Financial Management Specialist- CITIIS
About the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)
Established in 1976, the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA, is a premier Institute of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India for research and capacity building for urban sector in India. NIUA’s broad objective is to bridge the gap between research and practice on issues related to urbanization. For more than 40 years now, NIUA has been the vanguard for contributing to and building the urban narrative for a fast-evolving Urban India.
The Institution has been actively working on bringing forth key areas of concern for urban India in order to build the urban discourse at various urban scales. It has utilized its competencies in research, knowledge management, policy advocacy and capacity building to address urban challenges and continuously striving to develop sustainable, inclusive, and productive urban ecosystems in the country. It has emerged as a thought leader and knowledge hub for urban development in India and is sought out by both Indian and International organizations for collaborations and partnerships in India’s urban transforming journey. NIUA is committed towards aligning its efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through all its initiatives and programs.
About CITIIS
CITIIS 1.0 is a joint program of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (Govt of India), Agence française de développement (AFD), European Union (EU) and National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). The program is assisting 12 cities across India- selected through a challenge process to develop and implement innovative and sustainable urban infrastructure. These infrastructure projects with a total outlay of over Rs. 1200 Crores are under four thematic areas viz. Sustainable Mobility, Public Open Spaces, Urban eGovernance & ICT, Social & Organizational Innovation in Low-income settlements.
CITIIS 2.0, the second phase of the CITIIS program was approved by the Union Cabinet on May 31, 2023 with an outlay of Rs. 1866 Crores. CITIIS 2.0 will be financed through a EUR 200 million bilateral loan from AFD and KfW and a technical assistance grant of EUR 12 million from the European Union. The program envisages to support competitively selected projects promoting circular economy with focus on integrated waste management at the city level, climate-oriented reform actions at the State level, and institutional strengthening and knowledge dissemination at the National level.
Guidelines of the program can be accessed through: https://citiis.niua.in/web/sites/default/files/2023-10/CITIIS%202.0-%20O...
Responsibilities
The Financial Management Specialist shall work closely with the program team, especially the Procurement Specialist, Infrastructure Specialist, Accounts & Admin Officer of the CITIIS PMU; as well as with NIUA departments; and finance departments of the State and Urban Local Bodies / SPVs under the CITIIS 1.0 as well as CITIIS 2.0 program. Responsibilities of the Finance Specialist shall include but not limited to the following:
- Undertake financial management assessments for existing as well as new projects and provide financial management implementation support for ongoing projects covering project budgeting, internal controls, accounting, treasury, funds flow, financial reporting and auditing arrangements;
- Support in developing the procurement plan for the CITIIS program at national level as well as at the project level with States and Local bodies;
- Review annual audited financial statements, audit reports and audit management letters of the SPVs under CITIIS, and prepare appropriate communication;
- Prepare purchase documents based on user requirements ensuring that technical specifications of goods and services are in conformity with the prescribed standards;
- Ensure the operations are carried out in accordance with applicable financial management policies, procedures, and instructions, and supporting analytical work on financial management and public financial accountability;
- Assess the documentary evidence with regards to contract compliance and government norms prior to payment of bills / invoices;
- Monitor progress of contracts implementation to ensure that it abides by the stipulated standards, procedures and operational modalities;
- Monitor on-going financial compliance by projects with Government of India as well as AFD’s policies and procedures;
- Develop periodic Interim Financial Reports;
- Provide training, guidance and advice on financial management related aspects.
Reporting:
The Financial Management Specialist shall work closely with the program team; and directly report to the Program Director- CITIIS at NIUA, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Skills and Qualifications
- Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in accounting, finance, public financial management, economics, or another related field.
- The candidate should be a qualified professional accountant- CA, CWA, CPA or equivalent membership of an internationally recognized professional accountancy body.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in financial management.
- Knowledge of International Reporting Standards (IFRS) / Indian Accounting Standards (IndAS).
- Experience in designing and assessing internal control systems using internationally accepted control frameworks.
- Experience in evaluating financial management systems (including budgeting, accounting, cash management, internal audit and financial reporting systems).
- Experience in assessing auditor competence and independence.
- Good social, analytical, inter-personal and planning skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
References: Please provide name and contact information of three references.
Remuneration: As par with the industry standards, depending on experience and skills and fitment with NIUA remuneration structures. Proof of past remuneration (last received salary/monthly contract payment) would be required.
Application process: Submit CV and cover letter through the NIUA portal. Applications through any other mode shall not be accepted. Only eligible applicants meeting the minimum criteria may apply.
Last Date of Application: 03rd Nov 2024
