TERMS OF REFERENCE: HIRING AN EXTERNAL AUDIT FIRM CONDUCTING AUDIT OF A PROJECT FOUNDED BY MASTERCARD FOUNDATION

Part-time

Company Overview

RWANDA MONITORING AND EVALUATION ORGANIZATION (RMEO) is a Community of Practice (CoP) registered as a Non-Governmental Organization under the laws of Rwanda. Its membership is comprised of Monitoring and Evaluation professionals and practitioners from the public sector, civil society, research institutions, the UN, and the private sector. RMEO’ mission is to cultivate the highest professional standards in monitoring and evaluation practice and theory through highly skilled and motivated members and promoting a nationwide culture of using evidence-based data to inform decision-making.

RMEO has received grant from Mastercard Foundation which was used to implement a separate project from March 7th, 2024 to March 6th, 2026.

1. Purpose of the Audit

The purpose of this audit is to obtain independent and professional assurance that the project financial statements present a true and fair view, and that its financial records are accurate, complete, and reliable in accordance with applicable accounting standards, laws, regulations, and internal policies and complied with the grant agreement.

2. Objectives of the Audit

The audit engagement aims to:

Express an independent opinion on whether the financial statements present a true and fair view.
Verify the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of financial records and supporting documentation.
Assess compliance with applicable laws, grant agreement, regulations, and statutory requirements, including tax compliance.
Identify material weaknesses, risks, and control deficiencies, and provide practical recommendations for improvement.
Enhance the credibility of financial information for management, the Board, and other stakeholders.

 

3. Scope of Work

The external audit will cover:

Financial Statements and Records Review: Examination of all financial statements, accounting records, and supporting documentation across all branches for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable accounting standards.

Compliance Review: Verification of compliance with tax obligations (RRA), statutory requirements, and internal policies.

Reporting and Recommendations: Preparation of a comprehensive audit report with findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations for improved governance, operational efficiency, financial management, and compliance.

4. Deliverables

The audit firm shall provide:

• Audit Report in hard copy including audit opinion.
• Management letter showing any identified internal controls weaknesses and recommendations for improvement.

5. Duration of the Assignment

The audit assignment is expected to be completed within 15 working days from the signing of the contract. The contract period may be extended by mutual agreement.

6. Confidentiality

All information obtained during the audit shall be treated as strictly confidential. No disclosure to third parties is permitted without prior written authorization from RMEO.

7. Application Documents / Eligibility Criteria

Firms should submit the following documents and meet these criteria:

Administrative and Eligibility Requirements:

• Licensed and registered by ICPAR.
• All partners must be CPAs registered with ICPAR.
• Proven experience auditing agribusiness or similar sectors.
• Adequate staff with expertise in accounting, audit, and sector-specific operations.
• Firm and staff must be independent and free from conflicts of interest.
• Valid RRA tax clearance certificate.
• Valid RDB registration.
• For international firms, at least one signing partner must reside in Rwanda.

Technical Proposal:

• Profile of the firm and relevant experience.
• Audit methodology & approach.
• Three recent references from similar audit engagements (last 3 years).
• Implementation schedule (work plan and timelines).
• List of personnel with CVs, responsibilities and qualification.

Financial Proposal:

Detailed fees, indicating whether taxes are included or excluded.

8. Submission Deadline

Proposals must be submitted in electronic in separate folders (technical and financial) to: rwandaeval@gmail.com with a copy to alex.mugabo77@gmail.com

Deadline: 7th March 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.