Background

　　The USAID Local Health System Sustainability Project (LHSS) project helps low- and middle-income countries transition to sustainable, self-financed health systems as a means to support universal health coverage. Led by Abt Associates, the five-year, $209 million project works with partner countries and local stakeholders to reduce financial barriers to care and treatment, ensure equitable access to essential health services for all people, and improve the quality of health services.

　　As part of this work, LHSS is supporting USAID Cameroon to conduct a financial analysis of Cameroon’s Central Medical Store (CENAME). The analysis aims to understand the financial situation of the agency, including its sources of financing and financial viability, following a series of unsatisfactory audits on its performance and acquisition of significant debts. The financial analysis will be embedded in LHSS’s larger political economy analysis (PEA) of CENAME, which aims to investigate the underlying political, social, economic, and cultural factors that influence CENAME’s overall performance and the root causes that contribute to CENAME’s ongoing challenges. As such, the financial analysis must incorporate a political economy lens in its assessment of CENAME’s financial performance and stakeholder interviews. Together, the PEA and financial analysis will provide actionable recommendations that will help inform the government, local stakeholders, and USAID’s efforts to appropriately allocate resources and support supply chain investments in Cameroon.

　　Aim of the Consultancy

　　LHSS is seeking an experienced senior financial analyst expert to support the financial analysis of CENAME in Cameroon. The consultant must have an extensive financial background and be familiar with financial analysis, reviewing accounting and audit information, and understanding of financial flows and processes in a parastatal organization (in this case, CENAME). Some familiarity with health commodity supply chains and PEA is preferred but not essential.

　　The consultant will be expected to familiarize themselves with CENAME and conduct in-country efforts to conduct the financial analysis. These will include: 1) gathering necessary data and documents (facilitated by LHSS and USAID, as appropriate); 2) independently investigating and documenting the financial workings of the agency (e.g., its financial statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements; root causes of the agency’s current deficit; short-term and medium-term financial risks, etc.); 3) identifying and engaging key informants for targeted interviews; and 4) consulting/liaising with a local supply chain expert in Cameroon who will conduct the PEA, as the analysis will require coordination with the larger PEA team.

　　The consultant may be based in Cameroon or elsewhere. If outside of Cameroon, travel to Yaoundé would be required. Costs of travel will be covered by LHSS.

　　Minimum Qualifications:

　　Master’s degree or higher in health finance, health economics, accounting or other relevant field with 10 years of experience.

　　Experience conducting financial analyses, including review of documents and key informant interviews - particularly on sensitive topics.

　　Technical expertise in financial analysis, public financial management.

　　Understanding of political dynamics affecting financial processes in a parastatal or government organization.

　　Strong attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to work independently while producing high quality work on time and in a cost-effective manner.

　　Strong analytical and writing skills.

　　Familiarity with USAID and/or other development partners is highly desirable.

　　Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

　　Proficiency in written and spoken English and French (required).

　　Illustrative Tasks and Responsibilities include:

　　Develop a concept note that establishes the approach, audience and objectives of the analysis, along with methods and potential challenges

　　Develop a tool that outlines the approach for the financial analysis, using a mix of assessment approaches (including data review, and key informant interviews).

　　Conduct the analysis, which will include a PEA ‘lens,’ and document findings from the analysis in a report format agreed by the Activity team.

　　Serve as focal point for the financial analysis, including liaising with the Ministry of Health and USAID Cameroon as required.

　　Provide inputs to Activity updates and final reports summarizing key findings.

　　Communicate weekly by email and phone with US- and Cameroon-based LHSS team and follow up on any requests.

　　Keep a labor log detailing work time and hours. The labor log should be submitted in addition to the Consultant’s invoice along with the deliverables outlined in the final consulting agreement.

　　Level of effort and Period of Performance: The anticipated level of effort for this assignment is approximately 15 days during a period of performance of January – late April 2024.

　　How to Apply: To apply, submit your CV and an application letter/email message that provides details of your relevant qualifications.