Ethiopia Seeks Financial Officer for Ambitious National ID Project - Ethio Eyewitness News

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Ethiopia Seeks Financial Officer for Ambitious National ID Project

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – July 16, 2024 – The Ethiopian government, with significant backing from the World Bank, is on the hunt for a financial officer to serve as a consultant for its ambitious Ethiopia Digital ID project. This key hire will support the Program Management Unit (PMU) within the National ID Program (NIDP) in establishing robust financial operations.

The new financial officer will take on critical tasks, including budgeting and planning, accounting and reporting, funds management, internal control, as well as external and internal auditing, and financial analysis. This role is pivotal to ensuring the financial integrity and transparency of the national ID initiative, known as Fayda.

Role and Responsibilities

The consultant will join the project on a full-time basis for an initial 12-month contract, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance and budget availability. This role aims to implement effective financial management strategies for the Ethiopia Digital ID for Inclusion and Services Project, which underpins the broader Fayda initiative.

The International Centre for Tax & Development has highlighted the potential benefits of integrating Fayda with Ethiopia’s tax system. Such integration could significantly enhance the quality of tax data, improve taxpayer experience, and bolster compliance monitoring.

Project Scale and Ambitions

Ethiopia’s national ID project is one of the most ambitious in the world, aiming to register more than 90 million citizens. As of now, over 7 million Ethiopians have already signed up for Fayda. NIDP Executive Director Yodahe Zemichael shared during ID4Africa 2022 that the target is to reach 70 million registrations by 2025.

The Ethiopian News Agency has reported that once fully implemented, this digital ID system will be one of the largest globally, providing a foundational platform for secure and efficient access to both public and private sector services.

Funding and Support

Last year marked a significant milestone when the Government of Ethiopia and the World Bank Group signed a $350 million agreement to fund the country’s digital ID project over five years, from 2023 to 2029. This funding will support the rollout and scaling of the digital ID system, facilitating broader access to essential services for millions of Ethiopians.

As the project continues to expand, the hiring of a dedicated financial officer is a crucial step towards ensuring its success. This role will help safeguard the financial health of the project, enabling it to meet its ambitious goals and provide a reliable and inclusive ID system for all Ethiopians.

With the support of international partners and a clear strategic vision, Ethiopia’s digital ID project is poised to make significant strides in enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure and service delivery capabilities.

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Habtamu Alemu

Habtamu Alemu is a seasoned journalist and the editor-in-chief of Ethio Eyewitness News.

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