Consultant for Finance and
Admin Support - Public
Health Advocacy

Terms of Reference

Consultant for Finance and Admin Support - Public Health Advocacy

1.     Background:

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) cause nearly 41 million deaths annually, 71% of global mortality, with a significant impact in low and middle-income countries, including Pakistan. In Pakistan, over 40% of individuals are obese or overweight, and 37% have hypertension, with the country ranking third globally in type 2 diabetes cases. Unhealthy dietary practices, including excessive consumption of salt, sugars and unhealthy fats, contribute to the high burden of NCDs like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) is actively engaged in advocating for evidence-based policies aimed at reducing the consumption of ultra-processed food and beverage products (UPPs) that are high in salt, sugar, saturated fats, and trans-fatty acids. By raising awareness about the health risks associated with these products, PANAH seeks to influence public health strategies and legislative measures to promote healthier dietary choices and combat the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Through collaborative efforts with government bodies, health organizations, and the community, PANAH strives to create a healthier environment for all Pakistanis. These policies include:

a.     Taxing Sugar Sweetened Beverages

b.     Front-of-package labels and warning signs (FOPWL)

c.      Marketing restrictions

d.     Healthy school food environment – School Food Policy.

To fulfill these objectives, PANAH is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Consultant to assist in formulation and implementation of organizational policy manuals, procedures and build capacity of the staff to strengthen administrative and financial functions. This role reports directly to Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary of PANAH.

2.     Scope of Work:

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Conduct a thorough review of the current organizational policies, procedures, and practices.
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies and areas of improvement
• Engage with auditors, partners, government bodies (FBR, EAD etc) senior management, and staff members to gather input and insights.
• Conduct interviews with PANAH relevant staff and leadership of PANAH, to understand organizational needs and preferences.
• Develop draft policy manuals for Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, and procurement manuals
• Ensure that policies are aligned with PANAH’s vision and values.
• Ensure that policies are aligned with the laws of Pakistan.
• Incorporate best practices and sector standards into the manuals.
• Share draft manuals with the relevant stakeholders for feedback and input.
• Incorporate feedback and make necessary revisions to the manuals.
• Ensure clarity, coherence and consistency across all policies.
• Prepare final version of the policy manuals in electronic and print formats.
• Provide guidance on the implementation and dissemination of the manuals within the organization.
• Provide financial and administrative support to the project, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.
• Conduct training of the organizational staff to ensure smooth implementation of the manuals,
• Collaborate closely with the project staff, particularly the Finance Manager, to support budget monitoring and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Train PANAH’s staff in drafting reports, proposals and other project documents as required.
• Review all the staffing and subcontracts and provide recommendations on improvements.
• Review the existing templates for consultants, staff and other contractors, and develop new templates aligned with the PANAH’s policies. 
• Review audit reports and financial software, including using audit reports to identify defiencies and needed improvements related to financial software.
• Identify and help organization to adopt the new financial software.
• Train the finance team, project manager, and vice president of finance on the new software. Continue hand-holding to ensure smooth implementation.
• Make recommendations to ensure transparency and compliance as per vision of PANAH.
• Perform any other duties assigned by PANAH within the scope of the project.

3.     Deliverables:.

The Consultant will deliver the following:

• Draft versions of the Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, and procurement manuals.
• Finalized versions of the manuals incorporating feedback and revisions.
• Recommendations for implementation and dissemination of the manuals.
• Training of organizational staff on operational manuals and new financial software.
• Training report of the organizational staff on operational manuals along with recommendations.
• Training report of organizational staff on new financial software along with recommendations.
• Draft staffing and contracting templates

4.     Qualifications:

The ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in developing and implementing organizational policies and manuals, particularly in the field of Human Resource and Finance
• Knowledge of and experience with financial software packages
• Strong understanding of the best practices in policy formulation and organizational development.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing improvements to internal operational and financial controls and processes.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the healthcare or nonprofit sector is desirable.

5.     Duration:

The consultancy is expected to commence in 1^st Oct, 2024 and concluded by 31^st Jan, 2025 and shall work five (5) full days comprises of 40 hours per week.

6.     Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit the following documents to [email protected]. The last date for application is 8^th Sept, 2024.

1. Curriculum Vitae highlighting relevant experiences and qualification.
2. Cover letter outlining the candidate’s approach to the consultancy and availability.

Note:               PANAH reserves the right to reject any or all applications with assigning any reason thereof.

6.     Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit the following documents online. The last date for application is 8^th Sept, 2024.

1. Curriculum Vitae highlighting relevant experiences and qualification.
2. Cover letter outlining the candidate’s approach to the consultancy and availability.