Opportunity For Financial Management Consultant at UNICEF

The EU SARAH programme (launched in 2024) and the GAVI HSS3 programme (2025–2026) aim to strengthen SRMCH services and health systems across targeted states through the PHCDAs. As part of these initiatives, the HACT/IPM team will support financial management system strengthening in PHCDAs across EU SARAH states (Adamawa, Kwara, Sokoto) and GAVI HSS3 states (Bayelsa, Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara). To deliver this support effectively, it is required to review the existing structure and system and to come up with context specific solutions in consultation with state stakeholders. To deliver on the object, a financial management expert is required who can work closely with the states.

Scope of Work:

Under the direct supervision of IPM Specialist, the Consultant will provide strategic technical expertise to strengthen state-level financial management systems through comprehensive assessments, digital transformation initiatives, and the institutionalization of standardized financial governance frameworks. This includes the design and implementation of state-specific financial management SOPs, provision of strategic advisory support to enhance financial stewardship, and delivery of assurance, compliance strengthening, and risk mitigation measures. The role will also lead strategic capacity development and institutional strengthening efforts for government and partner counterparts, while providing cross-functional technical leadership to ensure effective integration of financial management within programme planning, implementation, and results delivery. Key results will be covering:

• Conduct an assessment of existing PHCDA financial management systems and develop a roadmap and technical recommendations for digitization and improvement.
• Develop standardized financial management SOPs, templates and tools for adoption by participating states.
• Provide time-bound technical advisory inputs to state counterparts on applying the developed SOPs and strengthening internal financial controls.
• Develop a risk and compliance checklist and guidance for periodic self-assessment by PHCDAs.
• Design and deliver targeted training materials and capacity building sessions for PHCDA finance staff.
• Produce integration guidance notes to align financial management processes with programme planning and reporting requirements under EU SARAH and GAVI HSS3

Work Assignment Overview

Tasks/Milestone:

• Facilitate high‑level consultative engagements with the three (3) State Commissioners for Health and Directors of Finance and Administration to collaboratively formulate the 2026 Financial Management Annual Plan within the framework of the EU SARAH programme

Deliverables/Outputs:

Annual Plan Development Report

• Facilitate structured stakeholder engagements at the three states Ministry of Health and PHCDA to disseminate and deliberate the findings of the bottleneck analysis, support the systematic implementation of its recommendations across the states, and collaboratively develop state‑specific financial management Standard Operating Procedures informed by the evidence and feedback emerging from the analysis for EU SARAH.

Deliverables/Outputs:

Activity Report and SOP

• Assess the existing digital financial‑management landscape of the three (3) states under EU SARAH and deliver TOT to support the deployment of the accounting software to all MOH and PHCDA accounts units.

Deliverables/Outputs:

Assessment Report and Training Materials

• Lead the design and execution of financial management planning and performance‑monitoring processes to strengthen financial management systems across the six State PHCDAs under the GAVI HSS 3 programme, ensuring improved internal controls, enhanced budget execution capacity, and measurable gains in financial accountability.

Deliverables/Outputs:

Fin Mgt Strengthening Report

• Conduct assessments of state‑level financial management systems to identify control and accountability gaps, and provide focused oversight to detect fiduciary risks and bottlenecks at the six states on GAVI HSS 3

Deliverables/Outputs:

FM Diagnostics

• Provide process optimization support and targeted on‑the‑job capacity strengthening to the six State and LGA PHCDA accounts teams to enhance compliance, standardization, and sustainability of financial management practices under the GAVI HSS 3 programme

Deliverables/Outputs:

Capacity Strengthening Report

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• A university degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Audit or any other relevant field is required.
• A master’s or professional accounting qualification is an advantage (e.g CPA, ICAN and ACCA).
• At least five years of progressively responsible relevant experience in financial management, accounting and financial controls. In-depth knowledge of internal auditing and accounting systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience working with international organisations, reputable organisations within the private sector, NGOs and/or UN.

Application closing date: February 11, 2026