Call for Proposals – External Audit Services (2)

Cordaid & NMO (Nahda Makers Organization) – Yemen

Cordaid, in partnership with the Nahda Makers Organization (NMO), invites qualified and reputable audit firms to submit proposals for conducting an External Audit of jointly implemented humanitarian projects in Yemen, in accordance with donor (including EU/ECHO) and organizational requirements.

1. Objective of the Audit

The objective of this audit is to provide Cordaid, NMO, and the donor with an independent professional opinion on:

• The accuracy and reliability of the project’s financial statements
• Compliance with the donor contract, including financial, procurement, and reporting requirements
• The adequacy of financial management systems and internal controls
• Verification of project expenditures and supporting documentation

2. Scope of Work

The selected audit firm will be responsible for:

• Conducting an Expenditure Verification in line with applicable donor guidelines (e.g., EU/ECHO requirements)
• Reviewing service providers’ documentation, including:
  • Contracts
  • Invoices
  • Delivery notes
  • Payment requests
  • Proof of services rendered
• Examining project financial records, including:
  • Accounting ledgers
  • Supporting documents
  • Bank statements
• Reviewing procurement procedures and contract management at both Cordaid and NMO levels
• Verifying HR and payroll documentation, including timesheets and staff cost allocations
• Conducting field verification visits, where required
• Issuing a signed Audit Report, including:
  • Audit findings
  • Recommendations
  • A management letter

Audit period: [Insert project implementation period]

3. Required Qualifications

Eligible audit firms must meet the following criteria:

• Legally registered and licensed audit firm in Yemen
• Minimum five (5) years of experience auditing NGOs, INGOs, or donor-funded projects
• Proven experience with EU/ECHO, UN, or other international donor audits
• Availability of qualified and certified auditors (e.g., CPA, ACCA)
• Capacity to conduct field visits in multiple governorates
• Strong knowledge of humanitarian accountability, compliance, and donor regulations

4. Required Documents for Submission

Interested firms must submit the following:

1.    Company profile and legal registration documents
2.    Technical proposal (audit methodology, approach, and timeline)
3.    CVs of the proposed audit team
4.    Evidence of similar completed audit assignments, preferably EU/ECHO-funded projects
5.    Financial proposal with a detailed cost breakdown
6.    Valid tax card, tax compliance certificate, and other relevant government licenses
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5. Submission Details

Proposals must be submitted in sealed envelopes or by email to:
Cordaid – Yemen
Email: [mhm@cordaid.org]
Subject line: “Audit Call – Cordaid & NMO [201342 - ECHO Project]”
Deadline: [31/12/2025]
Late submissions will not be accepted.
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6. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Quality and clarity of the technical proposal and audit methodology
• Relevant experience with NGOs and donor-funded projects
• Professional qualifications and experience of the audit team
• Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal
• Past performance and references

Only shortlisted firms will be contacted.
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7. Confidentiality, Data Protection, and Information Security

(In accordance with Article 13 of the Grant Agreement)

7.1 Sensitive Information

• All data, documents, or materials identified in writing as sensitive must be treated as strictly confidential.
• Confidentiality applies during the audit and until the deadline set in the Grant Agreement Data Sheet (Point 6), unless extended in writing.
• Sensitive information may be used solely for the purpose of implementing the audit.
• Disclosure of sensitive information is permitted only if:
  • There is a need-to-know for audit implementation, and
  • The recipient is bound by a confidentiality obligation.
• Confidentiality obligations cease if:
  • The disclosing party provides written consent
  • The information becomes publicly available without breach
  • Disclosure is required by EU, international, or national law
• Additional confidentiality rules may apply as defined in Annex 5.

7.2 Classified Information

• Classified information must be handled in accordance with EU, international, and national security regulations.
• Deliverables containing classified information must follow special submission procedures agreed with the granting authority.
• Subcontracting tasks involving classified information requires prior written approval.
• Classified information may not be disclosed to any third party without explicit written authorization.
• Additional security rules may be set out in Annex 5.

7.3 Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with confidentiality or information-handling obligations may result in:

• Termination of the audit contract
• Reduction or rejection of audit fees
• Grant reduction in accordance with Article 28
• Additional corrective or punitive measures under Chapter 5 of the Grant Agreement