Terms of Reference (TOR) for External Audit

Organisation Background

The African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD) is a non-political, non-religious and non-profit making NGO with Country Programme Offices in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda.  AIRD’s objective is to offer operational technical support, including but not limited to: supply chain, logistics and infrastructure in partnership with relief and development organisations that focus on disaster-affected, poverty stricken and development-oriented areas. AIRD delivers for and through partners including but not limited to UN Agencies, international and national donor organisations and governments.

AIRD is unique and top tier African home grown and based organisation with more than 1,500 talents delivering first class service to the most vulnerable across the continent. The organisation has grown tremendously since its creation in 2006. In 2023, AIRD set the ambition to be a USD$100 million organisation. Despite the challenges in the operating landscape and context, AIRD has huge opportunities and potential to exceed that ambition.

Objective of the audit

The objective of the external audit is to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatements, whether resulting from fraud or error. The audit is to enable the auditors to express an independent professional opinion on the financial position of AIRD and to ensure that funds have been used for their intended purposes.

Scope of Services

AIRD wishes to hire the services of an external auditor to audit its financial statements for the years 2025 – 2027.

• Conduct annual independent audit of AIRD Head Office financial statements in line with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), applicable laws and Financial Reporting Standards.
• Express an opinion as to whether the financial statements have been prepared in all material respects that give a true and fair view of the financial position of the organization, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting standards and frameworks.
• Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the organization’s internal control systems and advise the Management and Board for improvements.
• Review compliance with applicable laws, donor requirements, and financial policies.
• Report any material misstatements, irregularities, or weaknesses in internal control.
• Providing additional value-added services, such as tax advice and assistance with filing annual returns.

Deliverables

• The Auditors on completion of the audit work will submit original copies of the Audit Report appended to the Financial Statements
• Provide a management letter with recommendations for improvements.

Audit Duration

Annual audit work shall be completed within one month from the date of commencement of the audit

Applicant’s Eligibility Criteria

The audit firm must meet the following criteria:

• Be a registered audit firm with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda
• Partners of the audit firm should have good standing record with ICPAU and hold current practicing certificate
• The firm should have been in operation for a period of at least ten (10) years.
• Have demonstrated experience in auditing not-for-profit organizations.
• Possess qualified personnel with relevant audit and accounting expertise.
• Independence and avoidance of conflicts of interest.

Submission of Proposal

The auditor or audit firm that meet the above criteria are requested to submit their proposals including the following:

• A Letter of Interest, stating why you consider your firm suitable for the assignment.
• Detailed company profile (Maximum 5 pages)
• Financial proposal indicating proposed fee and a breakdown of expenses (unit price together with any other expenses)
• Technical Proposal indicating outlining the methodology, work-plan and timelines
• The CVs of key staff proposed to do the assignment
• Copy of valid Tax Clearance Certificate,
• References from other clients, particularly from not-for-profit organizations.
• Proof of registration with ICPAU and Partners’ Practicing Certificates.
• Copy of current TIN (Tax Identification Number)
• Copy of Certificate of registration/Incorporation

Audit Fees

The audit fee will be fixed through a competitive bidding process

How to Apply

Proposals and questions must be sent to procurementhq@airdinternational.org  by 20th August 2025