Uzbekistan Student Financing System Reform Preparation with World Bank Support

2025-12-05 16:56:00 / Jahon Banki bilan qo'shma loyihalar 1. Background The Government of Uzbekistan is preparing a comprehensive reform to improve equitable access, sustainability, and relevance of the national student financing system. To support this effort, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has received a Preparation Grant (GFPP Grant No.

TF0C8875) in the amount of USD 2,000,000 from the Bank, acting as trustee of the Grant Facility for Project Preparation .

The Grant finances preparation of the follow-on Program for Results with the potential Investment Project Financing Component Operation that will also require preparation of the feasibility studies, financial simulations, ESF assessments, due diligence of financial intermediaries, capacity-building, consultations, and technical design work.

The findings and deliverables produced under the Grant will guide the development of the full project, including results areas, Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs), implementation arrangements, and monitoring systems. 2.

Description of GFPP Grant Activities The Grant finances three major areas of analytical and preparatory work as outlined in the Grant Agreement: Part 1: Research and Feasibility Studies Feasibility study on the student financing system Environmental and social assessments Evaluation of current student loan policies and access barriers Survey work to assess impacts of student loan repayment strategies Financial simulations for sustainability and risk analysis Stakeholder workshops and consultations Part 2: Project Readiness and Institutional Strengthening Establishment and support to the MEF’s expert group Strengthening administrative, technical, and analytical capacity Due-diligence assessment of potential financial intermediaries (banks) Procurement assessments M&E, legal, fiduciary, and ESF readiness for the future project Part 3: Policymaker Capacity Development Training on international best practices in student financing Capacity development workshops for MEF, MHESI, and financial intermediaries Learning events with national and international experts Technical preparation for taxation, digital infrastructure, and financing mechanisms 3.

Implementation Arrangements The Grant will be implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) through an existing Project Implementation Unit (PIU), with the MEF serving as the primary implementing entity responsible for fiduciary management, procurement, reporting, monitoring, and coordination with the Bank.

The PIU will be responsible for: Comprehensive project management ensuring the fulfillment of all key performance indicators.

Fiduciary functions (FM, disbursement, procurement) ESCP implementation and reporting Coordination with MEF departments, MHESI, commercial banks, technical ministries, and stakeholders Communication with the Bank Monitoring and evaluation Preparation of financial reports, interim unaudited financial reports (IFRs), and audit arrangements in line with the DFIL Given the complexity and multi-stakeholder nature of the preparation activities, the PIU requires a qualified Financial Management / Disbursement Specialist .

4. Objective of the Assignment The objective of this assignment is to ensure sound financial management, accurate accounting, proper disbursement, and comprehensive financial reporting for the GFPP Preparation Grant, in full conformity with the Bank requirements, national regulations, and the PIU’s internal financial procedures.

The Financial Management (FM) and Disbursement functions under the Grant must comply with the requirements set in: Grant Agreement (TF0C8875) Disbursement and Financial Information Letter (DFIL) , including Statements of Expenditures ( SOEs), Designated Account Reconciliation Statements (DARS), and Interim Unaudited Financial Reports (IFRs) requirements World Bank FM Guidelines World Bank Anti-Corruption Guidelines Standard Conditions for Grant Financing 5.

Scope of Services The Financial Management / Disbursement Specialist shall perform all financial management and disbursement functions required to ensure proper use of project funds. A. Financial Management and Accounting Establish and maintain an accounting system compliant with the World Bank’s General Conditions and national regulations.

Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date accounting records for all Grant transactions. Ensure accounting is conducted using acceptable software and in accordance with IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) “Financial Reporting Under the Cash Basis of Accounting” issued by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB).

Maintain a proper filing system for all supporting documentation (invoices, contracts, payment evidence). Prepare and submit annual and semi-annual financial statements as required. Prepare the relevant Project Operations Manual (POM) for the follow-on Program. B.

Disbursement and Disbursement and Financial Information Letter (DFIL) Compliance Become fully familiar with the DFIL and ensure strict adherence to: Disbursement methods (Advance, Reimbursement, Direct Payment) SOE preparation Designated Account management Minimum application thresholds Reporting frequency for Designated Accounts Prepare withdrawal applications in the Bank’s Client Connection system and submit all supporting documentation.

Prepare and reconcile SOEs. Prepare and submit DARS. Reconcile bank accounts and financial records regularly to ensure accuracy C. Budgeting and Financial Planning Prepare and update annual and quarterly budgets for project activities. Monitor budget execution and advise the Project Coordinator on needed adjustments. Provide early warning on potential over-commitments or under-utilization of funds. D.

Internal Controls and Compliance Ensure strict adherence to internal controls as described in Grant Agreement. Ensure all payments comply with: Contract terms Procurement procedures Eligibility requirements World Bank FM policies Support the establishment and regular review of internal control procedures within the PIU. E.

Coordination with Auditors and the Bank Support the external audit process, including: Draft ToR for audit services and submit to World Bank for review. Preparation of financial statements for audit Provision of required documentation Coordination with auditors Ensure the annual audit report is submitted within deadlines established in the Grant Agreement (within 6 months after project closing).

Ensure timely submission of audit findings to World Bank and other relevant entities Facilitate audits of project accounts and address recommendations from audit reports. Communicate with the Bank FM specialists during implementation support missions, reviews, and on ad hoc queries. F.

Reporting Prepare IFRs every six months, in the format required by the Bank, including: Sources and uses of funds Designated Account reconciliation Budget execution Notes to the IFRs Provide financial inputs to: Semi-annual progress reports PIU internal reporting Annual work plans G. Payments Processing and Cash Management Manage the Designated Account in accordance with DFIL requirements.

Ensure timely processing of payments to suppliers, consultants, and service providers. Monitor bank balances and commitments to ensure funds availability. Reconcile bank accounts monthly. H. Support to PIU and Other Stakeholders Provide financial guidance to Project Coordinator, procurement staff, technical departments, and consultants.

Participate in procurement planning and contract management from a financial perspective. Ensure that cost estimates, financial obligations, and procurement packages align with the budget. 6. Deliverables The Financial Management / Disbursement Specialist will deliver: Interim Unaudited Financial Reports every 6 months. Withdrawal Applications , including supporting SOEs and DARS.

Quarterly budget execution and variance reports . Monthly bank account reconciliations . Annual financial statements for external audit. Inputs for semi-annual project progress reports . Timely submission of documentation for audits . Properly maintained financial records and filing systems (electronic & hard copy). Relevant inputs to the POM for the follow-on project. 7.

Qualifications Education Higher education degree in accounting, finance, economics, public financial management, or a related field. Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CIMA) is an advantage. Professional Experience At least 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management or accounting. Experience with the Bank funded or donor-funded projects is highly desirable.

Strong experience in disbursement, withdrawal applications, SOEs, and Designated Account management. Experience in public financial management in Uzbekistan is an asset. Skills Strong knowledge of accounting standards and internal control principles. Familiarity with the Bank FM and disbursement requirements. Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel. Strong analytical and organizational skills.

Excellent drafting and communication skills in Uzbek and Russian; working English required. High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail. 8. Duration of the Assignment The duration of the assignment is through the entire implementation period of the GFPP Preparation Grant , ending around June 2026 , with possible extension subject to performance and project needs. 9.

Reporting and Supervision The Financial Management / Disbursement Specialist will report directly to the Project Coordinator and work in close coordination with: Procurement Specialist MEF’s Financial Departments World Bank FM specialists External auditors Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form in English or Russian languages to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by December 11, 2025.

Uzbekistan, 100017, Tashkent, Istiklol street, 29 Tel:(+99871) 203-50-50 (01540), +998 90 632 88 06 E-mail: Dilmurod.Sultonov@imv.uz Web site: https://www.imv.uz/ Agency: Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 25000.0 USD