***CLOSED*** Call for Expression of Interest: Audit Service of Strengthening IWR with an R2R Approach in Belize
Audit Service: To conduct a General Audit of the Project entitled Strengthening IWR with an R2R approach in Belize for the execution of the sub-project entitled: Integrated Ridge to Reef Management of the Mesoamerican Reef Ecoregion and General Assessment of all operations and procedures in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on Auditing, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) or International Standard on Auditing (ISA).
Background:
The WWF-GEF Project: Integrated Ridge to Reef Management of the Mesoamerican Reef to Ecoregion (MAR2R) is a regional project being implemented by the Central American Commission on the Environment and Development (CCAD) in four countries, Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. The Department of the Environment (DOE) is the designated national technical focal point for the project in Belize and is responsible for the execution of the sub project to be implemented in Belize, in the watersheds of the Belize and New Rivers. The Sub Project aims to strengthen the integrated management of water resources in Belize, through the design of policies and instruments for water planning in the Belize and New River watersheds, under the R2R approach. The expected results are: (i) Policy and national instruments for criteria to aid in identification, designation, and monitoring of Class I and Class II Waters (ii) hydrological and Water Quality Monitoring Network and Database for Belize River and Tributaries (Macal and Mopan River); and (iii) characterization, diagnosis, baseline for the development of a Management Plan for the New River Watershed.
The Integrated Ridge to Reef Management of the Mesoamerican Reef Ecoregion project (Mar2R) is a joint undertaking of the Government of Belize (GOB), CCAD, GEF- WFF, SICA, and CONANP as an approach to strengthen the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Belize. The project is being implemented by the Department of Environment under the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (MSDCCDRM) as the lead Implementing Agency and the National Hydrological Service under the Ministry of Natural Resources as a major partner. Fiduciary support is provided by the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT).
The project has been streamlined into three main components:
Component I: The development of a national policy and formulation of criteria to aid in identification, designation, and monitoring of Class I and Class II waters.
Component II: The establishment of hydrological and water quality monitoring networks and database for the Belize river and its tributaries (Macal & Mopan River); and
Component III: Characterization and diagnose a baseline for the development of a management plan for the New River Watershed.
The Government of Belize has been working to strengthen the integrated management of water resources by formulating different policy instruments contributing to the sustainable improvement of the quality of life of the population and Natural Ecosystems. In this framework of action, the MAR2R Project plans to support the DOE for the design of the framework needed to identify and designate Class I and Class II Waters based on water quality, discharge, and point source. Development of this framework will be based on current commitments to various regional and international conventions, current national policies and laws for Class I & Class II Waters in Belize, standardized parameters for water quality and environment, use for discharge, classification of point source and non-point sources, use of water in the industries (tourism, agriculture, fisheries, recreational, etc.). This framework will include the review of best practices and existing standards, methodologies for monitoring, consultation with users and national stakeholders, SWOT analysis and recommendations for strengthening identifications, designations, enforcement, and monitoring, and recommendation where applicable to incorporate into legislation.
Objectives of the Audit Services:
- To conduct a general audit of the MAR2R Account based on the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) or International Standard on Auditing (ISA).
- To Conduct a General Assessment of all operations and procedures to ensure that MAR2R follows the General Accepted Accounting Principles and IFRS.
- Express an opinion on the financial statements of MAR2R based on the audit.
- Prepare a financial audit report.
The services will include but not be limited to the following activities:
- Plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.
- Audit the accompanying statements of the financial position of MAR2R as at May 6, 2023.
- Audit the related statement of the financial statements inclusive of the comprehensive income, statements of changes in equity, and statements of cash flows from March 2021.
- Examine, on a test basis, the evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
- Assess the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management; and
- Evaluate the overall financial statement presentation.
Tasks of the Auditor:
The Auditor, under the guidance of the Finance & Administration Manager of PACT, will conduct a general audit of the MAR2R Account and General Assessment of all operations and procedures in accordance with the IFRS on Auditing, Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) or International Standard on Auditing (ISA).
Level of Effort:
The period of audit is expected to be no more than twenty (20) working days. The firm is expected to work closely with the Finance and Accounting Department to gather relevant information and maintaining contact with the Finance & Administration Manager.
Expected Outputs/Deliverables:
The expected outputs from the Services are:
- Inception Report – A detailed workplan, methodology and budget for all tasks to be implemented under this consultancy.
- A Draft Audit Report – A digital copy of the draft report for feedback and validation.
- An Audit Report as per Annex 1.
| # | Deliverable | Percentage |
| 1 | Upon contract signing, delivery and acceptance of Inception Report. | 20% |
| 2 | Submission and acceptance of first draft report. | 40% |
| 3 | Submission and acceptance of final audit report. | 40% |
Qualifications:
PACT is seeking a firm with the following qualifications:
- Inception Report – A detailed workplan, methodology and budget for all tasks to be implemented under this consultancy.
- A Draft Audit Report – A digital copy of the draft report for feedback and validation.
- An Audit Report as per Annex 1.
Procurement Details:
Interested parties are asked to submit a signed letter of interest and a detailed proposal for the
deliverables. The proposal should include methodology, work schedule, quality control and quality
assurance. The proposal shall also describe the composition of the firm and relevant years of experience.
A financial proposal shall also be submitted.
PACT provides equal opportunity to all eligible and qualified entities/individuals. Interested parties shall
be invited to submit formal bids. Considerations to be made in the selection of a successful bid shall
include, but not limited to:
- Demonstration of the ability to provide high-quality service to PACT
- Demonstrated experience in undertaking scope of work
- Conformity to economy and efficiency requirements of PACT
Expressions of Interest should be submitted no later than March 31, 2023, to:
Mr. Radin Santos
Procurement Officer
Protected Areas Conservation Trust
Soft Copies should be sent via email to:
procurementofficer@pactbelize.org and finmanager@pactbelize.org
“Expression of Interest Re: MAR2R Audit Services”
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PACT is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability).
PACT is not liable for any costs incurred by applicants in submission of their application.