Request for Proposal for Expression of Interest (EOI): Provision of External Audit Services

Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA) Malawi invites suitably qualified, independent and reputable audit firms to submit proposal for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the provision of External Audit Services for the financial year ending 31 December 2026.

1. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The purpose of the assignment is to engage an independent external auditor to audit GAIA Malawi’s annual financial statements and provide an objective opinion on whether the financial statements have been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework, relevant laws and regulations, and donor requirements.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The selected audit firm will be expected to:
– Conduct an independent audit of GAIA Malawi’s financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2026.
– Express an independent audit opinion on the annual financial statements.
– Assess compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accounting standards, donor agreements, and GAIA policies and procedures.
– Review the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls relevant to financial reporting.
– Review the utilisation of donor and other restricted funds against approved budgets and grant agreements.
– Verify significant assets, liabilities, income and expenditure and supporting documentation.
– Present key audit findings and recommendations to Management and the Board/Finance, Audit and Administration Development (FAAD) Committee.
– Submit the final audited financial statements, audit report and management letter within the agreed timeframe.

3. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Interested audit firms must:
– Be legally registered and authorised to provide audit services in Malawi.
– Be registered with the Malawi Accountants Board (MAB)/Institute of Chartered Accountants Malawi (ICAM) and/or relevant professional regulatory bodies.
– Have suitably qualified and experienced audit professionals with appropriate professional certifications, such as ICAM, ACCA, CIMA or CA.
– Demonstrate proven experience in auditing non-governmental organisations (NGOs), donor-funded organisations and/or international development organisations.
– Demonstrate relevant experience in external auditing, financial reporting and internal control assessment.
– Provide evidence of similar assignments successfully undertaken, including client references.
– Demonstrate adequate technical capacity, qualified personnel and appropriate audit methodology.

4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Interested firms should submit a concise Expression of Interest including:
– Company profile, relevant experience, Valid registration and professional certificates/licences;
– Details and qualifications of the proposed audit team;
– Relevant experience with NGOs/donor-funded organisations;
– At least three relevant client references;
– Proposed audit methodology and approach;
– Proposed timeframe for undertaking the audit; and

5. SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
The following are specific services required:
– Examination of the financial statements in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and other generally accepted auditing and accounting standards including USAID requirements.
– Presentation of the audited financial statements and the auditor’s report to the Board of Trustees through the Finance, Administration and Development Committee by 30th April 2027
– Advise the GAIA Board of Trustees and Management of any and all changes in accounting and reporting requirements;
– A management letter on the review of internal accounting controls and other matters arising from the audit;
– Serve as a resource and be available for consultation on accounting and related issues throughout the period of the contract.

6. PROPOSAL CONTENT AND FORMAT
Proposals must comprise a Technical Proposal and a Financial Proposal. One copy of each must be submitted. Submissions will not be accepted past the deadline. All proposals must include a valid Tax Compliance Certificate as well as a copy of Certificate of Registration with Malawi Accountants (MAB).

Note that GAIA is not obliged to accept the lowest priced proposal. The award will be made to the proposal assessed to be the best overall.

7. SUBMISSION OF EOI
Expressions of Interest clearly marked: “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2026”

should be submitted to:

The Chairperson
Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee
Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA) Malawi
4th Plot, Partridge Avenue
P.O Box 51428
Limbe, Blantyre
MALAWI
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Cell: 0998996800/0998996801

Closing date: 3rd November 2026
Closing Time: 4:00PM