The Republic of Tajikistan received funding from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) toward the cost of Tourism Business Education Development Project. The total cost of the project is US$ 18.25 million, including IsDB financing of US$13.95 million. The project is co-financed by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.
The development objective of the Project is to improve access to and the quality of higher professional education in tourism and hospitality, based on best international practices, through the upgrading of the existing education institution to a modern, inclusive, and sustainable institution in Dangara city and strengthening its potential to serve as a Hub for tourism and hospitality education as a champion of Halal Tourism education expanding best practices within the country and in the region.
The project is composed of following components: (A) Access for Tourism and Business Education; (B) Institutional Capacity of Tourism and Business Education; (C) Project Management Support; (D) Financial Audit; and (E) Contingent Emergency Response Component.
A dedicated full-time Project Management Unit is established within the International University of Entrepreneurship and Tourism of Tajikistan (Executing Agency) to ensure efficient management and implementation of the Project within its approved scope/ timeline.
The Executing Agency is recruiting a Chief Accountant for the Project Management Unit (PMU) who will work under the supervision of the PMU Coordinator.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables:
The details of the specific assignments/tasks of the Chief Accountant will be as follows:
Maintain project financial statements and accounting of all financial resources within the framework of the Project;
Organize necessary conditions for the comprehensive functioning of the project accounting;
Preparation of cash and bank documents for approval and payments;
Oversight and verification of all banking and cash transactions to ensure accuracy, eligibility, and compliance with IsDB and Government requirements;
Verifying the correctness of the invoices of contractors, suppliers and consultants and tracking their approval and payment;
Manage all disbursement-related processes, including preparation, verification, and submission of Withdrawal Applications with complete supporting documentation, in compliance with IsDB procedures and the Financing Agreement;
Prepare and upload applications for Special Account replenishments and direct payments into the IsDB Electronic Disbursement Platform (EDP), and liaise with the IsDB Disbursement team to address any related queries and ensure accurate and timely submission;
Ensure that all financial documents, including banking, cashier documents and documents related to remuneration/salaries submitted for approval of PMU Coordinator are correct and aligned with IsDB / government requirements.
Prepare all project payments orders and internal vouchers;
Liaise with IsDB focal points on finance-related matters;
Enter all cash and bank payment documents into project accounting software to ensure their approval through the system;
Timely preparation and submission of regular accounting reports to the relevant state institutions;
Timely preparation of disbursement projections by consolidating financial and implementation information collected from the PMU team;
Prepare Quarterly Interim Unaudited Financial Reports (IFRs) and submitting them to the IsDB by established deadlines; Process payments of approved invoices and conduct monthly reconciliation of accounts against certified invoices and supporting acts; Prepare, compile, and timely share all required financial information and supporting documentation with external auditors for the audit of the Project financial statements;
Follow up on the implementation of audit recommendations and agreed corrective actions, and monitor their status in coordination with the PMU Coordinator;
Prepare and coordinate responses to audit findings, including management responses and inputs to the auditors’ management letter, as required
Participate in project planning, budgeting, financial monitoring and evaluation processes;
Maintain regular accounting of fixed assets purchased during the Project implementation;
Implement other instructions of the PMU Coordinator related to Project financial management.
Essential Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Higher education in Accounting/Finance/Business management/Public Administration; a post graduate degree will be an advantage;
Minimum 5 (five) years of professional experience in project financial management and accounting;
Experience in donor-funded projects is an asset; knowledge of IsDB requirements will be an advantage;
Experience in supervision of accounting and other financial functions, and reporting of relevant financial information to the various project stakeholders;
Sound knowledge of government of Tajikistan’s accounting and financial management system;
Strong computer skills and practical experience with the 1C Accounting Software and any other financial management software;
Strong communication skills;
Fluent in English, Russian and Tajik languages.
Competencies
Communication skills: the ability to communicate appropriate, concise and accurate information in written and verbal formats;
Accuracy and attention to details: the ability to ensure and maintain a high degree of accuracy and quality in work, including work under pressure and multiple assignments;
Problem solving: ability to make reasonable judgment and take initiative in all operational processes and propose practical and realistic solutions to address them;
Planning and organizing: ability to operate independently with minimum control, prioritize and schedule workload. Effectively manage high volume of multiple tasks;
Team work: building effective communication and relationships both within and outside the team. Sharing knowledge, information and best practices with others;
Results orientated: ability to ensure the goals and operational targets are achieved and exceeded;
Constantly seeking to improve operational processes.
Contractual conditions
The duration of the contract will be 12 (twelve) months with 3-month probation period starting from the contract signing date and renewable annually based on the annual performance evaluation and project needs;
Chief Accountant is expected to work full time (office hours);
Remuneration will be paid monthly in accordance with the salary scale agreed between the IsDB, Executing Agency and Ministry of Finance (in line with the relevant Government Decree);
The position may require travel to project sites within Tajikistan. Travel expenses such as daily allowance, accommodation, etc. will be reimbursed in accordance with the relevant procedures;
Chief Accountant will be accountable to the Project Coordinator on day-to-day project activities.
The place of work – Dushanbe city.
Required documents:
CV;
University diplomas along with translation into English;
