Consulting Services Individual Consultant Expression of Interest Request

Monitor budget performance, conduct variance analysis and provide recommendations to PIU management. Producing monthly budget utilization report. Financial Reporting Maintain an up-to-date and reliable financial management system and verify the accuracy of data posted in the system frequently.

Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual financial reports, including Interim Financial Reports (IFRs), for AUC management and the World Bank as indicated in the Financing Agreement Collect and consolidate the IFRs of the Think Tanks and other AUC entities that receive funds.

Prepare the project’s financial statements and supporting schedules, and make available documents and financial information to internal and external auditors. Properly file all financial documents and records for easy access. Making sure that all fixed assets acquired by the project funds are recorded (maintain assets register), kept safe, and are provided with an identification number.

Disbursement & Fund Flow Management Understand and implement the World Bank disbursement procedures and guidelines for the Project. Prepare and submit Withdrawal Applications to the World Bank through the World Bank Client Connection Platform. Monitor fund flows and ensure timely replenishments and transfers to the designated accounts.

Manage the project's cash flow to ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet project needs and obligations, including project beneficiaries such as Think Tanks, AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, and ACBF. Review designated accounts and ensure reconciliations (bank and fund) are prepared monthly and properly documented. Oversee disbursements to ensure compliance with budget allocations.

Audit and Compliance Ensure compliance with AU Financial Rules and Regulations, as well as World Bank fiduciary requirements and the Project Implementation Manual Identify and assess financial risks associated with the project and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

Facilitate annual project audits (internal and external audit), prepare responses to audit queries, and support the implementation of audit recommendations. Capacity Building & Support Provide training and guidance to PIU staff on financial procedures, requirements and donor compliance.

Provide technical assistance and guidance on financial management issues to Think Tanks to ensure effective implementation of the project's financial management arrangements. Support resource mobilization and proposal development with financial inputs. Undertake any other financial management duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Education Master’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related discipline with at least 5 years’ relevant experience ; OR Bachelor’s Degree in the same fields with at least 7 years’ relevant experience . Professional qualifications such as CPA, ACCA, CA, CIMA, or equivalent is mandatory.

Experience Proven track record in managing donor-funded projects (experience with World Bank–financed projects is a strong advantage). Solid knowledge of AU Financial Rules and World Bank fiduciary procedures. Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and audits. Hands-on experience with ERP systems (preferably SAP) and strong MS Office skills.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES Strong financial reporting and analytical skills. Excellent organizational and time-management abilities. High ethical standards, integrity, and impartiality. Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. Ability to work under pressure and deliver within tight deadlines.

Proficiency in one AU working language (English, French, Arabic, Kiswahili, Portuguese, or Spanish) is required. Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of another AU language is an advantage.

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT: The consultancy will be for 12 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016, revised November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations. Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e. 0900 to 1700 hours .

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 22 December 2025 African Union Commission, Attn: Head of Supply Chain Management Division Building C, 3rd Floor, P.O Box 3243, Roosevelt Street Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 7700 – Ext 4305 Fax: +251 (0) 11 551 0442; +251 11-551-0430 E-mails: tender@africanunion.org TERMS OF REFERENCE Title: Financial Management Specialist – Consultancy Project: Africa Think Tank Platform Project (World Bank–financed) Grant No: IDA-E2460 Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Duration: 12 months, renewable subject to performance and availability of funds Reports to: Head, External Resources Management Division, Directorate of Finance Number of Positions: 1 BACKGROUND The African Union Commission (AUC), headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is implementing the Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) Project , financed by the World Bank through Investment Project Financing (IPF).

The Project, launched in February 2024 for five years, aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of think tanks across Africa and promote policy harmonization on key development priorities including: i) Economic transformation and governance ii) Climate change iii) Regional trade iv) Food security v) Human capital development vi) Digitalization The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) requires the services of a Financial Management Specialist (Consultant) to provide day-to-day financial management, ensure compliance with AU Financial Rules and Regulations and World Bank fiduciary requirements, and produce timely and accurate financial reporting.

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT The Financial Management Specialist will provide technical financial management services to the ATTP PIU, ensuring that all project funds are properly managed, accounted for, and reported on, in accordance with the Financing Agreement, AU rules, and World Bank guidelines.

SCOPE OF WORK & RESPONSIBILITIES Financial Management & Controls Manage daily financial activities including monitoring budgets, expenditures, and cash flows. Maintain effective internal controls and ensure compliance with AU and World Bank financial policies. Track accounts payable, receivable, and commitments.

Planning &Budgeting Prepare annual budgets and revisions in coordination with the PIU, and ensure its alignment with the project's objectives and timelines. Monitor budget to ensure that the expenditure is in line with the approved budget and the financial plans. Monitor budget performance, conduct variance analysis and provide recommendations to PIU management. Producing monthly budget utilisation report.

Financial Reporting Maintain an up-to-date and reliable financial management system and verify the accuracy of data posted in the system frequently.

Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual financial reports, including Interim Financial Reports (IFRs), for AUC management and the World Bank as indicated in the Financing Agreement Collect and consolidate the IFRs of the Think Tanks and other AUC entities that receive funds.

Prepare the project’s financial statements and supporting schedules, and make available documents and financial information to internal and external auditors. Properly file all financial documents and records for easy access. Making sure that all fixed assets acquired by the project funds are recorded (maintain assets register), kept safe, and are provided with an identification number.

Disbursement & Fund Flow Management Understand and implement the World Bank disbursement procedures and guidelines for the Project. Prepare and submit Withdrawal Applications to the World Bank through the World Bank Client Connection Platform. Monitor fund flows and ensure timely replenishments and transfers to the designated accounts.

Manage the project's cash flow to ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet project needs and obligations, including project beneficiaries such as Think Tanks, AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, and ACBF. Review designated accounts and ensure reconciliations (bank and fund) are prepared monthly and properly documented. Oversee disbursements to ensure compliance with budget allocations.

Audit and Compliance Ensure compliance with AU Financial Rules and Regulations, as well as World Bank fiduciary requirements and the Project Implementation Manual Identify and assess financial risks associated with the project and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

Facilitate annual project audits (internal and external audit), prepare responses to audit queries, and support the implementation of audit recommendations. Capacity Building & Support Provide training and guidance to PIU staff on financial procedures, requirements and donor compliance.

Provide technical assistance and guidance on financial management issues to Think Tanks to ensure effective implementation of the project's financial management arrangements. Support resource mobilisation and proposal development with financial inputs. Undertake any other financial management duties as may be assigned. DELIVERABLES Approved annual project budgets and budget revisions.

Monthly bank reconciliations and updated accounts. Quarterly and semi-annual financial reports (including IFRs) submitted on time to the World Bank. Annual financial statements prepared in compliance with AU and World Bank requirements. Timely submission of Withdrawal Applications and supporting documentation. Audit support provided and responses to audit queries prepared.

Capacity-building sessions delivered to PIU staff on financial compliance. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Education Master’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related discipline with at least 5 years’ relevant experience ; OR Bachelor’s Degree in the same fields with at least 7 years’ relevant experience . Professional qualifications such as CPA, ACCA, CA, CIMA, or equivalent is mandatory.

Experience Proven track record in managing donor-funded projects (experience with World Bank–financed projects is a strong advantage). Solid knowledge of AU Financial Rules and World Bank fiduciary procedures. Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and audits. Hands-on experience with ERP systems (preferably SAP) and strong MS Office skills.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES Strong financial reporting and analytical skills. Excellent organisational and time-management abilities. High ethical standards, integrity, and impartiality. Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. Ability to work under pressure and deliver within tight deadlines.

Proficiency in one AU working language (English, French, Arabic, Kiswahili, Portuguese, or Spanish) is required. Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of another AU language is an advantage. DURATION AND PAYMENT TERMS The consultancy will be for 12 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

APPLICATIONS Interested candidates should submit: Cover letter Curriculum Vitae (CV) Copies of academic and professional certificates Proof of relevant experience in donor-funded projects Agency: Africa Union Commission Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 72000.0 USD