Request for Audit Proposals: Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and Helvetas Intercooperation gGmbH Project Expenditures for Period 01 January–31 December 2026

Dear Sir/Madam,

We invite your firm to submit technical and financial proposals for the external financial audit of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation (HSI) and Helvetas Intercooperation gGmbH (HGE) projects and programme components in Pakistan for the calendar year ending 31 December 2026. As detailed in Annex C, the assignment covers 14 HSI audit components, including the Programme Directorate Pakistan (PDP) and its four sub-projects, with estimated annual expenditures of PKR 378.35 million, and two HGE projects with estimated annual expenditures of PKR 51.00 million. The assignment also includes the separate assessments specified in the Terms of Reference (TOR), covering internal controls, conformity of expenditure with project objectives and contractual terms, and economical and effective use of financial resources. Please submit your proposals by 16 November 2026, addressing the scope, reporting requirements and Audit Plan-2026 (Annex B) set out below and in the accompanying TOR.

Organizational Background

HSI is an independent Swiss association for development cooperation and humanitarian response, headquartered in Switzerland. Politically independent and denominationally neutral, it works with disadvantaged communities to improve livelihoods, strengthen participation and build resilience. Its work combines practical development programmes, capacity development and partnerships with public institutions, civil society and the private sector.

In Pakistan, HSI operates through its country office in Islamabad. Its country programme addresses water and natural resource management, climate adaptation and disaster resilience, inclusive economic opportunities, education, and social inclusion. These priorities are reflected in its work on resilient agriculture, rural livelihoods, child protection and adaptation planning, including in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. The Programme Directorate Pakistan (PDP) coordinates and supports programme implementation and financial management.

Helvetas gGmbH is a German nonprofit development organization within the Helvetas network. Its work emphasizes poverty reduction, education and income generation, food security, sustainable natural resource management, and opportunities for women and girls. In Pakistan, its work includes strengthening monitoring and evaluation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and supporting responsible business conduct, labour standards and human rights due diligence in agricultural value chains, including cotton and rice.

Audit Period and Timetable

The financial year follows the calendar year, from 01 January to 31 December 2026. Annex C sets out combined estimated annual expenditures of PKR 429.35 million, comprising actual expenditures for January–September and estimated expenditures for October–December 2026. It provides project-level expenditure information for planning and pricing the audit, including projects closed during the year. PDP sub-projects are to be audited and presented separately and consolidated under PDP, as specified in Annex C.

Consolidated financial reports at PDP level are expected to be available by 20 January 2027. Audit work is expected to begin by 25 January 2027 and conclude on 15 February 2027. Final audit reports, Executive Summary, and management letters are due no later than 26 February 2027. Audit Plan-2026 (Annex B) sets out detailed milestones.

Projects to Audit

The proposal must cover all Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Pakistan and Helvetas Intercooperation gGmbH projects listed in Annex C. The TOR and Project Expenditures provided in Annex C will identify the applicable reporting requirements and expenditure coverage for each engagement.

Local annual audits generally follow the SDC ToR and ISA 805. However, audits of Helvetas Germany projects must also incorporate agreed-upon procedures (AUP) in accordance with EU requirements. This will ensure compliance with the applicable EU terms and conditions, including documentation of sampling and the list of verified vouchers.

Audit Scope and Deliverables

The audit must be conducted in accordance with the applicable auditing standards and the requirements specified in the TOR, including relevant donor agreements and reporting formats. The proposal should explain how the firm will verify reported expenditure, supporting records and allocations across projects and entities, and assess relevant financial controls and compliance requirements.

The firm should describe its approach to discussing findings with management and allow time for management responses before finalization. Any assumptions about consolidated reporting or separate audit opinions must be stated explicitly and agreed before the engagement begins.

Final audit reports for HSI and HGE and management letters for each must be provided in four sets of signed originals: one each for the relevant Head Office and two sets for PDP. Reports must clearly identify the entity, project and period covered. The appointment will cover the 2026 audit cycle, with the engagement agreement signed by the relevant Head Office.

Key Contacts

1. Deputy Country Director, HSI
2. Manager, Operations

Telephone: (051) 2624694-95

Technical and Financial Proposals

Please provide sealed technical and financial proposals as separate, clearly identified documents, consistent with the TOR.

Technical Proposal

1. Firm credentials and relevant experience: provide evidence of professional registration and eligibility to conduct the audit, together with experience auditing nonprofits, international development organizations and donor-funded projects of comparable scope. Include two relevant client references.

2. Audit approach: describe your understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, principal areas of audit attention, sampling approach, and arrangements for reviewing project expenditure and donor compliance. Identify information or access needed from management.

3. Engagement team: identify the engagement partner, audit manager and key team members; provide concise profiles, responsibilities and expected time commitments. Disclose any proposed subcontracting or use of affiliate personnel.

4. Work plan and reporting: provide a timetable aligned with the required completion date, covering fieldwork, draft reports, discussion of findings, management responses and final reports. Explain arrangements for quality review and timely communication of significant issues.

5. Independence: confirm independence from the entities and projects to be audited and disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest.

Financial Proposal

Quote fees in PKR, with a breakdown by entity and project or mandate, and show the total assignment cost. Separately identify professional fees, applicable taxes, travel and other reimbursable costs. State the basis and ceiling for reimbursable costs, pricing assumptions, proposed payment terms and the period for which the offer remains valid. Identify any exclusions or additional charges clearly.

Evaluation of Proposals

Selection will be based on a qualitative analysis of the technical proposals and financial bids. Technical assessment will consider relevant audit experience, the proposed team, understanding of the assignment, audit methodology, quality assurance, and ability to meet the reporting timetable. Independence, completeness and compliance with the TOR will also be assessed.

Financial bids will be reviewed for completeness, reasonableness and comparability against the proposed scope and level of effort. The overall assessment will consider technical quality and value for money. The lowest-priced bid will not automatically be selected. Clarifications, reference checks or discussions with the proposed engagement team may be requested where necessary.

Please submit your proposals by 16 November 2026 to the attention of

Manager, Operations.

Helvetas Pakistan,

PHA Flats, Block 23, Flat No. 3, Sector G-7/1, Islamabad,

Please contact the office for any clarification.

Sincerely,

Country Director

Attachments

a)      Annex A: Audit Terms of Reference

b)     Annex B: Audit Plan 2026

c)      Annex C: Project Expenditures 2026