The Punjab HCI Punjab Human Capital Investment Project (PHCIP) is seeking a qualified Financial Management Specialist through this Request for Expression of Interest. Funded by the World Bank (Credit No. IDA-6589), this consulting role aims to strengthen financial systems for improved health services and social inclusion programs across Punjab. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to large-scale development initiatives.
Job Information
| Posting Date | 26 March, 2025 |
| Industry Type | Punjab Human Capital Investment Project |
| Application Deadline | 11 April, 2025 |
| Required Education | Bachelor | Master | MS | BS |
| Employment Category | Full Time |
Position Summary Table
| Category | Details |
| Project Name | Punjab Human Capital Investment Project (PHCIP) |
| Funding Agency | World Bank (Credit No. IDA-6589) |
| Position Title | Financial Management Specialist |
| Reference Number | PK-SED-48245-CS-INDV |
| Contract Type | Individual Consulting Services |
| Application Deadline | April 11, 2025 (5:00 PM) |
Qualification Requirements
| Qualification Type | Minimum Requirements |
| Professional Certification | CA/ACCA/CIMA (Active Membership) |
| Academic Qualification | Master’s in Finance/Accounting (16 years education) |
| University Recognition | HEC-recognized institution |
| Experience (General) | 8 years in financial management |
| Experience (for CAs) | 5 years in financial management |
Official Job Announcement
Project Background and Objectives
- Punjab HCI Name: Punjab Human Capital Investment Punjab HCI (PHCIP)
- Funding Agency: World Bank
- Primary Goal: Enhance access to quality health services and economic inclusion programs for vulnerable households in selected Punjab districts. The Financial Management Specialist will play a key role in ensuring efficient fund utilization and compliance with international standards.
Position Details and Reference Information
- Assignment Title: Hiring of Financial Management Specialist
- Reference No.: PK-SED-48245-CS-INDV
- Contract Type: Individual Consulting Services
- Selection Process: Follows World Bank’s Open Competitive Selection guidelines (November 2020 regulations)
Required Technical Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Proficiency in accounting software (SAP, Oracle, Proploiedt)
- Advanced data analysis and report generation skills
- Expert-level MS Office capability (especially Excel)
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
- Payment system design expertise for program beneficiaries
Key Responsibilities of the Financial Management Specialist
At Punjab HCI selected candidate will be expected to:
- Design and implement financial management systems for PHCIP
- Ensure compliance with World Bank fiduciary requirements
- Prepare IPSAS-compliant financial reports
- Develop payment mechanisms for program beneficiaries
- Conduct capacity building for government staff
Preferred Professional Background
Ideal candidates should have:
- Experience working on World Bank/ADB-funded Punjab HCI
- Proven track record in public financial management
- Familiarity with Punjab’s financial regulations
- Experience in health/education sector Punjab HCI
Candidates with cross-sectoral experience in both government and private/NGO sectors will be particularly valued. The role demands adaptability to work within complex bureaucratic systems while maintaining international standards of financial accountability.
Career Growth Opportunities
This position offers significant professional development prospects:
- Exposure to World Bank financial management systems
- Opportunities to lead high-value Punjab HCI components
- Potential for extended contracts based on performance
- Pathway to senior advisory roles in development Punjab HCI
Successful candidates may become eligible for similar positions in other World Bank-funded initiatives across Pakistan. The experience gained will be particularly valuable for professionals aiming to work in international development finance.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete documentation: Missing attested copies or experience certificates
- Generic CVs: Failure to highlight relevant financial management experience
- Late submissions: Applications received after the deadline
- Non-compliance: Not addressing all selection criteria in the application
Many qualified candidates are rejected due to simple administrative errors. Applicants should carefully review the Terms of Reference (available at www.esrep.edu.pk/procurement) and ensure their submission addresses all requirements explicitly.
World Bank Compliance Requirements
The selected consultant must adhere to:
- Financial reporting under IDA safeguards
- Anti-corruption and fraud prevention protocols
- Environmental and social framework compliance
- Gender-sensitive budgeting principles
All financial transactions and reporting must align with World Bank’s Procurement Regulations (November 2020) and Pakistan’s Public Financial Management rules. The specialist will serve as the focal person for all fiduciary compliance matters.
Technical Support and Resources Provided
Successful candidates will receive:
- Dedicated Punjab HCI implementation unit support
- Access to World Bank financial management tools
- Training on IPSAS accounting standards
- Specialized software licenses (SAP/Oracle)
- Field implementation budget
The PHCIP will establish a fully-equipped workstation in Lahore with connectivity to government financial systems and technical backstopping from World Bank specialists.
Performance Evaluation Metrics
Key performance indicators include:
- Timeliness of financial reporting (100% deadline adherence)
- Accuracy of fund disbursements (<1% reconciliation errors)
- Capacity building targets (training 50+ staff annually)
- Audit compliance (zero major findings)
- Beneficiary payment efficiency (95% on-time payments)
Quarterly reviews will assess these metrics, with contract extensions contingent upon satisfactory performance ratings from both PMIU and World Bank teams.
Comparative Salary Benchmarking
Position remuneration compares favorably with:
- Federal government MP scale positions
- UN agency consultancy rates
- Leading Pakistani NGO packages
- Private sector financial controller roles
Post-Assignment Career Pathways
This role serves as a springboard to:
- World Bank roster consultant positions
- Federal/provincial government advisory roles
- International development organization posts
- Corporate sector financial leadership
- Academic research opportunities
Frequently Overlooked Application Requirements
Many strong candidates get disqualified for failing to provide:
- Notarized degree attestations (especially for foreign qualifications)
- Detailed position-specific experience breakdown (not just job titles)
- Publication list (if applicable to financial research work)
- Three professional references with current contact information
The selection committee strictly enforces documentation requirements. Applicants should cross-verify their submission against the TOR checklist and consider having a colleague review their package before submission.
Interview Preparation Guidelines
Shortlisted candidates should prepare to discuss:
- Case studies on public financial management challenges
- Practical solutions for fund flow bottlenecks
- IPSAS implementation strategies
- World Bank safeguard policies application
Contractual Terms and Conditions
Key contract provisions include:
- Duration: Initial 12 months (extendable to 36 months)
- Probation period: First 3 months
- Termination clauses: 30-day notice period
- Intellectual property: All outputs become Punjab HCI property
- Non-disclosure agreements: Required for sensitive data
COVID-19 Adaptation Protocols
The Punjab HCI has implemented:
- Hybrid work arrangements (office/remote)
- Virtual monitoring tools
- Digital payment systems
- Contactless field verification
Important Notes for Applicants
- Strict Documentation Rules: All copies of degrees/certificates must be attested by HEC or relevant authorities—unverified documents will result in disqualification.
- Experience Validation: CVs must explicitly detail responsibilities in previous roles (not just job titles) with verifiable contact references.
- World Bank Policies: Familiarize yourself with Sections III (paras 314, 316, 317) of the Procurement Regulations to avoid conflicts of interest.
- Virtual Readiness: Shortlisted candidates must ensure stable internet connectivity for potential virtual interviews/assessments.
Contact Information
- Address: Programme Monitoring & Implementation Unit (PMIU), 6-Wahdat Link Road, Asif Block, Lahore
- Phone: 042-99260124-25 (9:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday)
- Portal: www.esrep.edu.pk/procurement
Conclusion
The Financial Management Specialist role with Punjab HCI Project offers a distinguished opportunity to drive impactful financial systems under World Bank standards. With competitive remuneration, professional growth avenues, and a chance to contribute to Punjab’s development, this position is ideal for seasoned financial experts seeking meaningful public-sector engagement.
FAQs
Can I apply if my degree is from a foreign university?
Yes, but you must include an HEC equivalence certificate with attested copies of your degrees.
Is this position open to international consultants?
Only Pakistani nationals are eligible for this assignment.
What’s the expected workload?
Full-time (40 hours/week), with occasional field visits. Hybrid work options may apply.
How will my application be evaluated?
Based on 70% technical competence (qualifications/experience) and 30% interview performance.
