Position: A Review of Financial Operations of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority
Preamble
The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) is the regulatory body which has the overall responsibility for civil aviation safety and security oversight in the Eastern Caribbean islands of Antigua/Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Kitts/Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines. The body, though not in its present structure and size, has been in existence for over 50 years and is a sustainable and vibrant entity. However, with the progress of the 21st century, globalization and the changes in aviation within and affecting the region, it is opportune to revisit the Finance and Accounting (F &Acc) function and ensure that it is efficient, modern and fit-for-purpose. The expectation is that this Review will be the first phase of the ECCAA's overall strategy to enhance its sustainability and in so doing, enable it to be used as a benchmark, known for "best practices" and make a signal contribution to the region in the ensuing period. The tasks involved in this Project are elaborated in the following section.
Scope of Work
This is a review of all aspects of the ECCAA's financial operations with a view to developing phase one of a strategy for the continued financial sustainability of the organisation. The outputs of this project will form part of the financial components to the ECCAA's Business Plan, which will be developed in due course. The Consultant(s) will be required to visit OECS Member States in order to develop a greater understanding of and appreciation for the nature of the various services which are provided by the ECCAA so one could arrive at the most rational determination of the costs of these services.
COMPONENT 1 - The ECCAA's revenues
- critically examine the basis for the costing of the ECCAA services.
- identify all the present sources of revenue.
- examine the potential of the existing sources of revenue.
- critically examine the ECCAA's revenue integrity and collection mechanisms.
- identify new sources of revenue and assess its possibility of growth.
- analyse whether the sources of revenue are sustainable.
- determine the revenue requirements for the present and future requirements of the ECCAA.
- examine the remit, role and function of a F&Acc function in the light of "best practices" and operating context; and make recommendations.
Deliverables:
- Present a report of the findings and recommendations for this Component. This report should present 2 to 3 options for the future funding of the ECCAA accompanied by the respective proposed/revised fee structure (schedule 16), which should be dynamic and sustainable.
COMPONENT 2 - The ECCAA's accounting systems and controls
- Critically review the ECCAA's accounting system with a view to making recommendations with respect to a system which will meet the present and future requirements of the organisation.
Deliverables:
- Prepare a report of the findings and recommendations for this Component. This should include the recommendation of a specific accounting software package which will meet management's needs.
- Oversight of the installation, testing and sign-off on a turnkey Accounting software system.
COMPONENT 3 - The ECCAA's financial systems and controls
- Review the financial systems, controls and practices and make recommendations with respect to further development or refinement.
- Review of the budgeting process with emphasis on work programmes, replacement of assets and procurement procedures.
Deliverables:
- Prepare a draft internal financial controls policy document.
COMPONENT 4 - The ECCAA's Audit systems
- Review the Internal Audit system.
- Review preparations for and use of the External Audit.
Deliverables:
- Prepare a report on findings and recommendations.
COMPONENT 5 - The ECCAA's structure and staffing of the F&Acc function
- Review the structure and recommend changes to the organogram.
- Review staff and recommend training and development options.
Deliverables:
- Prepare a report on findings and recommendations.
Duration:
The proposed duration of the Project is six (6) months.
Qualifications:
Given the scope of work, it is anticipated that a small group of consultants may be required. In any event, the Consultant(s) should meet the following criteria:
- Relevant Higher Education or Professional qualifications
- At least 7 years top management experience; which should include the general oversight of a finance function, supervising employees; conversant with policy issues and serving the F&Acc needs of policy makers.
- Experience in economics and project management.
- Experience in systems, finance and accounting analysis.
- Experience in business and with the commercial interests which inhibit the environments of modern airports e.g. in-bond traders, airlines and other service providers.
- Experience in reorganizing public institutions to make them sustainable, transparent and accountable.
- Experience at a senior level in some facet of the Aviation Sector e.g. Civil Aviation Authority, Airports, regulation, Airlines, Service Providers.
Reporting:
The Consultant(s) will deliver the agreed reports to the Director General; however, he/she/they may be required to make presentation(s) to the ECCAA Board of Directors on the findings and recommendations.
Posted: April 2, 2008Deadline: April 18, 2008
Current Status: Open
For information regarding this assignment, or to submit an application (CV & Personal History Form), please contact:
HR (CFTC)
Commonwealth Secretariat
Pall Mall
London UK
SW1Y 5HX
p.sharma@commonwealth.int
Phone: + 44 207 747 6531
A Personal History Form (PHF) may be downloaded from the Secretariat Website on the Employment / Short term Assignment (Overseas) page, along with the Skill Codes booklet required to complete the PHF. The PHF should be forwarded to the contact officer as an attachment to an email, by post or faxed for:
Attention of Mrs Puja Sharma to: Fax: + 44 20 7747 6520