TENDER FOR THE EXTERNAL AUDIT OF THE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION PROJECT “ARAMAZD: SEED

(Social Economy and Employment Development)” PROJECT IMPLEMENTED BY CARITAS ARMENIA AND SUBSIDISED BY CÁRITAS ESPAÑOLA (CE) AND BY SECOURS CATHOLIQUE CARITAS FRANCE (SCCF – CE) Year <2022-2025>

1 – Purpose of the external audit:

In the present call for tenders, the audit of the final financial report of the following project is requested:

Project Title: “ARAMAZD: SEED”
Country/Area: Armenia
Project Duration: 39 months
Project Start Date: April 10, 2022
Project End Date: June 20, 2025
Short description of the project:

This project is the fourth phase of a program that was launched in 2012 by Caritas Armenia with the financial support of Caritas Spain and Secours Catholique – Caritas France.

The “ARAMAZD: SEED” phase of the program started in 2022 and was planned for a three-year period. The program aims to promote Promotion of sustainable socio-economic development in the bordering regions of Armenia through strengthening of local actors.

Caritas Armenia is launching a new phase of its program to support impoverished communities in the rural border regions of Gegharkunik, Lori, and Shirak by adopting a more comprehensive and participatory approach. Through training and financial assistance for local actors’ projects, the initiative will target rural populations and promote the socio-economic development of these regions, with a focus on creating employment and development opportunities for both young people and adults.

The goal and objectives of the project are:

Overall objective: Promotion of sustainable socio-economic development in the bordering regions of Armenia through strengthening of local actors.
Specific objective: Promotion of social economy and employability for population of the bordering communities of Gegharkunik, Lori and Shirak.

The main target group of the project are:

Vulnerable unified communities from Gegharkunik, Lori and Shirak Provinces of the Republic of Armenia, suffering from poverty, unemployment and being at risk of migration.
Local authorities, civil society associations, economic actors and active youth.

Project outcomes:

Outcome 1: The social economy becomes a competitive direction of community development in the targeted regions

At least three social economy entities (enterprises) actively operate in target communities and generate income.
Local actors in the targeted communities have reported an increase in knowledge and skills in the field of Social Economy.
The established or promote social enterprises employ at least 12 people (6 male, 6 female).

Outcome 2: Employability in project targeted communities is improved։

At least 300 young and adult people (150 male, 150 female) from the three target communities have passed professional orientation and career counseling and are aware of their opportunities.
Within the announced grant competition at least 9 full project proposals have been submitted by VETs and local actors of target communities for establishment/development of Social Entities for promotion of dual education and generating income.
At least 6 VET’s staffs increased their knowledge on topic of Social Economy.
At least 3 social economy entities are established as an innovative model of alternative income generation source for VET schools.

Outcome 3: Inter-sectoral cooperation and community development experiences of AC are capitalized.

The guideline of Community Development model with relevant description and modules of capacity building actions are prepared and shared with Inter-sectoral Network organizations.
Social Transformation methodology is used by at least 9 community groups or organizations to promote leadership and ensure inclusion for vulnerable groups in community.

Organisations implementing the project: Armenia Caritas staff in partnership with:

Ministries of Territorial Administration and Development, Education, Science, Culture and Science
Local Authorities of Ani, Alaverdi, Vardenis communities
Civil Society Organizations
Small and Medium Entrepreneurs
State VET schools
Unified Social Service and local office

Target communities: Vardenis (Gegharkunik), Alaverdi (Lori) and Ani (Shirak) of Armenia.