1.Introduction

HI is an independent and impartial aid organization working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. We work alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, acting and bearing witness in order to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. HI EAR programmes are funded by various donors. 

HI EAR programme has an estimated total annual budget of Euro 10,582,005 for the year ended on 31 December 2023.HI is seeking an external audit company to carry out a comprehensive audit for the EAR Programme. The audit will cover Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda separately (in line with the country regulations) then a consolidated account for the HI EAR for each year for a period of three years; from January 2024 to December 2026

1.1 Audit Objective

The objective of the audit of the Financial Statements is to enable the auditor to express a professional opinion on the financial position of the organisation at the end of the reporting period and of the funds received and expenditures for the reporting period, as reported by the HI EAR Programme and in particular to confirm that the reported expenditure has, in all material respects, been used in conformity with the provisions of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards.

To also confirm that the Financial Statements agree with the books of accounts which provide the basis for preparation of the Financial Statements and are established to reflect the financial transactions in respect of the organisation.

In addition, the relevant local legislation on accounting and reporting in force in the country in which the financial audit is carried out need to be taken into consideration by the auditor.

1.2 Scope

The audit will be carried out in accordance with international standards of auditing. It will include such tests of transactions and of the existence, ownership and valuation of assets and liabilities.

The audit will cover the following:

• Express an opinion on whether the execution of the Organization’s activities complies with the rules and conditions governing the use of funds as expressed or referred in the organization’s Financing/Grant Agreements.
• Examining on test basis evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the expenditure statements.
• Reconcile funds received by each country with the corresponding lists supplied by the Headquarters
• Verify the application of administrative procedures relative to various transactions such as payroll, procurement etc
• Consideration of internal controls over financial reporting as a basis of determining audit procedures that are appropriate
• Determine whether the statement of expenditure presents fairly, in all material aspects, the Organization’s costs incurred during the year under review.
• Confirm necessary supporting documents, records and accounts have been kept in respect   of  programme expenditure.
• To verify the physical existence of HI EAR programme assets as in the asset register, their conditions and locations.
•     Express an opinion whether the submitted final financial report is  correct and gives a true and fair view of the activities of the Organization in accordance  with Internationally Accepted Accounting Standards.
•       Recommend whether improvements to HI EAR systems, procedures and controls can be made as a result  of the findings of this audit.
•       Verify if improvements recommended in prior audits have been implemented

1.3 Methodology

The approach should include but not be limited to:

• Hold separate pre-engagement meetings with the organisation to present an outline of the planned approach for conducting the exercise.
• Request and hold formal interviews with the HI programme and financial management team with a view to forming an understanding on the effectiveness of the internal control system in the management of the project.

    Review and vet invoices for fees and reimbursable expenses by the organisation and ascertain that:

• Deliverables from short- and long-term consultancies were properly delivered and received before relevant costs were charged to respective donors

    Review and vet bills paid for services rendered by partners and ascertain that:

• Services billed in the period under review are covered in the relevant sub-contracts.
• Contractually agreed deliverables have been achieved and approved by appropriate authority within the organisation.

    Review the procurement process and procedures for all short-term contracts for the period under review and ascertain that:

• Transparent and open systems are in place to ensure negotiations for contracts (services, works and printing) are competitive and represent good value for money.
• Review the structure of HI EAR and ascertain that job functions are clearly defined and that no overlaps exist.
• Express an opinion on the cost effectiveness, accuracy and completeness (i.e. value for money) of the financial transactions for the period under review.
• Ensure continuity in the approach even if there is change in the engagement team from the prior year
•  Carry out the audit in the respective country offices of the EAR program

1.4 Deliverables

The expected deliverables from the consulting firm are:

• Audited financial report (hard and soft copies) for the period noted per country.
• A management letter per country, which should highlight observed weaknesses in the system of internal control and the recommendations for managing the identified issues over the life of the programme.
• One consolidated management letter for EAR program
• Presentation of audit report and management letter to SMT (Senior Management Team) after every assignment
• A verification report on programme assets per country.
• To file annual Tax Returns by 31^st March for Rwanda and 30^th June for Kenya and Uganda.

2. BID SUBMISSION

The potential consulting will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed methodology and technical approach
• Organisational and technical capacity of the auditing firm
• Relevant experience in undertaking similar assignments

3. APPENDICES

Willingness to adhere to Federation Handicap International institutional policies (Prevention and fight against corruption, Code of Conduct: Integrity, Prevention of Abuse and Safeguarding, Child Protection, Protection of Beneficiaries against sexual abuse and harassment).

4. Evaluation

Application documents submitted will be evaluated based on the following criteria

5. General Mandatory Evaluation Criteria

For firms or institutions

For Individuals

Technical Capacity Evaluation

a) Profile and experience of the company:

• The firm should have proven expertise and experience in undertaking service delivery. Attach three reference letters
• Provide a list of assignments undertaken similar scope of work within the last 2 years along with names of clients (including contact person, email contacts, Postal address and telephone numbers – this must include the three referees provided above)  

b) Professional/technical capacity/ capability:

• The proposed staff should have relevant experience and professional qualifications in the relevant field

Financial Evaluation

At the Financial stage, the provider who rates the highest in terms of technical capacity (as described in point 2) and offers the lowest price will be considered for the award of the contract. The financial proposal should be quoted in USD including the applicable taxes to each country.

5. How to Apply 

Potential service providers who meet these requirements and are available within the time period indicated should attach their applications in PDF format including:

• Technical proposal highlighting methodology, tools, deliverables, and workplan.
• Financial proposal on company letterhead/ signed and stamped) providing a breakdown of all charges related to the assignment (Cost for the professional services and all applicable taxes).

The deadline for submission of expression of interest (technical and financial budget proposal) is 10th September 2024.  Interested and eligible bidders are requested to send soft copies of the application and company profile documents listed below to the following email: procurement.tenders@kenya.hi.org.  (Please indicate: Consultancy for Independent Financial Audit of Handicap International East Africa Region (EAR)-Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda on the subject line in your email application)

• It shall be remained your responsibility to ensure that your offer will reach the address above on or before the deadline.
• Quotations that are received by Humanity Inclusion after the deadline indicated above, for whatever reason, shall not be considered for evaluation.
• Please take note of the following requirements and conditions pertaining to providing the abovementioned service.

6. Timing

The work is expected to commence on March 1^st 2025 subject to closure of HI global Accounts. The audit firm is expected to submit first draft of report by May, 31^th 2025 and the final report not later than June 20^th 2025.

Thank you and we look forward to receiving your proposal/quotation.