PROJECT TITLE : WRCV/471- Women Resource Center in Vardenis

DURATION: planned 15.01.2023 – 15.11.2024; extended to 30.04.2025

BUDGET: 107.000 euro

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PLACE: Vardenis, Gegharkunik region

AUDIT PERIOD: 15.01.2023 – 30․04․2025

 

1. Background

The Women Resource Center in Vardenis (WRCV) project, supported by funding from Land Tirol Funds and Caritas Austria, aims to foster the social and economic empowerment of women in Vardenis and nearby settlements. The center serves as a shared and unique space for women, providing opportunities to develop their skills and capacities, share experiences, and offer mutual psychological support. Additionally, it functions as a safe environment for their children, enabling them to engage in developmental activities and spend quality time with their peers. This, in turn, allows the women to focus on their personal growth and well-being. The project has three main outputs:

1. Space for 85 women is established to enable networking, self-support, upskilling in the fields of women rights, social benefits and cultural integration.
2. The economic role and competitiveness of 80 women is strengthened.
3. Child care accompaniment is provided for mothers of small children, attending the WRC activities.

 

Budget:

€ 107.000€, out of which € 17.000 = Caritas Tirol Funds and € 90.000€ = Land Tirol Funds

2. Objectives of the Audit

The objective of this audit is to provide an independent assessment of:

• The financial management of the project, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, international accounting standards, and national laws.

 

• The appropriateness and accuracy of expenditures in line with the project’s budget and activities.
• The adequacy of the internal control systems to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Any recommendations to strengthen financial management for future project implementation.

3. Scope of the Audit
   The audit will cover the project period, from 15.01.2023 – 30.04.2025.

Key areas to be reviewed include:

1. Financial records:

• Review all financial transactions, including supporting documents, to ensure accuracy, legitimacy, and alignment with project objectives.
• Ensure expenses are allocated correctly to the relevant budget lines and activities.

1. Internal controls:

• Assess the effectiveness of internal control mechanisms and risk management systems in ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of funds.

1. Procurement processes:

• Review procurement procedures for goods and services, including MoUs, tenders, and vendor selection for compliance with guidelines.

1. Childcare services:

• Verify costs related to the provision of childcare services, including space, snacks, and activities for children.

1. Seed grant disbursement:

• Assess the procedures for granting and monitoring seed funds, ensuring transparency, accountability, and proper documentation.

 

1. Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with Armenian tax laws, labor laws, and other legal and donor requirements.

4. Deliverables

The audit firm is expected to deliver the following:

1. Audit Report:

• A detailed report with findings, including:

1. • • The accuracy of financial records.
     • Compliance with financial and procurement guidelines.
     • Identified weaknesses or risks in financial management.
     • Recommendations for improvement.
2. Management Letter:

• Highlighting key issues for the project’s management team, including suggested actions to strengthen internal controls.

1. Annexes:

• Copies of reviewed documents, including a summary of findings for key areas like procurement, seed grants, and childcare services.

5. Methodology

The auditor will:

• Conduct initial meetings with the project team to understand the context and scope of work.
• Review financial statements, supporting documents, contracts, procurement records, and other relevant project documentation.
• Verify project expenditures against budgets and planned activities.
• Conduct field visits, if necessary, to validate project activities and outputs.

 

 

6. Timeline

The audit will occur starting from the beginning of June and ending at the end of June.

• Fieldwork and data review- First half of June 2025
• Draft report submission- 15^th of June 2025
• Final report submission- 30^th of June 2025

7. Qualification Requirements for the Auditor

The audit firm or auditor must have:

• Proven experience in auditing donor-funded projects, particularly in the NGO sector.
• Knowledge of Armenian financial regulations and laws.
• Familiarity with International Financial Reporting Standards and International Standards on Auditing.
• A team with relevant qualifications (e.g., Certified Public Accountant or equivalent).

8. Submission of Proposals

Interested audit firms must submit a proposal including:

1. A technical proposal detailing the approach and methodology.
2. A financial proposal, including a breakdown of costs.
3. Evidence of relevant experience and qualifications.

Please submit your proposal with supporting documentation to m.grigoryan@caritas.am, info@caritas.am, and Elisabeth.Haun@caritas.tirol  by 21.02.2025.