4.1 Financial Planning and Budgeting

• Prepare and update the Project's overall, annual, quarterly and monthly budgets in coordination with the RPIU Director, the Procurement Specialist and other relevant specialists, based on inputs from the Director of the Executing Agency.

• Coordinate the review and approval of Project budgets by the Director of the Executing Agency and ensure compliance with the Grant Agreement, the Project Operational Manual (POM), World Bank requirements and applicable national legislation.

• Monitor budget execution, identify deviations from approved budgets and recommend corrective measures.

• Prepare financial forecasts and cash flow projections to ensure the timely availability of funds for planned Project activities.

• Coordinate financial planning with the Procurement Plan and the Annual Work Plan and Budget to ensure consistency between planned activities, procurement schedules and available funding.

4.2 Fund Management, Disbursement and Payments

• Ensure timely financing of Project activities, including the replenishment and monitoring of the Designated Account and Transit Account, as applicable.

• Prepare withdrawal applications and supporting documentation for submission to the World Bank, coordinating the required approvals and signatures of the Executing Agency, or submit applications directly where authorised under the applicable Bank procedures.

• Monitor compliance with the financial covenants of the Grant Agreement, World Bank disbursement procedures and applicable requirements for the use of Grant funds.

• Monitor cash flows and balances across Project accounts and prepare forecasts of funding requirements.

• Prepare payment documentation for approval by the Executing Agency or execute payments directly from Project accounts, where authorised.

• Verify that payments are supported by complete and accurate documentation, relate to approved Project activities and comply with applicable expenditure eligibility requirements.

• Ensure timely and accurate recording of all financial transactions in the Project's accounting and reporting systems.

• Monitor outstanding payments, advances and account reconciliations, and take appropriate action to resolve discrepancies.

4.3 Accounting, Financial Reporting and Internal Controls

• Maintain the Project's accounting records and budget execution information in accordance with the Grant Agreement, the POM, applicable accounting requirements and World Bank financial management procedures.

• Ensure the correct allocation of expenditures to the relevant Project components, expenditure categories and funding sources, and verify the eligibility of expenditures financed from Grant funds.

• Monitor Project expenditures and review supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, consistency and compliance with applicable financial management requirements.

• Prepare and submit Interim Unaudited Financial Reports (IUFRs), annual financial statements and other financial reports required by the World Bank and the Executing Agency within the prescribed deadlines.

• Establish and maintain effective procedures for financial reporting, documentation, account reconciliation and internal financial control.

• Ensure the proper filing, secure storage and accessibility of financial records and supporting documents for reporting, verification and audit purposes.

• Liaise with the World Bank, the Executing Agency and National Implementing Agencies to resolve financial management issues and clarify reporting or disbursement requirements.

• Provide timely financial information, expenditure analyses and cash flow reports to support management decisions and effective Project implementation.

4.4 Audit, Compliance and Financial Risk Management

• Prepare Terms of Reference for the annual financial audit, support the selection and contracting of independent auditors in accordance with applicable procedures, and coordinate the audit process.

• Facilitate access to financial records, supporting documentation and relevant personnel required for audits and financial reviews.

• Review audit findings, coordinate the preparation of management responses and ensure the implementation of agreed corrective actions within established deadlines.

• Monitor compliance with the Grant Agreement, World Bank IPF Rules, applicable national legislation, the POM and the financial management requirements of the Executing Agency.

• Identify financial management risks, weaknesses in internal controls and potential irregularities, and propose appropriate mitigation measures.

• Support the continuous improvement of the RPIU's financial management, accounting, reporting and internal control procedures.

• Ensure that Project funds are used exclusively for eligible Project expenditures and in accordance with the approved purposes and applicable requirements.

4.5 Coordination and Financial Management Support

• Provide financial management advice to the RPIU Director and the Director of the Executing Agency on budget execution, cash flow, disbursement, expenditure eligibility and financial reporting.

• Coordinate with the Procurement Specialist to ensure consistency between procurement commitments, contract payments, budget allocations and disbursement forecasts.

• Provide financial information and supporting documentation for World Bank implementation support missions, financial reviews and other Project assessments.

• Support the preparation and updating of the Project's financial management arrangements and related sections of the POM, where required.

• Carry out other financial management tasks within the scope of the Project assigned by the RPIU Director or the Director of the Executing Agency.