Finance Consultant to support Oxfam in L

1. Background of the consultancy

Oxfam in Laos is currently facing a shortage of human resources to support financial operations in the country office due to the absence of the team members. To ensure continuity of financial processes and smooth implementation of ongoing programs, there is a critical need to fill this temporary gap.

The Program Finance Officer (Consultant) will be engaged to provide technical financial support, maintain compliance with Oxfam’s policies and donor requirements, and ensure timely financial reporting. This role is essential to minimize operational risks, strengthen financial oversight and support partners in effective financial management during this transitional period.

2. Objective of the consultancy
3. To ensure financial compliance, grant management and expenditure monitoring for Oxfam projects and partner organizations in alignment with Oxfam’s standards and donor requirements.
4. To provide accurate and timely financial reporting that supports effective decision-making and program implementation.
5. To build the financial management capacity of partner organizations and program staff through training and technical guidance.
6. To strengthen internal financial systems and controls to promote transparency and accountability in Oxfam operations.
7. Scope of Work

The Program Finance Officer (Consultant) will carry out the following tasks:

1. Financial Monitoring and Compliance
   1. Ensure robust monitoring of Oxfam project expenditures and partner financial performance.
   2. Review and validate partner financial reports for accuracy and timely submission.
2. Capacity Building
   1. Provide training /guidance to partners and program staff on financial management, compliance and reporting standards.
   2. Support partners in improving financial systems and internal controls.
3. Partner Monitoring and Support
   1. Conduct regular financial monitoring visits to partners to assess compliance with donor requirements and Oxfam policies. (When request)
   2. Prepare monitoring reports highlighting findings, risks, and recommendations.
4. Policy and System Support
   1. Ensure adherence to Oxfam’s financial systems and tools (e.g., ADOBE, PASTEL).
   2. Contribute to financial policy improvements and participate in audit-related activities.
   3. Coordinate, process, and validate grant disbursements to partners in accordance with policies and donor agreements.
   4. Contribution to improve Financial internal control by Supporting in identifying opportunities to strengthen financial improvement plans for Oxfam and its partners.
5. Other Duties
   1. Perform additional finance-related tasks as assigned by the Senior Program Finance Officer to ensure smooth financial operations.

4. Deliverables
5. Financial Reports monitoring:

Accurate and timely financial reports for projects and partners submitted according to office requirements, donors and internal deadlines.

2. Monitoring and Expenditure Verification:

At least one financial monitoring activity for assigned partners, with reports on compliance, findings and recommendations.

3. Capacity-Building Activities:

Conduct at least one financial management training for partners and provide documented guidance for ongoing capacity needs.

4. Policy Review Note:

Provide a summary report on gaps and recommendations for improving Oxfam Laos’ financial policies.

5. Handover Documentation:

A complete handover package for assigned projects, covering key processes, project details, financial report details, Partners details and Pending actions to the new PFO.

5. Duration

The consultancy will be 2 months with possible extension based on the performance and quality of the consultancy services provided above.

6. Payment Methodology

The payment will be divided into 2 tranches. Each tranche is equivalent to one month service. Although the consultant is contracted with a fixed term, he/she is required to submit a monthly timesheet stating the days and hours he/she contributes to each project based on the percentage that each project could contribute to his/her monthly consultancy fee. The percentage allocations will be exercised and calculated once the monthly consultancy fee is known.

7. Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of experience using multiple project financial management systems, with a proven track record of management, preferably with international organisations.
• A degree in Finance, Accounting and/or Business Administration, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Good knowledge of accountancy software and excellent computer skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a good team player able to work in multi-cultural environments.
• Experience in financial management, operating requirements and compliance standards of donors such as DFAT and the EU is an asset.
• Understanding of gender and diversity issues and commitment to promoting gender and diversity equity.
• Flexible and able to work independently and under pressure.
• Experience with specific donor’s requirement.
• Able to travel as per request.
• Good command of written and spoken English.

8. Criteria for selection

Each offer will be evaluated based on the applicant’s demonstrated competence and experience in addition to the ability and availability. The selection process will consider the consultancy fee and qualification of the individual consultant

9. Application process

Interested consultants should submit cover, CV and required documents no later than 03 Aug 2025 to sisomphone.thadavong@oxfam.org xayvisith.sosengphet@oxfam.org Please indicate the following reference in the subject line: “Finance Consultant” Only documents in English are requested.