1. BACKGROUND

Copper Rose Zambia (CRZ) is a youth-led non-governmental organisation with a mission to build a conducive environment for young people to thrive in all aspects of their lives. We envision a world where every young person is happy, healthy, and living to their full potential. CRZ is not just like any organisation; it is a powerful movement led by a dedicated team of skilled and passionate young professionals, focusing on critical areas such as health and wellness, gender equality, and youth development and leadership, actively addressing challenges such as HIV/AIDS/STIs, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equity, and youth development and skills development. You can read more about us on our website: www.copperrosezambia.org.

In accordance with the general provisions for grant financing, Copper Rose Zambia is required to have its accounts audited regularly in accordance with the standards and procedures outlined in the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting and Auditing and in conformity with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) as issued by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) and the requirements of the Companies Act, 2017 of Zambia.

In accordance with the general provisions for grant funding, Copper Rose Zambia is required to appoint an independent Auditor to audit the accounts relating to the project in accordance with the above. Therefore, CRZ would like to engage a reputable audit firm to carry out the statutory audit for the financial year ending December 31, 2023. The contract will be renewable for a three-year period.

2. AUDIT OBJECTIVES

The objective of the Copper Rose Zambia Annual audit is to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements reflect a true and fair view of the organisation’s financial affairs. The audit will be performed in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), International Standards of Auditing (“ISA”), and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

The audit report will include an Independent Auditor’s Report (Opinion) on the financial statements. It will also include other required schedules or analyses that Copper Rose Zambia has determined are necessary to ensure that program resources are properly managed.

The auditors should assess the organisation’s compliance with the provisions of the Zambia Companies Act (2017) and the relevant applicable regulatory authorities.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The successful External Auditor will cover the headquarters in Zambia and the programme offices within the country.

The audit will conform with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), International Standards of Auditing (“ISA”), and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The findings and recommendations shall include an action plan for Copper Rose Zambia’s organisational and accounting improvements, depending on the findings and implications, and shall accommodate management comments.

The audit will also include a determination of the indirect cost rate agreement for NICRA processing.

4. AUDITORS EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

The auditor will employ staff with appropriate professional qualifications and suitable experience with IFAC standards and with expertise in verifying financial information of entities comparable in size and complexity to Copper Rose Zambia – to include an Audit Partner, Audit Manager, Senior Auditor, and Assistant Auditor. In addition, the eligibility criteria will be as follows:

a) Experience with programs and projects related to donor-funded projects by national and/or international donors and institutions.

b) Experience with USAID/PEPFAR/Global Fund project audits

c) Sufficient knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.  This includes but is not limited to taxation, social security and labour regulations, accounting, and reporting.

d) The audit firm’s experience with audit reporting under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), International Standards on Auditing (ISA), and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

e) Three (3) References for similar audits performed within the last three years (From 2020 and above).

f) Provide Audit Methodology, Proposed work plan, and Curriculum Vitae for the partner, manager, and key staff proposed for the audit team.

g) The audit firm and staff must be independent of Copper Rose Zambia and affirm their independence in the engagement letter.

h) Any actual or potential conflict of interest in taking up this role should be highlighted.

5. DELIVERABLES

The key deliverables will be:

a) Audited Financial Statements indicating if accounting standards have been applied and whether they reflect a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group.

b) Management Letter where matters that are not material to the financial statements but which the auditors wish to communicate to Copper Rose Zambia may be reflected for management action.

c) Schedule of Expenditure of Federal Awards as provided for by 2 CFR 200.510.

d) Schedule of Computation of Indirect Cost Rate for the period as per 2 CFR 200.57

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Interested firms should submit their Technical and Financial Proposals using the link provided for this purpose within the Request for Proposals (RFP). The proposal submitted should be a maximum of 20 pages, exclusive of the statutory requirements, which shall be attached separately. The proposal subject line should clearly read, “EOI: EXTERNAL AUDITORS.” 

The proposal should be addressed to the Senior Manager for Finance and Operations.

Mode of submission: ONLY electronically submitted proposals will be accepted.

Applications should be submitted to the following email: procurement@copperrosezambia.org. The proposal must be submitted by 31 March 2024 at 12:00 am Central African time. 

Only shortlisted bidders will be invited to present themselves for an interview at Copper Rose Zambia offices at a date to be communicated. If you have any questions, send an email to procurement@copperrosezambia.org no later than 3 days before the deadline.

Copper Rose Zambia Provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. We also strive to achieve equal employment opportunities through continuing diversity enhancement initiatives. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and with diverse experiences to apply. We are committed to evaluating applications fairly.