Host and Rohingya Enhancement of Lives Project

Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Office of the Project Director (SE),RHD

Construction & Improvement of Three Roads Targeting Host Community Under Bandarban Division Project

Rangamati Road Circle, Rangamati.

Ref: HELP-RHD/S/2                                                                                                          Date:  17 March 2025

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

For

INDIVISUAL CONSULTANT SERVICE AS SENIOR FINANCIAL CONSULTANT (NATIONAL)

(Package Number: SD 02)

The Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (GoB) has received a credit from the International Development Association (IDA) towards the Host and Rohingya Enhancement of Lives Project (HELP). The objective of the project is to improve access to basic services and enhance disaster and climate resilience of the host communities and FDMNs and intends to apply a part of the proceeds of this credit for the services of an individual Consultant as Senior Financial Consultant. 

1. Scope of Services: The broad scope of consulting services(“the services) includes, but not limited to the following in the project:

1. Financial Management: Update and maintain sound financial procedures at RHD in compliance with GoB and IDA regulations. Process IDA fund withdrawal applications to the Government Consolidated Fund/Designated Account, ensuring proper fund utilization, management, and accounting.
2. Budget Consolidation & Analysis: Assist the PD in consolidating the project budget based on approved procurement and implementation plans. Conduct variance and ratio analyses for quarterly IUFRs and handle taxation accounting (VAT, TAX, CD, etc.).
3. Chart of Accounts: Develop/update a comprehensive Chart of Accounts to capture financial data under (i) GoB codes, (ii) project components/sub-components, and (iii) World Bank disbursement categories, enabling accurate financial reporting.
4. Computerized Accounting System (CAS): Procure and implement a CAS. Maintain financial records using MS Excel until the CAS is operational.
5. Disbursement Forecasts: Prepare annual, quarterly, and half-yearly disbursement forecasts aligned with procurement, implementation plans, and budget, securing PD approval for financial reporting.
6. Fund Management: Ensure proper fund utilization, manage designated accounts, prepare Bank Reconciliation Statements, and handle fund/bank correspondence with GoB and IDA. Process withdrawal applications for World Bank funds.
7. Record Maintenance: Maintain adequate registers, books, and records to meet statutory requirements and facilitate financial monitoring.
8. Fixed Assets Management: Maintain computerized fixed asset records, including location and user details, and conduct periodic inventories.
9. Financial Reporting: Prepare and submit accurate annual financial statements, monthly/quarterly reports per GoB Project Accounting Manual, and IUFRs as per the Financing Agreement.
10. Audit Coordination: Prepare the Statement of Audit Needs (SAN), facilitate audits, respond to queries, and coordinate tripartite meetings to address audit objections.
11. Procurement & Advisory Support: Assist Project Procurement/Tender/Audit Committees and advise the PD on financial matters as needed.

2. Duration: The expected date for commencement of the services is June 2025 and the tentative duration of the entire assignment is about 30 (Thirty) man-months. Detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) and other information will be available upon request from the address provided below either through email or in person.

3. Selection Procedures:

The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) under Road Transport and Highways Division, ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Government of Bangladesh now invites eligible Individual to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Individual should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The selection criteria are:

• Master of Commerce in Accounting/Finance or MBA with major in Accounting/Finance.   In addition to the above.
• Member of a Professional Accountancy Organization (PAO) (CA/ACCA/CMA etc.) recognized by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) will be an advantage.
• At least five years’ post qualification experience in financial management of which at least three years in a managerial position in any government / semi government organizations being actively involved and fully conversant with the large contract payments, GoB budget, fund release and reporting formalities, knowledge regarding rules and regulations for budgeting, accounting, financial reporting and auditing.
• Fully conversant with and have had hands on experience with computerized accounting system with ability to assist in implementation and customization; skills in software installation and troubleshooting will be added advantages;
• Experience in World Bank's disbursing and reporting requirements; and working with World Bank or similar financiers’ funded projects will be an added advantage;
• Candidates with experience with IBAS++ preferred;
• Proven track record of ability to develop a chart of accounts befitting the relevant computerized accounting system and the reporting;
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to work independently as a team player and under pressure;
• Strong interpersonal communicative skills, experience in team leadership and participatory management;
• Ability to train the project staff on financial management system.

Applicants are required to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI), comprising of a CV (including employment history with duties and responsibilities) and a forwarding letter describing briefly the reasons that the applicant considers him/her-self best suited to perform the assignment.

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

5.Detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) and other information will be available upon request from the address provided below either through email or in person. ToR is also available in RHD’s website. (www.rhd.gov.bd).

6.The consultant will be selected following the Selection of Individual Consultant method as set forth in the World Bank Procurement Regulations.

7.Expression of Interest needs to be submitted (either through e-mail or in person or by mail) to the following address by 17:00 hours on April 30, 2025. Please clearly mention “Expression of Interest (EoI) for Selection of Senior Financial Consultant in the e-mail’s subject line or on the top of the envelope.

8.The authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all EoIs without assigning any reason, whatsoever.