Cordaid Ethiopia is looking to hire an independent external audit firm under a 3-year framework agreement (covering fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028) to perform its annual statutory financial audits.

About Cordaid

Cordaid is a Dutch, international non-governmental organization that combines 100 years of experience and expertise in emergency aid and structural poverty eradication. CORDAID believes in a world without poverty and exclusion. We strive for a just and sustainable society where every person counts. We stand for knowledge and talent sharing between North and South, between farmers and businesses, and between activists and policymakers. Where poverty, conflict, and exclusion tear up societies, we connect people and communities. We also stand for professionalism, expertise, and solidarity across borders, to make a difference where it is most needed. Together with more than 600 partner organizations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America we structurally improve the living conditions of the poorest and most excluded populations the bottom billion.

Cordaid delivers its interventions through both direct implementation and partnerships with local organizations, with support from donors including the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ethiopia, the Dutch Relief Alliance, and ACT Alliance. The organization maintains a country office in Addis Ababa and field offices in various locations across Ethiopia.

As part of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial management, Cordaid Ethiopia seeks to engage an independent external auditor to conduct an audit of its financial statements in accordance with applicable auditing standards and Ethiopian laws and regulations. This Terms of Reference (TOR) sets out the scope, objectives, and requirements of the audit assignment.

Procurement Description

Cordaid Ethiopia intends to engage an audit firm under a three (3) year framework agreement, subject to annual performance review and renewal. The selected firm will conduct annual statutory audits in line with ISA, donor requirements, and Ethiopian law.

At minimum, the auditor shall:

1. Audit annual financial statements (fiscal year ending 31 December) and assess compliance with CSO legislation and expenditure classification requirements.

2. Verify procurement compliance with Cordaid policies and donor requirements.

3. Assess adequacy of documentation, accounting records, and whether financial statements present a true and fair view.

4. Evaluate internal controls and financial management systems.

5. Issue an independent audit opinion per applicable standards.

6. Assess fraud/error risk controls and address material misstatement risks.

7. Hold opening/closing meetings with the Country Director and management on scope, findings, and recommendations.

8. Issue a Management Letter covering: control weaknesses and recommendations, status of prior audit recommendations, and other matters relevant to management.

Tender Requirements

NO.

Description

Means of Verification / Required Documents

1

Legal Registration and Licensing

• Valid and renewed Business License for auditing services.
• Valid Registration Certificate.
• Proof of accreditation by the Agency for Civil Society Organizations and the Accounting and
• Auditing Board of Ethiopia (AABE).
• Valid and up-to-date professional license issued by AABE.

2

Tax Compliance

• Valid Tax Clearance Certificate.
• Valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) Certificate.
• Valid VAT Registration Certificate

3

Firm Profile and Organizational Capacity

• Evidence of a minimum of five (5) years of experience in providing audit services.
• Evidence of adequate staffing capacity, including at least five (5) professional staff.

4

Relevant Audit Experience

• Evidence of at least four (4) audit engagements successfully completed for INGOs.

Delivery place and validity

Activity

Date and Time

Deadline for requests for clarification

12 October 2026 (four (4) days before the submission deadline)

Cordaid's final response to clarifications

13 October 2026 (three (3) days before the submission deadline)

Proposal submission deadline

16 October 2026, 5:00 PM local time

Notification of award and issuance of regret letters

6 November 2026

Contract Award

11 November 2026

Contract Commencement

15 November 2026

Final FY2026 audit report

15 March 2027

Application

Process

Bidders shall submit separate Technical and Financial Proposals by email to [email protected]  no later than 16 October 2026 at 5:00 PM local time. Proposals received after the deadline shall not be considered.

The email subject line must state:

Tender 009-009/2026-Proposal for Statutory Audit Services - FY2026

The Technical Proposal and Financial Proposal must be submitted as two separate, clearly labelled electronic files:

• Technical Proposal - [Name of Bidder]
• Financial Proposal - [Name of Bidder]

The CPO should be submitted in person to the address below. Late submissions will be automatically disqualified.

Cordaid Ethiopia Country Office

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Bole Millennium Hall, right next to Avanti Restaurant

P.O. Box 27638 Code1000

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

www.cordaid.et

Full tender documents and clarification request 

Interested bidders can access the full RFQ document through the link below

or scan the QR code.

https://www.cordaid.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/FINAL-TOR-CALL-FOR-STATUTORY-AUDIT-SERVICES-2026-2028_.pdf 

Questions and Request for clarification should be submitted to [email protected]. 

Cordaid Ethiopia reserves the right to reject the bid fully or partially without any liability

Cordaid Ethiopia