Dear Amyli

Many thanks for reaching me out with the reference request for Mr. Levan Kvinikadze. Please find me responses to questions below:  

1. Please describe your working relationship with the candidate- I worked with Levan in my capacity as Chief of Party for USAID Georgia Tuberculosis Prevention Project (2011-2016). He joined the project as Financial Director in 2014. Before that I knew him in his capacity of a financial manager of Georgia Health and Social Projects Implementation Center (PIU for the World Bank Projects).
2. What was the candidate’s position title? How long have you worked with the candidate? – Levan worked as a financial director for the USAID funded Georgia TB Prevention Project. I worked with him for over 2 years.
3. What were the candidate’s responsibilities at the previous position that can be applicable and relevant to this new position? – Levan’s responsibilities as a financial director of the project were very similar to what is described in the attached terms of reference.
4. What is the candidate’s experience in providing financial and administration management for education-related or other international development projects? –Levan has extensive financial management experience with UN agencies, WB and USAID, His level of knowledge and competencies is very high in these areas.
5. How would you rate the candidate’s expertise in adhering to USAID financial policies and procedure? –Levan is very well familiar with USAID’s financial policies and procedures. He also has an in-depth knowledge of local financial management requirements including tax regulations, procumbent, accountability, auditing requirements.
6. Please describe the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively with internal staff and external clients/partners.  –Levan has excellent communication skills. He was highly effective in communicating with internal and external partners.
7. What are the candidate’s greatest strengths? _Levan is highly skilled professional, with excellent interpersonal skills. He is very committed, always sets clear milestones and is able to achieve those independently with minimal supervision. Levan is a good leader. He can effectively manage financial and administrative team and lead them to the end goal successfully.   
8. How does the candidate compare to others who have worked in a similar function? – As compared with other financial directors I worked with for USAID funded projects in Cambodia and the Philippines, I would rate his performance as excellent.
9. If you would like to share any additional information regarding the candidate’s ability to succeed in this new position, please write them below. – Levan can easily adjust to the new environment. He can well support with team building and the project start-up. I can recommend him for this position with no hesitation.  

Should you have additional questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

პატივისცემით,

თამარ გაბუნია

მინისტრის პირველი მოადგილე

Sincerely,

Tamar Gabunia, MD, MPH

First Deputy Minister

Dear Ms. Gabunia,

My name is Amy Li and I am a Talent Acquisition Specialist at RTI International in North Carolina (USA). I received your contact information from Mr. Levan Kvinikadze, who we are considering for the position of Finance and Administration Manager for a USAID-funded project aiming to implement sustainable student-centered reform in primary grades in Georgia. I have attached the job description for your reference.

Can you please provide us some details of your professional work with Mr. Kvinikadze?

1. Please describe your working relationship with the candidate.
2. What was the candidate’s position title? How long have you worked with the candidate?
3. What were the candidate’s responsibilities at the previous position that can be applicable and relevant to this new position?
4. What is the candidate’s experience in providing financial and administration management for education-related or other international development projects?
5. How would you rate the candidate’s expertise in adhering to USAID financial policies and procedure?
6. Please describe the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively with internal staff and external clients/partners. 
7. What are the candidate’s greatest strengths?
8. How does the candidate compare to others who have worked in a similar function?
9. If you would like to share any additional information regarding the candidate’s ability to succeed in this new position, please write them below.

Thank you for your time and hope you have a great rest of the week!

Kind regards,

Amy (Xin) Li

Talent Acquisition Specialist

International Development Group, RTI International

Office: 919-649-3589

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