ACCOUNTS CLERK

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA/ HUMAN CAPITAL RESILIENCE PROJECT

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: ACCOUNTS CLERK

 

The World Bank’s Board has approved US$20 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group to finance the Saint Lucia Human Capital Resilience Project (SLHCRP).The Project seeks to strengthen the resilience of Saint Lucia’s population by using a two-pronged approach to strengthen human capital.

The Project includes a component on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which focuses on the promotion of higher quality technical and socio-emotional skills and the transformation of the TVET sector from a supply-driven system to a demand-driven system that responds to a dynamic labour market.

The Social Protection (SP) component concentrates on strengthening SP Policy Frameworks and improving the implementation of flagship social programs with an emphasis on increasing the efficiency and coverage of the Public Assistance Program (PAP), Saint Lucia’s main cash transfer program.

The Project will be implemented through a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) that will carry out the activities in pursuit of accomplishing the objectives. The PIU will be headed by a Project Manager (PM) who reports to the Permanent Secretary (PS), Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations.

The Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations, the Project Executing Agency, now invites interested eligible individuals to submit Expressions of Interest for the position of Accounts Clerk.

The Accounts Clerk shall support the Finance Officer in maintaining an integral accounting system for the Project, utilizing standard procedures, and preparing Financial Management Reports and Financial Statements for the Project.

The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of sixty (60) months. Contracts will however be offered for one (1) year, and will be subject to renewal based on job performance.

Expressions of Interest will be evaluated based on the following: expertise, qualifications and experience in undertaking similar assignments. The Expressions of Interest should include the Consultant’s updated curriculum vitae including: (i) personal and technical skills, (ii) experience in working with similar projects in developing countries, and (iii) the names of at least three (3) references with contact information (e-mail address, telephone or fax numbers).

In the evaluation of submissions, consideration will be given to technical competence, qualifications and experience – as delineated in the attached Terms of Reference for this position,- local and regional experience on similar assignments, and existing commitments.

Following the assessment of submissions, the most technically capable and appropriately experienced applicants will be invited to an interview. The Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. The Department will not be bound to assign any reason for not shortlisting any applicant, and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.

Applications must be submitted in English to the address below and reach the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations no later than 4:30 pm local time on Friday, July 03, 2020.

Permanent Secretary

Policy & Administration Unit

Department of Education, Innovation & Gender Relations

4^th Floor, Francis Compton Building

Waterfront, Castries

SAINT LUCIA

 

Please note that the sealed envelope containing each submission should include the name and address of the applicant, and shall be clearly marked “Human Capital Resilience Project- Title of Position”.

Further information including details of the project may be obtained by contacting 468 5285/5259 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm local time, Monday to Friday, or by emailing cpusecretary@education.gov.lc

 

Saint Lucia Human Capital Resilience Project –P170445

 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

 

Terms of Reference for Accounts Clerk

Background

The World Bank’s Board has approved USD$20 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group to finance the Saint Lucia Human Capital Resilience Project (SLHCRP). The Project aims to strengthen the resilience of Saint Lucia’s population by using a two-pronged approach to strengthen human capital. The components of the Project are as follows:

1. Strengthening of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (“TVET”) through enhanced enabling environments and course offerings for TVET, which will focus on the promotion of more and higher quality technical and socio-emotional skills and the transformation of the TVET sector from a supply-driven system to a demand-driven system that responds to a dynamic labour market.
2. Strengthening the Social Protection (SP) System through the enhancement of SP Policy Frameworks and improving the implementation of flagship social programs with an emphasis on increasing the efficiency and coverage of the main cash transfer program – the Public Assistance Program (PAP).
3. Provision of technical assistance, capacity building, TVET equipment and furniture, and Project Management support.

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development (MoE) and the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment (MoEQ) will work closely with the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for the implementation of Project activities. The services of an Account Clerk are hereby being sought.

Objective:

The Accounts Clerk will support the Finance Officer to maintain an integral accounting system for the Project, utilizing standard accounting procedures, which will ensure full documentation and recording of sources and uses of funds. The Accounts Clerk will also support the Finance Officer to prepare the Financial Management Reports and Financial Statements for the Project in the execution of his/her duties through the provision of accounting support as required for smooth operation of the PIU.

Terms of Assignment

The salary assigned to this post will be consistent with the level of responsibility envisaged and within the scope of the Government of Saint Lucia’s salary scale. It must be noted that this post does not include relocation allowance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties/responsibilities of the Accounts Clerk include, but are not limited to:

• Update the accounting system for the Project, utilizing standard accounting procedures, and ensuring that it is consistent with the Procurement Plans which will ensure full documentation and recording of sources and uses of funds

 

• Review payables and ensure prompt settlement of payables to suppliers and contractors

• Prepare payment vouchers and ensure funds are available before cheques are written; including telegraphic transfers for overseas payments and transfer of funds for the Designated Account to the Project Account to facilitate local payments

• Provide general support to the Finance Officer;

 

• Maintain required registers and inventories to ensure full accountability and record the use of funds;

 

• Utilize relevant Accounting Software Package for data input in order to record payments;

• Maintain a filing system for all financial documents;

• Review Bank Statements and prepare Bank Reconciliations to ensure receipts and payments are cleared in bank accounts by the 7^th working day of each month;

 

• Assist in the preparation of allocation requests;

• Monitor outstanding invoices for all contracts and reconcile statements from suppliers
• Meet/follow up periodically with the Accountants of the Implementing Agencies to ensure timely submission of relevant documentation;

• Assist the Finance Officer with the preparation of Financial Management reports; and

• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Finance Officer or Project Manager from time to time.

 

Skills and Qualifications (Minimum Requirements):

Associate Degree in Business Administration, or other related discipline;

                                  

OR

Completed ACCA Level 1 or CAT;

Possess a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in an accounting environment;

Possesses knowledge regarding GOSL Finance Administration Act and Finance Regulations;

Proficient in the use of Accounting Software;

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite;

Strong planning and forecasting skills;

Excellent oral and written communication skills;

Strong ability to multi-task and effectively manage time; and

Experience in working on a World Bank or donor-funded project would be an asset.

Selection Criteria:

1. Demonstrates understanding of the World Bank’s Financial Management and reporting systems;
2. Knowledge of Government’s accounting systems and process in Saint Lucia including SmartStream accounting and QuickBooks;
3. Experience in working on World Bank or donor-funded projects in the Eastern Caribbean;
4. Training and experience in Accounting Software/financial systems and accounting reporting tools;
5. Suitable academic qualifications; and
6. Should be eligible to work in Saint Lucia.

Duration

The Account Clerk’s contract will be for a period of one year initially, and will be subject to renewal based on measurable performance in satisfying the objective of this position.