Financial Management Consultant at Health Systems Consult Limited (HSCL)

Reporting:  Director / Secretary BHCPF
 Duration of Consultancy: The duration of this consultancy is 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

Background

• The enactment of the National Health Act 2014 and establishment of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in Section 11 represents a watershed moment in Nigeria’s path toward providing equitable access to care for Nigerians, and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Its implementation is to be based on the Guideline which stipulates the governance, administrative, funding, and monitoring mechanism for the Fund.
• The BHCPF represents a sustainable model for ensuring equity and financial risk protection for the nation’s vulnerable populations, by guaranteeing effective access to a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services, funded from not less than one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), financial grants from local and international donors, partners, the private sector and philanthropic individuals. 
• The BHCPF is to be managed by a robust governance framework led by the Honourable Minister for Health at the federal level and Commissioners for Health at the state level who approve all proposals and reports at the respective levels. 
• The overall objective of the BHCPF is to ensure the provision of a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS) to all Nigerians and strengthen the Primary Health Care (PHC) system. 
• The Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) of the BHCPF functions as a national oversight group promoting robust collaboration amongst implementing agencies in the evolution and implementation of the BHCPF, reviewing annual work plans and budgets of federal and state implementing entities, as presented by implementing agencies, for endorsement. Review updates on the flow of funds, performance management and verification of results, evaluate periodic program reports submitted by the implementing agencies, review performance of the implementing entities based on a clear set of agreed-upon Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across the BHCPF program, and ensure that funds are disbursed, managed, and accounted for in a transparent manner and following the guideline.
• The overall objective of the BHCPF is to: Ensure the provision of a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS) to all Nigerians and strengthen the Primary Health Care (PHC) system. 
• The BHCPF secretariat seeks the services of a Financial Management Consultant to provide technical support in the implementation of the fund.

Rationale for the Role

• The Financial Management Consultant will support the secretariat to ensure that all finance related processes are carried out in accordance with leading practices within the framework of applicable laws.

Scope of Work

• Under the general supervision of the Director/Secretary of MOC, the Financial Management consultant shall provide support, capacity building and assistance to MOC Secretariat and other project’s staff.
• This will include; financial management system review, designing the reporting guideline, budgeting/work plan/financial planning and/or analysis template, design financial and monthly management accounts format that suits the FMOH, partners and other stakeholders, amongst others. 

The Financial Management consultant will carry out the following tasks:

• Lead the review/development and deployment of a BHCPF Financial Management Manual and Tools for all levels of implementation
• Administer all activities for management and financial resource management
• Build stakeholders capacity on financial management with the view to establish a critical mass of experts in financial management for BHCPF
• Ensure that effective training programs in financial management are designed for executive secretariat units
• In collaboration with the consolidated accounts department of OAGF, review and improve the accounting system to meet donor’s requirement 
• Train the financial management team on budget preparation, budget monitoring and variance analysis reporting in line with the national chart of accounts (NOA) 
• Assist in drafting of procurement procedural manual in line with Bureau of Public Procurement.
• Develop key performance indicators (KPI) for the financial management team.
• Supervise the identification, procurement, deployment and use of a suitable accounting/financial management software that complies with OGAF and broad government and partner financial reporting requirements
• Develop terms of reference for external auditors and internal framework for use of audit report to improve fund utilization, transparency and accountability.

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, and Experience
The consultant should be a senior professional with an Advanced Degree in a relevant field and possess the following:

• Advanced Degree in Finance, Financial Management, Audit or related field and 
• Possession of professional certificates such as ACA, CA, CPA, ACCA or its equivalent will be an advantage 
• Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in financial and grant management, financial control, audit of public or private institutions.  
• Demonstrable experience in building financial management systems for organizations or projects
• Familiarity with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) reporting.
• Conversant with Nigeria public financial management reforms 
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• IT skills including the ability to operate spreadsheets and ERPs
• Good oral and written communications skills including the ability to prepare good quality reports.