiveness in managing contracts with service providers,
6. Efficient Oversight of Independent Verification Agent (IVA) Reports
7.  Improvement in the Capacity of Project Staff

 

1. Location of Employment

 

The Financial Specialist will be based at the PIU Office in Lilongwe which is located within the Ministry of Energy where ASCENT is implementing its activities.

 

6.0       Duration of Employment

 

The Contract is a period of five years renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance, need and availability of funding.

 

7.0       Reporting Requirements

 

As part a member of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the FMS shall report to the Project Manager.

 

8.0       Services and facilities to be provided by the Client

 

The client will provide the following services and facilities to the Consultant

1. Office space
2. Office equipment
3. Communication facilities
4. Logistics for field work

 

9.0 The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

 

10.0 A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

 

11.0 Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 7:30hrs to 12:00hrs and from 13:00hrs to 17:00hrs except on Weekends and Public Holidays.

 

12.0 Expressions of interest including detailed updated curriculum vitae and copies of professional and academic certificates must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 03RD APRIL, 2025.

 

The Chairperson-Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee

Attn: The IPDC Chairperson

Ministry of Energy,

Private Bag 309,

Lilongwe 3.

Tel: +265 1 770 688

Fax: +265 1 770 094

Email : info@energy.gov.mw or

E-mail: victor.lombola@energy.gov.mw ; misheck.maweru@energy.gov.mw 

         

 

MINISTRY OF ENERGY 

 

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)

 

 

COUNTRY	MALAWI
NAME OF PROJECT	ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY ACCESS TRANSFORMATION IN MALAWI (ASCENT MALAWI) PROJECT
PROJECT ID	P502464
ASSIGNMENT TITLE	FINANCE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
DATE OF ISSUE	24TH FEBRUARY 2025

1. Introduction

 

The Government of Malawi is currently implementing the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Malawi (ASCENT Malawi) Project with funding from the World Bank. The project development objective is to increase clean and sustainable energy access in Malawi, aligning with ASCENT’s Program Development Objective of increasing clean and sustainable energy access in Eastern and Southern Africa. The project has five components but, the Ministry of Energy (MoE) will implement components 2,3,4; Off-grid Connection through Solar Home Systems; Energy Access for Schools and Health Facilities; and Clean Cooking Solutions, respectively; and Sub-component 5.1, Technical Assistance and Capacity Building. The MoE intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under the contract for hiring a Finance Management Specialist.

 

Position          :           Finance Management Specialist (Individual Consultant One (1) Position)

 

Location         :           Within the ASCENT Malawi Project Implementation Unit at MoE

 

Commitment :           100%

 

Reporting       :           To the Project Manager

 

Counterpart   :           Project Accountant, Finance Management Assistant and Assistant                                               Accountants 

 

1. The Objective of the assignment

The objective of the assignment is to manage the finances of the project in adherence to the Government of Malawi and donor financial management procedures and guidelines.

           

1. Duties and Responsibilities

The Finance Management Specialist (FMS) will be responsible for implementing the financial management activities of the Project, including the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee Fund (NNNF) within the Ministry of Energy (MoE). The FMS will also support financial management capacity assessments and capacity-building activities. He/She will work under the supervision of the Director of Finance or the designated head of finance in the Ministry, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with Government of Malawi (GoM) and World Bank financial management requirements.

Specific tasks will include the following:

1. Ensure compliance with financial regulations by reviewing and evaluating internal controls, financial procedures, and methods to align with GoM and World Bank financial management guidelines, thereby safeguarding project funds.
2. Prepare and submit financial reports including Annual Financial Statements, Quarterly Interim Financial Reports (IFRs), Expenditure Returns, and audit reports in line with agreed timelines.
3. Supervise and build capacity of finance project staff ensuring adherence to financial best practices and; World Bank and GoM guidelines.
4. Prepare and implement an effective fund disbursement schedule to ensure timely availability of funds for contract payments, operational expenses, and administrative costs.
5. Coordinate external and internal audits by preparing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for auditors, ensuring audit readiness, responding to audit queries, and following up on the implementation of audit recommendations.
6. Develop and maintain a financial management system that ensures proper documentation, record-keeping, and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.
7. Support the PIU in preparation of Project Annual Work Plans and Budgets, ensuring financial feasibility and alignment with project objectives.
8. Monitor project financial performance, evaluating actual expenditures against projected GoM and World Bank funding commitments to guide expenditure priorities and fund replenishment.
9. Prepare finance project reports for submission to the Project Technical Committee; Project Steering Committee and the World Bank through the Director of Finance.
10. Process loan and grant disbursement claims for NNNF beneficiary companies, ensuring compliance with funding agreements.
11. Ensure proper financial documentation for audit trail and World Bank supervision to support transparency and accountability in NNNF financial management.
12. Conduct financial management capacity assessments for the Project and provide recommendations for improvements in financial controls and accountability mechanisms.
13. Train and mentor project finance personnel in the preparation of IFRs, Annual Financial Statements, and financial reporting best practices.
14. Prepare audit plans and management responses to audit queries and financial reviews.
15. Maintain financial documentation to support project transparency and compliance.
16. Carry out any other duties assigned by the Project Manager or the designated head of finance.

 

 

1. Qualifications and Experience

The Finance Management Specialist should have working experience of at least five (5) years executing finance management functions of which at least three (3) years must be in World Bank funded projects. Educational and professional qualifications and attributes will include:

 

1. A professional qualification such as Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) or Chartered Institute of Management Accountant (CIMA) or its equivalent obtained from a recognized institution. A Master’s Degree in the relevant field will be an added advantage.
2. Experience in managing financial operations of development projects, preferably in the energy or public sector.
3. Proven experience in public sector financial management and familiarity with Government of Malawi Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, regulations, and procedures.
4. Strong understanding of World Bank/IDA financial management policies and disbursement procedures.
5. The candidate must be a registered full member of a recognised professional accounting body.
6. Strong experience in TomPro, a financial management system used in donor-funded projects.
7. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
8. Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
9. High ethical standards, commitment to transparency, accountability, and confidentiality.

 

 

4.0       Performance Assessment Criteria

 

1. Quality and Timeliness of Technical Reports
2. Quality of Documentation Submitted for Post and Prior Reviews
3. Quality of Technical Records and Reports Filing
4. Successful deployment and reliable operation of SHS 
5. Effectiveness in managing contracts with service providers,
6. Efficient Oversight of Independent Verification Agent (IVA) Reports
7.  Improvement in the Capacity of Project Staff

 

1. Location of Employment

 

The Financial Specialist will be based at the PIU Office in Lilongwe which is located within the Ministry of Energy where ASCENT is implementing its activities.

 

6.0       Duration of Employment

 

The Contract is a period of five years renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance, need and availability of funding.

 

7.0       Reporting Requirements

 

As part a member of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the FMS shall report to the Project Manager.

 

8.0       Services and facilities to be provided by the Client

 

The client will provide the following services and facilities to the Consultant

1. Office space
2. Office equipment
3. Communication facilities
4. Logistics for field work

 

9.0 The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

 

10.0 A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

 

11.0 Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 7:30hrs to 12:00hrs and from 13:00hrs to 17:00hrs except on Weekends and Public Holidays.

 

12.0 Expressions of interest including detailed updated curriculum vitae and copies of professional and academic certificates must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 03RD APRIL, 2025.

 

The Chairperson-Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee

Attn: The IPDC Chairperson

Ministry of Energy,

Private Bag 309,

Lilongwe 3.

Tel: +265 1 770 688

Fax: +265 1 770 094

Email : info@energy.gov.mw or

E-mail: victor.lombola@energy.gov.mw ; misheck.maweru@energy.gov.mw